Asparagus racemosus: The plant with immense medicinal potential

Abstract

The genus Asparagus belonging to the family liliaceae. The Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari or Sanspayein) is most commonly distributed species in tropical and subtropical regions of India. The folk use of Shatavari has been mentioned in traditional medicine system such as Unani & Siddh in folk and ayurvedic system British & Indian Pharmacopeias and is widely used shrub important for its sapogenin content which is the precursor of many pharmacologically active steroids. It is thought that almost all of its parts having pharmaceutical properties but roots stem and leaves are the most important parts which are used medicinally. 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 anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, heap to protective, anti-neoplastic activities, enhance immune resposes, anti-arthritic, antiinflammatory, anti-periodic, Antiulcerogenic action, immune modulatory antistress, Anti-diarrhoeal, Antidepressant, anti-leprotic, anti-abortifacient activity, antibacterial, antipyretic and analgesic. The purpose of this review to evaluate and explore the information about chemical constituent and its pharmacological activities for further unexplored areas in which Asparagus can be proved to have potential to cure diseases.