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Document heading doi: 襃 2013 by the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. All rights reserved.
Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus
(Shatavari): A review
Shashi Alok1*, S. K. Jain1, Amita Verma2, Mayank Kumar1, Alok Mahor1, Monika Sabharwal 3
1Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India
2Department of Pharmacy, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, India
3Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Chandigarh, India
Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3):
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apjtd
*Corresponding author: Shashi Alok, Assistant Professor, Institute of Pharmacy,
Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India.
Tel: +919450036362
E-mail: shashialok83@gmail.com
1. Introduction
Shatavari means “who possesses a hundred husbands
or acceptable to many”. It is considered both a general
tonic and a female reproductive tonic. Shatavari may be
translated as “100 spouses”, implying its ability to increase
fertility and vitality. In Ayurveda, this amazing herb is
known as the “Queen of herbs”, because it promotes love
and devotion. Shatavari is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative
tonic for the female, as is Withania for the male. Asparagus
racemosus (family Asparagaceae) also known by the name
Shatavari is one of the well known drugs in Ayurveda,
effective in treating madhur rasam, madhur vipakam, seet-
veeryam, som rogam, chronic fever and internal heat[1,2].
This herb is highly effective in problems related with female
reproductive system. Charak Samhita written by Charak
and Ashtang Hridyam written by Vagbhata, the two main
texts on Ayurvedic medicines, list Asparagus racemosus
(A. racemosus) as part of the formulas to treat women’s
health disorder[3-6]. A. racemosus is a well known Ayurvedic
rasayana which prevent ageing, increase longevity, impart
immunity, improve mental function, vigor and addvitality
PEE R REVIEW ABSTRAC T
KEYWORDS
Shatavari, Shatavarins I-IV, Racemosol, Antiageing, Asparagus racemosus, Pharmacology
Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) belongs to family Liliaceae and commonly known as Satawar,
Satamuli, Satavari found at low altitudes throughout India. The dried roots of the plant are used as
drug. The roots are said to be tonic and diuretic and galactgogue, the drug has ulcer healing effect
probably via strenthening the mucosal resistance or cytoprotection. It has also been identified
as one of the drugs to control the symotoms of AIDS. A. racemosus has also been successfully by
some Ayurvedic practitioner for nervous disorder, inflammation and certain infectious disease.
However, no scintific proof justify aborementioned uses of root extract of A. racemosus is available
so far. Recently few reports are available demonstrating beneficial effects of alcoholic and water
extract of the roots of A. racemosus in some clinical conditions and experimentally indused
disease e.g. galactogougue affects, antihepatotoxic, immunomodulatory effects, immunoadjuvant
effect, antilithiatic effect and teratogenicity of A. racemosus. The present artical includes the
detailed exploration of pharmacological properties of the root extract of A. racemosus reported so
far.
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Peer reviewer
Padmini Shukla, Assistant
Pr of e ss or , Department of
Pharmacognosy, Pranveer Si ngh
Institute of Technology, Kanpur (U. P.),
India.
Tel: +919450130612
E-mail: padmnmishra@gmail.com
Comments
This paper is a good review paper
on pharmacological activities of A.
racemosus. Citations used are also
a good resources for reviewing and
very informative to all the Ayurvedic
and traditional medical practitioners.
(Details on Page )
Article history:
Received 3 March 2013
Received in revised form 9 March, 2nd revised form 13 March, 3rd revised form 17 March 2013
Accepted 28 June 2013
Available online 28 June 2013
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3): 931
to the body and it is also used in nervous disorders,
dyspepsia, tumors, inflammation, neuropathy, hepatopathy.
