Asparagus racemosus: A Medicinal Plant of Immense Potential

Abstract

Asparagus racemosus commonly known as satawar has also been regarded as ‘rasayana’. A. racemosus is a medicinal plant used in various ailments as anti-diarrheal, refrigerant, tonic, demulcent, diuretic, aphrodisiac & antispasmodic. A. racemosus comparises of Shatavarins I-IV as the major active constituents. Other active compounds such as quercetin, rutin and hyperoside are found in the flowers and fruits; while diosgenin and quercetin-3 glucuronide are present in the leaves. The review focuses on information regarding its medicinal uses, other species utilized as vegetable, its medicinal uses and on its proper conservation and propagation strategies.