E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

classical pharmacology

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 2 February
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Validation of classical pharmacology of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) through reverse pharmacology

Bhavna M1, Mishra Hs2*, Ajay Kumar A3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.2.32

1 Maurya Bhavna, Post Graduate Scholar, PG Dept of Dravyaguna, Lalit Hari State PG Ayurveda College and Hospital, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2* Mishra Hs, Lecturer, Pg Dept of Dravyaguna, Lalit Hari State Pg Ayurveda College and Hospital, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, India.

3 Agarwal Ajay Kumar, Professor, PG Dept of Dravyaguna, Lalit Hari State PG Ayurveda College and Hospital, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) belonging to the Malvaceae family is one of the most frequently used herbs in Ayurveda therapeutics. It has been included in Agraya Prakarana (best among their class drugs) which signifies its role in various diseases. In Charaka Samhita, Bala has also been categorized under Balya, Brimhaniya and Prajasthapana Mahakashaya. It is used in several diseases like Vatavyadhi, Vatarakta and acts as a Rasayana. Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, sterculic acid, malvalic acid are its main bioactive chemical constituents. It has been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological activities like CNS depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antidiabetic activities and the plant is reported to be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease also. In classical texts, five varieties of Bala have been mentioned and all are said to possess similar properties and actions. All the varieties are abundantly available across the country. Thus, Bala becomes one of the most potent medicinal plants of present era. Present paper is an attempt towards exploration of therapeutic potential of the drug through reverse pharmacology.

Keywords: Ayurvedic medicine, Bala, Sida cordifolia, Country mallow

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Mishra Hs, Lecturer, Pg Dept of Dravyaguna, Lalit Hari State Pg Ayurveda College and Hospital, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Bhavna M, Mishra Hs, Ajay Kumar A, Validation of classical pharmacology of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) through reverse pharmacology. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(2):204-212.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2994

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-12-06 2023-12-16 2023-12-26 2024-01-08 2024-01-19
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 23.75

© 2024by Bhavna M, Mishra Hs, Ajay Kumar Aand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Medicinal plants are considered to be the major component of traditional medicines, household’s remedies and cosmetics. One such herb i.e., Sida cordifolia Linn. belonging to Malvaceae family is found all over India up to an altitude of 3500 feet. Bala is nourishing and gives strength to the body and also considered as aphrodisiac. In Dhanwantari Nighantu, Bala has been mentioned firstly in Balapanchaka (Bala, Atibala, Nagbala, Mahabala, Rajbala). Bala is useful in the diseases arising out of the vitiated Kafa.[1] It is also known as Country mallow. Bala has hard threads so it is called as Vatyayani.[2] It is an immunity booster. It has been mentioned as indication in weakness, urinary and menstrual disorders. It controls Pitta and diarrhoea.

Methodology

An extensive review of literature regarding Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) available in text of Ayurveda from Vedic literature, Samhita texts including research papers published in different Journals was done in a stepped manner for the study.

Observations

Bala in Classical Text

In Vedic literature, Bala has been mentioned as Rasayana, Vishaghna, Balya and Pramehaghna.[3] In Charaka Samhita, Bala has been mentioned in Balya, Brimhaniya and Prajasthapana Mahakashaya.[4] It has been said to be “Sangrahik Balya Vataharanam”.[5] It has been categorized in Madhur Skandh Dravya.[6] In Sushrut Samhita, Bala has been mentioned in Vata Samshaman Varga and categorized in Madhur Varga. Parisek of Bala Taila has been indicated in Sadya Kshata Vrana. In Pakshaghat, Bala Taila has been directed to be used in Anuvasan Basti.[7] Acharya Vagbhatta has mentioned Bala in Madhyam Panchmoola.[8]

