Review on the Species of Sida Used for the Preparation of Nayopayam Kashayam

Abstract

Sida is a large genus with about 200 species distributed throughout the world. This genus is of great importanc in the Indian traditional system of medicine and this is perhaps the most widely used raw drug in the production of different Ayurvedic formulations. It is known as ‘Bala’ in Sanskrit. The correct identity of Bala remains controversial as the terminology used is quiet confusing due to the prevalence of several synonyms for the same plant and several forms having similar names.