Reports indicate that the pharmacological activities of
A. racemosus root extract include antiulcer, antioxidant,
and antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory
activities. A study of ancient classical Ayurvedic literature
claimed several therapeutic attributes for the root of A.
racemosus and has been specially recommended in cases
of threatened abortion and as a galactogogue. Root of A.
racemosus has been referred as bitter-sweet, emollient,
cooling, nervine tonic, constipating, galactogogue,
and aphrodisiac, diuretic, rejuvenating, carminative,
stomachic, antiseptic and as tonic. Beneficial effects of the
root of A. recemosus are suggested in nervous disorders,
dyspepsia, diarrhoea, dysentry, tumors, inflammations,
hyper dipsia, neuropathy, hepatopathy, cough, bronchitis,
hyperacidity and certain infectious diseases[7,8]. The major
active constituents of A. racemosus are steroidal saponins
(Shatavarins I-IV) that are present in the roots. Shatavarin
IV has been reported to display significant activity as an
inhibitor of core 2GlcNAc transferase in cell free assays and
recently to exhibit immuno-modulation activity against
specific T-dependent antigens in immuno compromised
animals[9].
2. A. racemosus
A. racemosus is common throughout Sri Lanka, India and
the Himalayas. It grows one to two metres tall and prefers to
take root in gravelly, rocky soils high up in piedmont plains,
at 1 300-1 400 m elevation[10,11]. Some plants parts are given
in Figure 1.
Shatawari plant Close-up on flowers
Figure 1. A. racemosus.
2.1. Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Asparagoideae
Genus: Asparagus
Species: A. racemos
It was botanically described in 1799[12]. Due to its
multiple uses, the demand for A. racemosus isconstantly
on the rise. Due to destructive harvesting, combined with
habitat destruction, and deforestation, the plant is now
considered endangered in its natural habitat. A. racemosus
is recommended in Ayurvedic texts for prevention and
treatment of gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and as a galactogogue.
A. racemosus has also been used successfully by some
Ayurvedic practitioners for nervous disorders[13]. Shatawari
has different names in the different Indian languages, such
as Shatuli, Vrishya and other terms. In Nepal, it is called
Kurilo. The name Shatawari means “curer of a hundred
diseases” (shat: “hundred”; vari: “curer”).
2.2. Characteristics of A. racemosus
A. racemosus is a woody climber growing to 1-2 m in
height. The leaves are like pine needles, small and uniform
and flowers are white and have small spikes. This plant
belongs to the genus Asparagus which has recently moved
from the sub family Asparagae in the family Liliaceae to a
newly created family Asparagaceae.
2.3. Habitat
Its habitat is common at low altitudes in shade and in
tropical climates throughout Asia, Australia and Africa. Out
of several species of Asparagus grown in India, A. racemosus
is most commonly used in indigenous medicine[14].
3. Phytochemicals
Shatvari is known to possess a wide range of
photochemical constituents which are mentioned below.
Some of the structures have been drawn in (Figure 2),
a) Steroidal saponins, known as shatvarins. Shatvarin I
to VI are present. Shatvarin I is the major glycoside
with 3-glucose and rhamnose moieties attached to
sarsapogenin[15-18];
b) Oligospirostanoside referred to as Immunoside[19];
c) Polycyclic alkaloid-Aspargamine A, a cage type
pyrrolizidine alkaloid[20-22];
d) Isoflavones-8-methoxy-5, 6, 4-trihydroxy isoflavone-7-
0-beta-D-glucopyranoside[23];
e) Cyclic hydrocarbon-racemosol, dihydrophenantherene[24, 25];
f) Furan compound-Racemofuran[26];
g) Carbohydrates-Polysacharides, mucilage[27];
h) Flavanoids-Glycosides of quercitin, rutin and hyperoside
are present in flower and fruits[28];
i) Sterols-Roots also contain sitosterol, 4, 6-dihydryxy-
2-O (-2-hydroxy isobutyl) benzaldehyde and undecanyl
cetanoate[29];
j) Trace minerals are found in roots-zinc (53.15), manganese
(19.98 mg/g), copper (5.29 mg/g), cobalt (22.00 mg/g)
along with calcium, magnesium, potassium zinc and
selenium[30,31];
k) Kaepfrol-Kaepfrol along with Sarsapogenin from woody
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3):
932
portions of tuberous roots could be isolated[32];
l) Miscellaneous-Essential fatty acids-Gamma linoleinic
acids, vitamin A, diosgenin, quercetin 3-glucourbnides[33-
35]. Some of chemical structures are given in Figure 2.