In Dhanwantari Nighantu, Bala has been defined as Vrishya (Aphrodisiac), Balya, Tridosh Nashak. It has Madhur Rasa (Sweet taste), Sheet Virya (Cold).[9] In Hridaya Deepak Nighantu, it has been mentioned in Doshaghna Varga.[10] In Kaiyadev Nighantu, fruits of Bala have been defined as Stambhak, Lekhan, Rakta-vikar Nashak, Vat-Pitta Shamak.[11] In Nighantu Adarsh, Bala has been categorized in Karpasadi Varga. It is Grahi, Vrishya, Ojvardhak.[12]

In Maha Aushadh Nighantu, Bala has been mentioned as taste enhancer and helps in retaining strength to the body.[13]

Synonyms

Synonyms of Bala are Udakika,[1] Kalyanini,[1] Mota,[1] Baladhya,[1] Bhadra,[1] Bhadrabala,[1] Vatyayani,[2] Vati,[9] Mahasamanga,[9] Audanika,[9] Vatyalika,[13] Vatya,[13] Balini,[13] Kharakashtika,[13] Vatyapushpi,[13] Fadijihvika,[13] Bhadrodin,[1,9,14] Samanga,[1,9,14] Kharayashtika,[1,9,14] Sheetapaki,[9,13,14] Vatyalaka.[14]

Classical Pharmacological Properties

Bala is Sheet Virya,[2,9,13,15,18] Snigdha,[2,9,13,16] sweet in taste,[2,9,15,18] Laghu-Pichchill-Hridya,[18] Balya,[1,2,9,11,15] Vrishya,[1,2,9] Tridosh Nashak,[9,11] Raktapitta,[9,11,13] Kshaya Roga Nashak,[2,9,11] Ojovardhaka,[9] Tikta Rasa but Madhur Vipaka,[1] Pitta-Atisar Nashak,[1] Kaf Roga Vishodhak,[1] Grahi,[11,15,18] Dhatuvardhaka,[11] Ayu-Kanti Vardhaka,[11,15] Vatarakta-Kshata Nashak,[11] Ruchikarak,[13,16] Brimhana,[2] Vat-Pittajit,[2,13,16] Kaf-Vata Nashak.[17] Lepa is used in Vranashoth, Netraroga and Daha.[17] Its internal uses are Vatvyadhi, Pakshaghat, Ardita and other Vatavikara, Pradara, Garbhashaya Daurbalya, Yoniroga, Sutikaroga, Vranaropana and Shodhana, Arsha, Galaganda,[17] Vednasthapan, Shothhar, Shukral, Prajasthapana.[18]

Bala’s fruit - Kashaya, Madhur Rasa, Madhur Vipaka, Sheet Virya, Guru, Stambhaka, Lekhana, Vibandha, Adhmana, Vata-Pitta- Rakta Vikar Nashak.[11]

Vernacular Names[17]

  • English: Country mallow
  • Hindi: Kungyi, Bariyaar, Khiratee, Kharentee
  • Bengali: Swetberela, Brela, Bala, Barila
  • Gujrati: Mahabala, Bala, Khapat, Baladana, Janelimethi
  • Punjabi: Kowar, Simak, Kharent, Kharyati
  • Tamil: Nilatutti, Akhil mnapundu, Mayir manikham

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Classical therapeutic uses of Bala

1. Vatvyadhi

a. Bala Taila[19] (CS.Ci.28.148-56)

b. In hemiplegia, Bala Taila is used in unctuous enema.[20] (SS.Ci.5.19)

c. Soup made of Bala is an excellent remedy for Vatavyadhi.[21] (VM.22.2)

2. Vatarakta

a. Sahasrapaka or Satapaka Bala Taila,[22] (CS.Ci.29.119-20)

b. Bala Taila should be used for bathing, enema and in diet.[23] (SS.Ci.5.12)

3. Bleeding piles - Liquid gruel made of parched paddy processed with Bala (Sida cordifolia ) and Prsniparni (Uraria picta Desv.) checks bleeding immediately.[24] (CS.Ci.14.199)

