Conservation Of Symphytum Officinale L. At Cmprh Garden, Emerald

Authors

A.Vanitha, R. Kavinprashantha, S. Mugendhirana, J.Shashikanth
Centre of Medicinal Plants Research in Homoeopathy, Indira Nagar, Emerald, The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India.

Abstract

Symphytum L. commonly called as comfrey, belongs to the family Boraginaceae. The genus of Symphytum L. have a great medicinal value and used to treat a wide variety of ailments viz., bronchial problems, sprains, broken bones, arthritis, acne and skin conditions whereas pharmacological effects of comfrey extracts are endorsed to several chemical compounds. In view of above point, the present study of Survey, Collection and Documentation of Symphytum species, were carried out in different places of India. The rhizomes of Symphytum species were collected from Mynala village of Nilgiris, subsequent survey were carried out to IIIM Chatha Research Farm Jammu Tawi during 2017-2018 and it was grown at CMPRH garden, Emerald to confirm the identification of plants species. This specimen was collected and preserved herbarium at CMPRH garden Emerald for future reference. Among plants parts roots and leaves are mostly used for homeopathic system of medicine and this species were maintained and reproduces subsequent year by seed and root fragments. Root cuttings are the least expensive method of propagation. In addition to that Performance of Symphytum officinale at Nilgiris conditions were observed and the results revealed that Symphytum officinale L. is an erect, perennial herb with thick root stock. Leaves oblong-lanceolate and flowers are blue in colour. The data on length of root ranged from 10-20 cm with black to brown colour. Similarly, the length of lower, middle and upper cauline leaves ranged from 32.3-37.2 cm, 25.2-27.8cm, 10.4- 13.2cm, respectively Whereas the width of the lower, middle, upper leaves ranged 12.5-17.4 cm , 7.6- 10.2cm , 3.4-4.1cm, respectively. Further, the studies on Symphytum officnale regarding root yield, dry matter ratio of leaves and roots as well as physiochemical properties other chemical compounds present and uses in homoeopathic system of the medicine under the Nilgiris condition are need to be studied elaborately in future.