H
Sarasasapogenin Shatavarin
Rhamn
Glu-Glu-Glu-O
H
H
H
H
H
H
HO
OO
O
O
O
O
O
O
RO
R= Glu(6-1),Adscendin A
R= Glu[(4-1)Rha](6-1)Rha, Adscendin B
R=Glu(2-1)Glu, Asparanin A
R=Glu[(2-1)Glu](4-1)Rha, Asparanin B
R=Glu[(4-1)Ara](4-1)Rha, Asparanin C
R=Glu[(2-1)Rha](4-1)Ara, Curillin G
R=Glu[(2-1)Glu(4-1)Ara, Curillin H
Figure 2 . Photochemical constituents structures.
Chemical constituents of Asparagus species
O
H
H
CH3
CH3
CH3
CH3
CH3
CH3
CH3
CH3
4. Pharmacological activity
4.1. Galactogogue effect
The root extract of A.racemosus is prescribed in Ayurveda
to increases milk secretion during laction[36]. A. racemosus
is combination with other herbal substance in the form of
Ricalax tablet (Aphali pharmaceutical Ltd. Ahmednagar)
has been shown to increase milk production in females
complaining of dificient milk secretion[37]. Gradual decrease
in milk secretion, on withdraw of the drug suggested that
the increase in milk secretion was due to drug theraphy
only and not due to any psychological effect. In the form of
a commercial preparation, lactare (TTK Pharma, Chennai)
is reported to enhance milk output in women complaining
of scantly breast milk, on the 5th day after delivery[38].A
significant increase in milk yield has also increase growth of
mammary glands, alveolar tissue and acini in guinea pigs[39].
Patel et al. have shown galactogogue effect of A. racemosus
in buffaloes[40]. However, Sharma et al. did not observed
any increase in prolectin level in females complaining of
secondary lactational failure with A.racemosus, suggesting
that it has no lactogenic effect[41]. In other study, the aqueous
fraction of the alcoholic extract of the roots at 250 mg/kg,
administratered intramuscularly, was shown to cause both
on increase in the weight of mammary gland lobuloaveolar
tissue and in the milk yield of oestrogen primed rats. The
activity has attributed to the action of released corticoteroids
or an increase in prolactin[42].
4.2. Antisecretory and antiulcer activity
Efficacy of A. racemosus was evaluated in 32 patients by
administrating the root powder 12 g/d in four doses, for an
average duration of 6 weeks. Shatavari was found to relive
most of the symptoms in majority of the patients. The ulcer
healing effect of the drug was attributed to a direct to a
direct healing effect, possible by potentiating intrinsic
protective factor as it has neither antisecretory activity nor
antacid propertise, by strengthening mucosal resistance,
prolonging the lifespan of mucosal cells, increasing secretion
and viscosity of mucous and reducing H+ ion back diffusion.
It has been found to maintain the continuity and thickness
of asprin treated gastric mucosa with a significant increase
in mucosal main. As A. racemosus heals duodenal ulcers
without inhibiting acid secretion, it may have cytoprotective
action similar action to that of prostaglandin other binding of
bile salts[43-45].
4.3. Antitussive effect
Methanolic extract of roots, at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.,
showed significant antitussive activity on sulphur dioxide-
induce cough in mice. The cough inhibition of 40% and
58.5%, respectively, was comparable to that of 10-20 mg/kg of
codeine phosphate, where the inhibition observed 36% and
55.4%, respectively.[46]
4.4. Adaptogenic activity
Aqueous extract administrating orally to experimental
animals of biological, physical and chemical stressors. A
model of cisplatin induced alteration in gastrointestinal
motility was used to test the ability of extract to exert a
normalising effect, irrespective or direction of pathological
change. The extract reversed the effects of cisplatin on
gastric emptying and also normalized cisplatin-induced
intestinal hyper motility[47].
