Chlorophytum borivilianum is aphrodisiac; may increase growth hormone

Chlorophytum borivilianum also known as Safed Musli, is a herb with lanceolate leaves, from tropical wet forests in peninsular India. It has recently been suggested that it may produce an aphrodisiac agent and its roots are used medicinally as a sex tonic. Some companies which sell bodybuilding supplements add it to their products for its possible growth hormone enhancing properties.

Can Chlorophytum Borivilianum Increase Human Growth Hormone?

Chlorophytum borivilianum has been show to improve sleep quality in combination with Velvet been (Mucuna pruriens). Based on available evidence in this study, scientist believe that Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) played a more important role in growth hormone stimulation than Chlorophytum borivilianum.[1]

Alleman Jr. et al. [2] wanted to determine the impact of acute ingestion of Chlorophytum borivilianum and Mucuna pruriens on circulating growth hormone in fifteen healthy, exercise-trained men. Acute ingestion over the course of 120 minutes resulted in an increase in circulating growth hormone with more at 60-100 min but not at 120 min. High variability between subjects and the fact that study was funded by manufacturer of products tested, make this study highly unreliable.

Chlorophytum Borivilianum as Aphrodisiac

Chlorophytum borivilianum is claimed to have spermatogenic property and may be useful in curing impotency, it is considered as an alternative Viagra [3].

In rats Clorophytum borivilianum increased sperm count by up to 28% [4]. Sperm count increases further with doses ranging from 125 mg/kg to 250 mg/kg. After 60 days of 250 mg/kg extract supplementation sperm count increased up to 150% [5]. Increased penile erection suggests nitric oxide based intervention involvement [5]. Administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Chlorophytum borivilianum roots (as well as sapogenins isolated from the roots) respectively pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect in treated animals as evidenced by weight gains in the body and reproductive organs [6]. Marked aphrodisiac action, increased libido, sexual vigor and sexual arousal were also reported by Kenjale et al. [7].

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) Side Effects

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) is considered safe and effective drug, with similar benefits to Viagra but without any side-effects [3].

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References

1. McCarthy, Cameron G., et al. “A Dietary Supplement Containing Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean Improves Sleep Quality in Men and Women.” Integrative Medicine Insights 7 (2012): 7.
2. Alleman Jr et al. “A Blend of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean Increases Serum Growth Hormone in Exercise-Trained Men.” Nutrition & Metabolic Insights (2011)
3. Thakur, Gulab S., et al. “Chlorophytum borivilianum: a white gold for biopharmaceuticals and neutraceuticals.” Current pharmaceutical biotechnology 10.7 (2009): 650-666.
4. Thakur, Mayank, et al. “Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs.” Andrologia 43.4 (2011): 273-277.
5. Thakur, Mayank, et al. “A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats.” Archives of sexual behavior 38.6 (2009): 1009-1015.
6. Thakur, Mayank, and V. K. Dixit. “Effect of some vajikaran herbs on pendiculation activities and in vitro sperm count in male.” Sexuality and Disability 25.4 (2007): 203-207.
7. Kenjale, Rakesh, Riddhi Shah, and Sadhana Sathaye. “Effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum on sexual behaviour and sperm count in male rats.” Phytotherapy Research 22.6 (2008): 796-801.