PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES AND FORMULATIONS OF SAPONINS FROM ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS: A PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Abstract

World’s maximum population rely on herbal medicine for their good health. The most vitally important therapeutic herbal plants in the health care system is Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) which belongs to family Liliaceae. It is an ayurvedic plant which is well known for its various therapeutic activities. In Ayurveda, Shatavari is reviewed to be a female tonic, powerful Pathya that, improves immunity, promotes longevity and mental health. The roots of Shatavari are used as aphrodisiac, stomachic, tonic and intestinal astringent in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to balance Tridoshas in Traditional system of Medicine, improve the reproductivity as well as digestive health. It decreases the stress level, controls high cholesterol and thus helps in treating diabetes mellitus. Asparagus racemosus holds a wide range of secondary metabolites which include steroids, flavonoids and essential oils. It has a group of steroidal saponins which includes (Shatavarin I-IV) Shatavarin I, Shatavarin IV, Shatavarin V, Immunoside and Schidigerasaponin D5. These steroidal saponin present in Shatavari are mainly responsible for different Therapeutic activities. The important therapeutic properties of saponins include Anti-cancerous, Hypoglycemic and Anti-oxidant activity, Immuno- modulatory activity, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial activity. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. Different formulations such as Nano formulations containing saponin from Asparagus racemosus are utilized in day-to-day life. This review summarizes the role of Shatavari in human health.