4.5. Antibacterial activity
Methanolic extract of the roots at 50, 100 and 150 mg/
mL showed significant In vitro antibacterial efficacy
against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shegella
sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Vibriocholerae, Salmonella typhi,
Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas pectida, Bacillus
subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Chloramphenicol was
used for comparison[48].
4.6. Antiprotozoal activity
An aqueous solution of the crude alcoholic extract of
the roots exhibited an inhibitory effect of the growth of
Eintamoeba histolytica in vitro[49].
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3): 933
4.7. Gastrointestinal effects
The powdered dried root of A. racemosus is used in
Ayurveda for dysepesia. Oral administration of powdered
dried root of A. racemosus has been found to promote gastric
emptying in healthy volunteers. Its action is reported to be
comparable with that of the synthetic dopamine antagonist
metoclopromide[50]. In Ayurveda, A. racemosus has also been
mentioned for the treatment of ulcerative disorder of stomach
and parinama sula, a clinical entity akin to the duodenal
ulcer disease. The juice of fresh root of A. racemosus has
been shown to have definite curative effect in patients of
duodenal ulcers[51]. A. racemosus along with Terminalia
chebula were reported to protect gastric mucosa against
pentagastrin and carbachol induce ulcer by significantly
reducing both severity of ulceration and ulcer index[52].
In addition to antiulcerogenic activity of A. racemosus
is clinical trials, De at.[53]Demonstrated similar effects of
fresh root juice of A. racemosus in rats, using cold stress
and poloric-ligation induced gastric ulcer. Various extract
from the root of A. racemosus have been shown to cause
contraction of smooth muscles of rabbits duodenum, guinea
pig ileum and rats’s fundal strip without affecting peristatic
movement. These actions were found to be similar to that of
acetylcholine and were blocked by atropine, suggesting a
cholinergic mechanism of action.[54]However no effect was
observed on isolate rectus abdominus.
4.8. Effect on uterus
Inspite of cholinergic activity of A. racemosus on guniea
pig’s ileum, ethyl acetate and acetone extract of the root of
A. recemosus blocked spontaneous motility of the virgin rat’s
uterus[54]. These extract also inhibited contraction induced
by spasmogens like acetylcholine, barium chloride and 5-
hydroxytryptamine where as alcoholic extract was found to
produce a specific block of pitocin induced contraction. On
the other hand petroleum ether as well as ether extract of
the powdered roots did not produce any uterine activity. It
indicates the presence of some particular substance in the
alcoholic extract which specifically block pitiocin sensitive
receptor through not other in the uterus[54]. Confirming
the Shatavari receptor can be used as uterin sedative.
Further, a glycosides, Shatavarin 1, isolated from the roots
of A. racemosus has been found to be responsible for the
competitive block of oxytocin induced contraction of rat,
guinea pig and rabbits uteri, in vitro as well as in vivo[55, 56].
4.9. Molluscicidal activity
Aqueous and ethanolic extract of A. racemosus exhibited
a high mortality rate (100%) against Biomhalaria pfeifferi
and lymnaea natalensis. The LC50 was found to be 0.1, 5, 10
and 50 mg/mL for Biomphalaria pfeifferi and 0.5, 5, 1, 10 mg/
mL for Lymnaea natalensis. The activites were attributed
to the presence of terpenoids, steroids and saponins in the
extract[57].
4.10. Antihepatotoxic activity
Alcoholic extract of root of A. racemosus has been shown
to significantly reduce the enhanced levels of alanine
transakinase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphate
in CCl4 induced heptic damagein rats[58, 59], indicating
antihepatotoxic potential of A. racemosus.
4.11. Antineoplastic activity
Choloroform/methanol (1:1) extract of fresh root of A.
racemosus has been reported to reduce the tumor incidence
in female rats treated with 7, 12 dimethyl benza. This action
is suggested to be medicated by virtue of mammotropic and/
or lactogenic[60], influence of A. racemosus on normal as well
as estrogen primed animals, which renders the mammary
epithelium refractory to the carcinogen[61,62].
