ABSTRACT
The medicinal plants Chlorophytum borivilianum (Musli) and Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) are native to India and the Indian subcontinent (where they are considered “white gold” in Indian Ayurvedic medicine) – especially Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan – and the Americas. In Ayurveda, C. borivilianum corroborated its rejuvenating, aphrodisiac, natural sex tonic properties and effectiveness in alleviating sexual disorders (male impotency) and hormonal imbalances. It is largely used as ethnic medicine by local healers of indigenous communities of the Indian sun continent. In the meantime, C. racemosa has traditionally been used by Native Americans for treating a variety of medical conditions such as colds, rheumatism, and menopausal symptoms (hot flashes) and relieve menopause symptoms for its hormone-like action. The phytochemical study of C. borivilianum is attributed to the rich source of phytochemicals especially steroidal saponins, fructans, and fructooligosaccharides, acetylated mannans, phenolic, and proteins, whereas C. racemosa contains cycloartane glycosides, alkaloids, amides or esters of hydroxycinnamic acids, and betains. Pharmacologically, C. borivilianum has demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities, like aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities; meanwhile C. racemosa along with its chemical compounds exerts an anti-proliferative effect, cytotoxic effect, CYP3A4 inhibition, anti-HIV, hormone imbalance, and so on. Overall, in this chapter the potential benefits and uses of C. borivilianum and C. racemosa have been thoroughly discussed, providing references to studies that have been done utilizing these plants.