4. Intrinsic haemorrhage - Cow-milk prepared with Bala or Goksura (Tribulus terrestris ) is useful.[25] (CS.Ci.21.79)

5. Goitre - Intake of oil cooked with Bala and Atibala (Abutilon indicum ) along with Devdaru (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) is effective in treating goitre.[26] (SS.Ci.18.47)

6. Difficult labour (Post-operative)

a. Bala Taila,[27] (SS.Ci.15.29-39)

b. Oil extracted from sesame (S. indicum L.) seeds soaked with Bala decoction and cooked hundred times with decoction of the same is an excellent remedy.[27] (SS.Ci.15.40)

7. As Rasayana - Bala Rasayana.[28] (SS.Ci.27.10)

8. Diarrhoea - In case of dehydration, if digestion is proper, patient should be treated with milk prepared with Bala and Sunthi (Zingiber officinale ) mixed with jaggery and oil is indicated.[29] (BP.Ci.2.111)

9. Wasting due to Phthysis (chest-wound) - Bala, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal), Kasmari (Gmelina arborea Roxb), Satavari (Asparagus racemosus ) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa Linn.) individually or in combination should be used regularly with milk.[30] (VM.10.77)

10. Filaria - Bala with milk in morning is used to

treat filaria even if chronic and severe.[31] (BS.slipada.30)

11. Meno-metrorrhagia - Root of Bala

mixed with honey is taken with milk or root of Kusa (Desmostachya bipinnata ) or rice-water.[32] (VM.63.10)

12. Thirst - In thirst caused by alcoholism water processed with Haridra (Curcuma longa ) or Bala or Prsniparni (Uraria picta Desv.) or Kantakari (Solanum surattense Burm.) should be given.[33] (CS.Ci.24.165).

13. Consumption - Ghee cooked with Dashmula, milk or meat-soup along with the paste of Bala should be used or the same cooked with meat-soup of carnivorous animals or ten times milk added with honey.[34] (AH.Ci.5.14-15)

Classical Formulations of Bala[17]

Asava and Arista - Kumaryasava, Sarivadyasava.

Avaleha and Paka - Agastya Haritaki Rasayan, Chyavanaprasha, Brahma Rasayana.

Kvatha Churna - Rasnadi Kvatha Churna (Maha), Masabaladi Kvatha Churna.

Ghrita - Amritaprasa Ghrita.

Taila - Bala Taila, Chandanabalalakshadi Taila.

Lepa - Dasanga Lepa.

Other classical formulations - Bala Taila (SS.Ci.15.29), Gaurarista, Baladi Rasayana, Padmakadileha, Nilinadya Ghrita, Kantikari Ghrita (AH.Ci.3.60), Mayur Ghrita, Rasna Taila, Mulakdya Taila, Amritadya Ghrita (AH.Ci.3.95), Vasishta Haritaki (AH.Ci.3.133).[35]

Table 1: Balapanchaka[9]

It is a group of drugs containing five varieties of Bala. Details of herbs included in this group are listed in table number 1.

Classical NameBotanical NameFamily
BalaSida cordifolia Linn.Malvaceae
AtibalaAbutilon indicum Linn.Malvaceae
NagbalaGrewia hirsuta Vanb.Tiliaceae
MahabalaSida rhombifolia Linn.Malvaceae
RajbalaSida veronicaefolia Lam.Malvaceae

Ethnomedicinal uses of Bala

1. Roots, leaves and seeds are slightly bitter in taste and are used in medicine. The juice of the plant is mixed with the juice of Borassus flabellifer


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for local use in elephantiasis.[36]

2. Root is considered to possess astringent, diuretic and tonic properties in Combodia and China. Its infusion is given in urinary diseases and gonorrhoea. It is also used in cystitis, strangury and haematuria. In nervous disorders such as hemiplegia, sciatica and facial palsy, its root is administered internally in combination with asafoetida and rock salt.[36]

3. Seeds are credited with demulcent and laxative properties and are used in bowel complaints such as piles, colic and tenesmus.[36]

