Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Research Summary

Immunomodulatory Effects: Studies have demonstrated that Asparagus racemosus root extract can significantly increase antibody levels against Bordetella pertussis in animals vaccinated with the DTP vaccine. This suggests an immunoadjuvant potential that enhances immune protection and could reduce morbidity and mortality in immunized animals.

Anti-urolithiatic and Kidney Protective Effects: An ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus has shown protective effects against urolithiasis. In male Wistar albino rats, treatment with the extract led to significant reductions in serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, urea, and creatinine, along with decreased tissue damage, indicating a potential for preventing kidney stone formation.

Antiulcerogenic Properties: A methanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus was found to be effective in treating gastric ulcers in rats. The extract reduced the ulcer index and decreased gastric secretion, showing comparable results to the standard antiulcer drug Ranitidine.

Aphrodisiac and Immunostimulatory Properties: Asparagus racemosus, along with other Ayurvedic herbs, showed significant effects on male sexual behavior in rats, supporting traditional claims of their aphrodisiac properties and providing a scientific basis for their use.

Adaptogenic Effects: Asparagus racemosus is part of a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation that has shown significant adaptogenic effects, comparable to Panax ginseng, suggesting potential in managing stress-related issues.

Immunomodulatory and Liver Protective Effects: Additional studies have highlighted Asparagus racemosus root extract's ability to modulate Th1/Th2 immunity and protect the liver from damage induced by isoniazid, by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting harmful enzyme activity.

Molecular Authentication: Molecular analysis of the Asparagus genus has been used to accurately identify Asparagus racemosus and its valuable phytoestrogenic properties, ensuring the authenticity of medicinal products derived from this species.

Neuropharmacological Properties: Asparagus racemosus extracts have been reported to inhibit enzymes related to the nervous system, such as acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase, potentially accounting for its antidepressant and memory-enhancing effects.

Teratogenic Risks: Research indicates caution when using Asparagus racemosus during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects, such as increased fetal resorption and growth retardation.

Anti-Diabetic Properties: Asparagus racemosus root extracts have demonstrated the ability to improve glucose tolerance and manage diabetes by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption and enhancing insulin secretion and action.

References:

1. Immunoadjuvant potential of Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract in experimental system
2. Steroidal saponins from the fruits of Asparagus racemosus
3. Study of antiurolithiatic activity of Asparagus racemosus on albino rats
4. Antilithiatic effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd on ethylene glycol-induced lithiasis in male albino Wistar rats
5. Antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd. against indomethacin plus phyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats
6. A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats
7. Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, a polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas
8. Mammalian lignan production from various foods
9. Immunomodulatory activity of Asparagus racemosus on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity: implications for immunoadjuvant potential
10. Protective effects of Asparagus racemosus on oxidative damage in isoniazid-induced hepatotoxic rats: an in vivo study
11. Molecular analysis of the genus Asparagus based on matK sequences and its application to identify A. racemosus, a medicinally phytoestrogenic species
12. Effects of Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Asparagus adscendens and Asparagus racemosus on pro-inflammatory cytokine and corticosterone levels produced by stress
13. Gastroduodenal ulcer protective activity of Asparagus racemosus: an experimental, biochemical and histological study
14. Variation of trace elements contents in Asparagus racemosus (Willd)
15. CYP2E1 mediated isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
16. Development of a stable continuous flow immobilized enzyme reactor for the hydrolysis of inulin
17. Effects of rifampin on CYP2E1-dependent hepatotoxicity of isoniazid in rats
18. Behavioural and neurochemical evaluation of Perment an herbal formulation in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depressive model
19. Antioxytocic action of saponin isolated from Asparagus racemosus Willd (Shatavari) on uterine muscle
20. Asparagus racemosus--an update
21. HPLC quantitative analysis of insecticidal didehydrostemofoline and stemofoline in Stemona collinsiae root extracts
22. A novel sarsasapogenin glycoside from Asparagus racemosus elicits protective immune responses against HBsAg
23. Anti-diarrhoeal potential of Asparagus racemosus wild root extracts in laboratory animals
24. Insulin secretory actions of extracts of Asparagus racemosus root in perfused pancreas, isolated islets and clonal pancreatic beta-cells
25. Teratogenicity of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root, a herbal medicine
26. Asparagus racemosus competitively inhibits in vitro the acetylcholine and monoamine metabolizing enzymes
27. Furostanol saponin and diphenylpentendiol from the roots of Asparagus racemosus
28. Assessing phytoestrogen exposure in epidemiologic studies: development of a database (United States)
29. Asparagus racemosus Willd (Liliaceae) ameliorates early diabetic nephropathy in STZ induced diabetic rats
30. Acute toxicity and diuretic studies of the roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd in rats
31. Antistress activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd roots in mice
32. Antiulcer and antioxidant activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd and Withania somnifera Dunal in rats
33. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother
34. A unique immuno-stimulant steroidal sapogenin acid from the roots of Asparagus racemosus
35. Flaxseed and its lignan precursor, secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, affect pregnancy outcome and reproductive development in rats
36. Antidepressant activity of Asparagus racemosus in rodent models
37. Novel Entry to the Tricyclic Core of Stemofoline and Didehydrostemofoline
38. Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs
39. Characterization and in vitro immunomodulatory screening of fructo-oligosaccharides of Asparagus racemosus Willd
40. Phytoecdysteroids in the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae)
41. Asparagus recemosus enhances memory and protects against amnesia in rodent models
42. Steroidal saponins from Asparagus officinalis and their cytotoxic activity
43. Antihyperglycaemic activity of Asparagus racemosus roots is partly mediated by inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancement of cellular insulin action
44. Chemical analysis reveals the botanical origin of shatavari products and confirms the absence of alkaloid asparagamine A in Asparagus racemosus
45. Two pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine type alkaloids from Stemona collinsae Craib: structure elucidations, relationship to asparagamine A, and a new biogenetic concept of their formation