Optimization of Pectin Extraction from Peel of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Abstract

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilanum) is an important medicinal plant of family Liliaceae. Dry roots are known as safed musli which contain a drug. It is used against diuretic, nutritive, urinary tract infection, general debility, impotency etc. It is considered as wonder drug in Indian systems of medicines due to its aphrodisiac and natural sex tonic properties. It is also used to cure weakness and male sterility. It is a supplementary therapy for blood purification, nervous disorders and some gynecological problems. Such commercially important plant is infected by fungal diseases viz., responsible for decrease in yield; hence survey of fungal diseases was undertaken, which illustrates the different diseases of Safed musli. Asian Journal of Bio Science, Vol. 4 Issue 2 : 189-190 (October, 2009 to March, 2010)