4. The mucilaginous leaves are used as a demulcent and their infusion is given in fever as a refrigerant. They are reported to be used against dysentery and for poulticing ulcers.[37]

5. A decoction of the leaves is said to possess emollient and diuretic properties.[37]

6. The root bark is powdered and administered with milk and sugar to relieve frequent micturition and leucorrhoea.[38]

Official drug for Bala

  • Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants, which is publication of Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Sida cordifolia (Linn.) has been described as official source for
  • In Ayurvedic Formulary of India published by Govt. of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH (New Delhi), Bala is mentioned in various formulations like Patrangasava, Nastapuspantaka Rasa as Sida cordifolia (root) and in list of drugs of plant origin used in the formulations, root of Sida cordifolia (Linn.) and whole plant is taken as Bala’s.

Taxonomic classification

Kingdom:  Plantae
Division:  Magnoliophyta
Class:  Magnoliopsida
Order:  Malvales
Family:  Malvaceae
Genus:  Sida
Species:  Sida cordifolia

Morphology

It is an annual or perennial short, erect, greyish-green, soft hairy or pubescent

woody undershrub, 0.5-1m in height. Leaves are simple, alternate (3-6 cm long), petioled, ovate, cordate, obtuse, tomentose on both surfaces. Flowers are bisexual, light or sulphur yellow to cream white in colour, axillary and solitary but appears crowded in the upper part and towards the tip of branches. Carpels are 10 and each with 2 long awns, which exceed the calyx. Fruits are depressed. Seeds are smooth, flattened, reniform, brown or black in colour.[39]

Flowering and fruiting season - flowering and fruiting season is august-november. It occurs commonly in waste lands on damp sandy soils.[39]

Geographical Distribution - Bala is found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of India upto a height of 1800m in Himachal Pradesh. Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Jammu, Kashmir, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala are the chief regions of its occurance. It is also available in Sri Lanka.[17]

Phytochemistry - Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, sterculic, malvalic and coronaric acid, Fatty acids, saponine, betaphenethylamine, hypaphorine, ecdysterone, Indole alkaloids, palmitic, stearic and β – sitosterol.[17]

Alkaloids - The total alkaloid content of the whole plant (including seeds, leaves, skins and roots) is reported to be 0.085 percent; seeds contain the maximum dose of alkaloids. Ephedrine is one of the alkaloids reported. In addition to the alkaloids, the seeds contain a fatty oil (3.23%), steroids, phytosterol, resin, resin acids, mucin and potassium nitrate.[40]

Validation of classical pharmacological properties through reverse pharmacology

1. CNS depressant: Acharya Charaka has included Bala in Agraya Varga (Best among their class of drugs) and considered it to be best drug as Balya and Vatahara. It has been demonstrated to bear nervine tonic activity. This activity has been further substantiated by CNS depressant activity in animal models. Hydro alcoholic extract from leaves of cordifolia exhibited CNS depressant activity in mice.[41]

2. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity: Aggravation of Vata has been considered as the main factor for pain. When aggravated Vata causes aggravation of Pitta and Kafa, inflammation is produced. cordifolia has been considered as


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one of the best Vata Shamak drugs. This classical claim has been authenticated by analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of S. cordifolia in animal models.[42]

3. Hypotensive activity: Hypertension in Ayurveda has been explained as Raktagata Vata. Being one of the best Vata pacifying drugs, Bala may be considered as anti-hypertensive drug. This claim has been further authenticated by its hypotensive activity in animal models. The alkaloid fraction of cordifolia induced hypotension and bradycardia activity in normotensive rats.[43]

4. Anti-stress and adaptogenic activity: Bala has been considered to be Balya and Vata-Pitta Shamak. Such drugs are considered to increase body endurance making it fit for fighting different type of stresses. This classical claim has been further substantiated by pharmacological studies in animal models. Plant extract was administered via oral route in rats. Withania somnifera Dunal. (Ashwagandha) powder is used as standard for the study. Extracts showed reduction in plasma cortisol and blood glucose levels in results.[44]

