An update on phytoconstituents and pharmacological importance of asparagus racemosus

Abstract

Background: Asparagus racemosus (family: Liliaceae) is a well-researched traditional or ancient medicine in the Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani systems. It is commonly known as Satawar, Satamuli, or Satavari and is found at low altitudes throughout India. It contains bioactive metabolites (substances that can be found in nature and can be beneficial to organisms) such as fructooligosaccharides, polysaccharides, asparosides, shatavarins, sapogenins, racemosols, isoflavones, glycosides, mucilage, and fatty acids, while saponin is one of the main active constituents of Asparagus racemosus. Objective: Across the globe, Asparagus racemosus gained importance for its ethano-pharmacological value in curing various ailments. This review will outline the medicinal properties, uses, and value addition of Asparagus racemosus. Methods: We have reviewed and retrieved the relevant information by probing the main keywords in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science, etc.). Screening of relevant abstracts/titles and full papers was done to pick the suitable content based on the pharmacological profile of Asparagus racemosus. Conclusion: The whole plant possesses pleiotropic therapeutic activity (producing more than one effect), like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, nootropic, antidepressant, etc., without showing any remarkable side effects. It also treats stomach ulcers, diabetes, kidney disorders, Alzheimer's disease, etc.