Musli (Asparagus adscendens)

Musli (Asparagus adscendens) is a renowned medicinal herb in Ayurveda known for its aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, and rejuvenating properties. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is traditionally used as a strength enhancer, particularly in managing male infertility, debility, and as a general health tonic. The root tubers are the most used part in medicinal formulations.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Asparagus
Species: Asparagus adscendens

Common Names

English: White Musli
Sanskrit: Shweta Musli
Hindi: Safed Musli
Gujarati: Safed Musli
Marathi: Safed Musli
Telugu: Tella Musali
Tamil: Vellaikkirampu
Kannada: Bili Musli
Malayalam: Vella Musli

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Reproductive Health - Improves sperm count and motility. Used in formulations for erectile dysfunction and low libido. Enhances sexual stamina and vigor.

Adaptogenic and Strength Enhancer - Acts as a Rasayana, promoting overall strength and stamina. Beneficial in managing chronic fatigue syndrome and weakness.

Women’s Health - Supports lactation and is used in postpartum care. Aids in menstrual health and hormonal balance.

Immune and Digestive Health - Enhances immune response.

Phytochemical Constituents

Musli contains a wide range of biologically active compounds that contribute to its therapeutic efficacy:

Saponins – Shatavarins, Asparagosides
Alkaloids
Starch
Mucilage
Flavonoids – Kaempferol, Quercetin
Polysaccharides
Glycosides
Tannins

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. VI, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharma, P. V. (1996). Dravyaguna Vigyan, Vol. II. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi.

Chauhan, N. S., & Dixit, V. K. (2008). "Effects of Asparagus adscendens on sexual behavior of male rats." Phytotherapy Research, 22(4), 445-449.

Ali, M. (2008). Textbook of Pharmacognosy. CBS Publishers, New Delhi.

Goyal, R. K., Singh, J., & Lal, H. (2003). "Asparagus adscendens: Ethnobotany and biological activities." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(2–3), 287–291.

Indian Medicinal Plants Database (IMP), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH.

Chatterjee, A., & Pakrashi, S.C. (1997). The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. 3. CSIR, New Delhi.

European Pharmacopoeia, Council of Europe.

Kapoor, L. D. (2001). Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press.