5. Anti-diabetic activity: Acharya Charaka while describing line of treatment of Madhumeha has advocated Santarpan Chikitsa (Treatment to nourish body tissues). This concept is now being widely accepted by modern researchers also. Bala has been considered as Balya and Ojovardhak. Madhumeha is also otherwise called as Ojomeha. Bala being Ojovardhak is supposed to be effective in the treatment of Ojomeha. This classical claim has been further authenticated in animal studies. Root extracts of cordifolia showed anti-diabetic property as diminished blood glucose level was reported in rats.[45]

6. Anti-oxidant activity: Bala has been indicated as Rasayana by Acharya Charaka[46] and Acharya Sushrut. This claim has been further substantiated by its efficacy in neurodegenerative disorders. The anti-oxidant activity of cordifolia, Cynodon dactylon (L.) and Evolvulus alsinoides (L.), which were used in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, revealed that all the three medicinal plants showed anti-oxidant activity with the help of some procedures, e.g. ABTS radical cation decolorization assay and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of rat brain homogenate.[47]

7. Nephroprotective activity: Bala is Madhur-Tikta

in rasa and has been considered as Pitta-Vata Shamak. Some scholars consider it Tridosh Shamak. Being Rasayana and Shothhar, Bala has been indicated in degenerative and chronic inflammatory diseases of internal organs. This classical claim has been further authenticated by its nephroprotective activity. Aqueous and ethanolic extract of cordifolia showed nephroprotective activity against Gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity due to its antioxidant activity.[48]

8. Anti-fertility activity: In Charaka Samhita, Bala has been classified in Balya, Brimhaniya and Prajasthapana Mahakashaya. Prajasthapana Mahakashaya is a group of drugs which promote conception. Study reporting anti-fertility activity of crude aqueous extract of cordifolia in swiss albino mice contradicts classical claim and therefore, this study demonstrating anti-fertility activity should be revalidated. The ability of S. cordifolia (crude aqueous extract) to inhibit fertility was evaluated in Swiss albino mice. Ovarian and uterine weights decreased as a result of the medication, which is consistent with its antifertility effects. Its antifertility efficacy is further supported by the results of the histological test conducted in the study.[49]

9. Anthelmintic activity: In Bhel Samhita, Bala has been indicated in the treatment of filariasis. The claim has been further authenticated by its anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworm. A study conducted on Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) to examine the plant's anthelmintic effects revealed that it exhibited anthelmintic properties.[50]

10. Cardioprotective Activity: Bala has been indicated as Rasayana and Hridya in classical texts. This classical claim has been further authenticated by its cardioprotective activity in animal studies. Activity against myocardial injury in rats was reported in hydroalcoholic extract of cordifolia leaves. A safe effect of S. cordifolia was found on heart injury with the help of antioxidant levels, endogenous biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme. Findings indicates the use of S. cordifolia in myocardial injury.[51]

11. Hypolipidemic activity: Bala has been considered as Hridya and Rasayana. It is reported to be used as a cardioprotective drug in Ayurveda. The classical claim has further been authenticated


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in a study carried out in albino rats. In this study, hydroalcoholic extract of cordifolia was administered orally to animal models kept on high fat diet. Results of the study demonstrated that S. cordifolia lower serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, while raised the serum HDL cholesterol. The treatment also reduced ALT & AST levels.[52]

12. Anti-pyretic and anti-ulcerogenic activity: Bala is Madhur-Tikta in Rasa, Madhur Vipaka and Sheet Virya. It is effective Pitta pacifying herb. In Ayurveda, fever is considered as disease caused by vitiated Pitta Dosha. It has also been reported to be used as anti-pyretic in ethnomedicinal practices also. Anti-pyretic properties of Bala have been re-validated in animal studies. Methanolic extract of cordifolia aerial parts revealed the anti-pyretic and anti-ulcerogenic properties in rats. Extract showed reduction in pyrexia induced by TAB vaccine and antiulcerogenic effect.[53]

