Antioxidant evaluation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling of aqueous dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd.: The queen of herbs

Abstract

In the present investigation, the bio-efficacy of dried tuberous roots of Shatavari was investigated with special reference to its antioxidant potential. The Shatavari is used as Rasayanas to enhance the body resistance against infections and improve the immune system. It is widely used for the treatment of various ailments as it contains many different phytochemicals. The notable medicinal properties of Shatavari are antispasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, hepato-protective, anti-neoplastic activities, enhance immune responses. Antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of the dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus (Asparagaceae family) were tested on the basis of DPPH˙ (1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl), Superoxide (O2.‑) radical, Hydroxyl (OH●) radical, ABTS●+ radical cation and reduction process such as Phosphomolybdenum reduction and Ferric (Fe3+) reducing power activity. The maximum DPPH˙ radical, Superoxide (O2.-) radical, Hydroxyl (OH●) radical scavenging activities were 49.32±0.41%, 56.83±0.28% and 77.98±0.15% at 120 µg/mL concentration and the IC50 values were 121.65 µg/mL, 106.83 µg/mL and 75.82 µg/mL concentrations respectively. The maximum Mo6+ reduction and Fe3+ reduction were 88.42±0.42% and 80.24±0.36% at 120 µg/mL concentration and the RC50 values were 15.45 µg/mL and 19.40 µg/mL concentrations respectively. The maximum ABTS●+ radical cation scavenging activity was 83.56±0.43% at 12 µg/mL concentration and the IC50 value was 4.22 µg/mL concentration respectively. The GC-MS analysis of aqueous extract of the dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus revealed the presence of 2-Phenyl-1,3-Cyclohexadiene, Flavone, Phenol,2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl) methyl]-, Piperazine-2,5-dione, 1,4-(4-methylphenyl)- exhibiting therapeutic activities such as Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, Antimalarial activity, Immunomodulatory effect, Antiproliferative activity, Anxiolytic activity, Antialzheimer activity, etc.