4.12. Cardiovascular effects
Alcoholic extract of the root of A. racemosus has been
reported to produce positive ionotropic and chronotropic
effect on frog heart with lower doses and cardiac arrest with
higher doses. The extract was found to produce hypotension
in cats, which was blocked by atropine, indicating
cholinergic mechanism of action. The extract also produced
congestion and complete stasis of blood flow in mesentric
vessels of mice and rat, slight increase in the bleeding
time and no effect on clotting time was obseved on i.v.
administration of the extract in rabbits[63].
4.13. Effect on central nervours system
Neither stimulant nor depressant action of lactrae
on central nervous system has been reported in albino
mice[64,65]. Shatavari did not produce catalepsy in
experimental rats, even with massive oral doses, suggesting
that its action may be outside the blood-brain barrier,
similar to that of metoclopromide.
4.14. Immunomodulatory activity
Intra-abdominal sepsis is major causes of mortality
following trauma and bowel surgery. Immunomodulating
property of A. racemosus has been shown to protect the
rat and mice against experimental induced abdominal
sepsis[66,67]. Oral administration of decotion of powdered root
of A. racemosus been reported to produce leucocytosis and
predominant neutrophilia along with enhanced phagocytic
activity of the macrophages and polymorphs. Parcentage
mortality of A. racemosus treated animals was founded
significantly reduced while survival rate was comparable to
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3):
934
that of the group treated with a combination of metronidazole
and gentamicin. Since A. racemosus is reported to be devoid
of antibacterial action, so protection offered by A. racemosus
against sepsis by altering function of macrophages,
indicating its possible immunomodulatory property[66,67].
4.15. Immunoadjuvant potential activity
The immunoadjuvant potential of A. racemosus aqueous
extract root extract was evaluated in experimental animals
immunized with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine.
Immunostimulation was evaluated using serological
and hematological parameters. Oral administration of
test material at 100 mg/kg per day dose for 15 d resulted
significant increase in antibody titre to Boredtella pertussis
as compared to untreated (control) animals. Results indicate
that the treated animals did show significant increase
in antibody titre as compared to untreated animals after
change. Present study indicates applications of test
material as potential immunoadjuvant that also offers
direct therapeutic benefits resulting in less morbidity and
mortality[68-70].
4.16. Miscellaneous effects
Alcoholic extract of root of A. racemosus was found to
have slight diuretic effect in rats and hypoglycemic effect
in rabbits, but no anticonvulsant and antifertility effect was
observed in rats and rabbits, respectively. However, it did
show some antiamoebic effect in rats[63].
4.17. Toxic effect
In Ayurveda, A. racemosus has been descrived as
absolutely safe for long term use, even during pregnancy
and lactation. Systemic administration of higher doses of all
extracts did not produce only abnorbility in behavior pattern
of mice and rat[54]. LD50 of the product lactare has not been
assessed since it did not produce mortality even up to oral
dosage of 64 g/kg[64].
4.18. Antioxidant effects
The possible antioxidant effects of crude extract and
purified aqueous fraction of A. racemosus against member
damage induced by the free radicals generated during
gama radiation were examined in rat liver mitochondria.
Gama radiation in those rays of 75-900 gy, induced lipid
peroxidation as assessed by the formation of thiobarbituric
acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides.
Using an effective dose of 450 Gy antioxidant effect of A.
racemosus extract were studied against oxidative damage
term of protection against lipid peroxidation, protein
oxidation. Depletion of proteins thiols and the level of
the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. An active
fraction consisting of polysaccharides (P3) was effective even
low concentration of 10 mg/mL. Both the crude extract as
well as P3 fraction significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation
and protein oxidation. The antioxidant effect of P3 fraction
was more pronounced against lipid peroxidation, as assessed
by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance formation, while
that of crude extract was more effective in inhibiting proteins
oxidation[71-74].