13. Anticancer and cytotoxic activity: Bala is a well-known and trusted Rasayana and Ojovardhak drug in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is antioxidant and protective activities of Bala for oxidative damage for various internal organs have been validated in animal studies. The claim has been further re-validated by cytotoxic activities of Bala on Hella cell lines. Bio-active compounds from cordifolia showed cytotoxic activity on Hella cell lines. Findings of study showed a significant reduction in cancerous cells.[54]

14. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Arthnex forte was tried in 80 patients of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in the dose of 2 tabs. t.i.d. 1 month, 2 tabs b.i.d. for 1 month and 1 tab/t.d. from then onwards, with warm water. Arthnex forte contain eight plants which are supposed to be vatahar drugs- Pluchea lanceolata (DC) C.B. Clarke, Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, Ricinus communis , Cedrus deodara Roxb., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, S. cordifolia, Vitex negundo L. and Commiphora myrrha gum. 92.5% patients improved remarkably and 7.5% patients showed moderate improvement.[55]

15. Diabetic Neuropathy: “Effect of Bala on diabetic neuropathy” was evaluated in patients of confirmed diabetic neuropathy, attending the diabetic clinic by adopting new physiological parameters. The results obtained after the completion of study exhibited that the drug cordifolia

has proven its efficacy in managing diabetic neuropathy.[56]

16. Parkinsonian Disease: In a clinical study, the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment (Powdered Mucuna pruriens (L.), Hyoscyamus reticulatus (L.) seeds, Withania somnifera and cordifolia roots) in 18 parkinsonian patients was assessed. According to Ayurvedic principles, 13 patients experienced both cleansing (28 days) and palliative therapy (56 days), 5 patients experienced palliative therapy alone (84 days). Only the former group showed improvement in activities and on motor examination as per UPDRS rating. They showed better response in tremor, stiffness and cramps. Excessive salivation worsened in both groups. Analysis of powdered samples in cow’s milk, as administered in patients, revealed about 200 mg of L-DOPA per dose. The study establishes the requirement of cleansing therapy in Ayurveda medication prior to palliative therapy. It also shows the contribution of L-DOPA in the recovery as observed in Parkinsonian disease following Ayurvedic treatment.[57]

Above mentioned three clinical studies re-validate classical claims regarding consideration of Bala as best Vathar drug.

Toxicology

Aqueous extracts of leaves exhibited low acute toxicity in mice. The hydro alcoholic extract of leaves was found to be toxic at high i.p. doses. The LD50 values were 2639 mg/kg bw with 95% confidence limits of 2068-3367 mg/kg bw for i.p. administration.[42]

Substitutes and adulterants

The plants most commonly used as the source of Bala belongs to the genus Sida. Sida retusa Linn. syn S. rhombifolia var. retusa Linn., S. rhombifolia Linn.; S. rhomboidea Roxb; S. spinosa Linn., S. acuta Burm.; S. veronicaefolia Lamk and Abutilon indicum G. Don, Urena lobata Linn., U. sinuata Linn.; Pavonia odorata Wild., P. zeylanica Cav. are being used under the name of Bala in different parts of the country. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet., S. retusa Linn, Pavonia odorata Wild. and Urena lobata Linn. are used as an adulterant.[58]

Conclusion

Bala is one of the important drugs in Ayurveda


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having roots of Sida cordifolia as its official botanical source. It has been reported to be used in a wide range of disease conditions in Ayurveda. As discussed above, pharmacotherapeutic potential of Bala described in classical texts of Ayurveda have been revalidated through reverse pharmacology. Different species of Sida have been reported to be used as substitute for Sida cordifolia as classical drug Bala in different parts of the country. All the species of Sida like S. cordifolia, S. acuta, S. cordata and S. rhomboidea are abundantly available. Broad therapeutic potential of classical drug Bala along with its wide availability in abundance makes it fit for consideration as ideal drug.

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