4.19. Antilithiatic effects
The ethanolic extract of A. racemosus was evaluated for
its inhibitory potential of lithasis (stone formation), induced
by oral administration of 0.75% ethylene glycolated water to
adult male albino wister rats for 28 d. The ionic chemistry
of urine was attered by ethylene glycol, which elevated
the urinary concentration of crucial ions viz. calcium,
oxalate and phosphate, there by contributing to renal stone
formation. The ethanolic extract, however, significantly
reduced the elevated level of these ions in urine. Also, it
elevated the urinary concentration of magnesium, which is
considered as one of the inhibitor of crystallization[75,76].
4.20. Teratogenicity effects
A. racemosus is a herb used as a rasayna in Ayurveda and
is considered both general and female reproduction tonic.
Methanolic extract of A. racemosus roots (MAR), 100 mg/kg
per day for 60 d, showed teratological disordres in terms
of increase resorption of fetuses, gross malformation e.g.
swelling in legs and intrauterine growth retardation with a
small placenta size in charles foster rats. Pups to mother
exposed to A. racemosus for full duration of gestation showed
evidence of higher rate of resorption and therefore smaller
litter size. The live pup showed significant decrease in
body weight and length, and delay of various development
parameters when compared to respective control group.
Therefore, A. racemosus should be used pregnancy
continuously as its exposure during that period may cause
damage to the offspring[77].
4.21. Antidepressant activity
Adaptogenic drugs are those which are useful as anti-
stress agents by promoting non-specific resistance of the
body. Although, the adaptogenic effect of A. racemosus
is well documented, its use in psychological disorders
like depression is not scientifically evaluated. Hence, the
present investigation evaluates the antidepressant effect
of MAR standardized to saponins (62.2% w/w). Rats were
given methanolic extract of roots of A. racemosus in doses
of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 7 d and then subjected
to forced swim test (FST) and learned helplessness test
(LH). The results showed that MAR decreased immobility
in FST and increased avoidance response in LH indicating
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3): 935
antidepressant activity. In behavioral experiments, MAR
increased the number of head twitches produced by 5-HTP
and increased clonidine-induced aggressive behavior
indicating facilitatory effect on both serotonergic and
adrenergic systems respectively. However, MAR had
insignificant effect on l-DOPA-induced aggressive behavior
indicating absence of activity on dopaminergic system. MAR
also reversed changes to the endogenous antioxidant system
induced by FST. Thus, MAR has significant antidepressant
activity and this effect is probably mediated through
thserotonergic, noradrenergic systems and augmentation of
antioxidant defenses[78].
4.22. Anti-inflammatory effects
ACE inhibited topical edema in the mouse ear, following
administration at 200 mg/kg (i.p.), leading to substantial
reductions in skin thickness and tissue weight, inflammatory
cytokine production, neutrophil-mediated myeloperoxidase
activity, and various histopathological indicators.
Furthermore, ACE was effective at reducing inflammatory
damage induced by chronic TPA exposure and evoked a
significant inhibition of vascular permeability induced by
acetic acid in mice[79].
4.23. Enhances memory and protects against amnesia
MAR also significantly reversed scopolamine and sodium
nitrite-induced increase in transfer latency on EPM
indicating anti-amnesic activity. Further, MAR dose-
dependently inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme in
specific brain regions (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and
hypothalamus). Thus, MAR showed nootropic and anti-
amnesic activities in the models tested and these effects may
probably be mediated through augmentation of cholinergic
system due to its anti-cholinesterase activity. Post-trial
administration of Convolvulus pluricaulis (C. pluricaulis) and
A. racemosus extract demonstrated significant decrease in
latency time during retention trials. Hippocampal regions
associated with the learning and memory functions showed
dose dependent increase in AChE activity in CA1 with A.
racemosus and CA3 area with C. pluricaulis treatment. The
underlying mechanism of these actions of A. racemosus
and C. pluricaulis may be attributed to their antioxidant,
neuroprotective and cholinergic properties[80,81].
4.24. Aphrodisiac activity
The herbs have been traditionally used as Vajikaran
Rasayana herbs because of their putative positive
influence on sexual performance in humans. Lyophilized
aqueous extracts obtained from the roots of A. racemosus,
Chlorophytum borivilianum, and rhizomes of Curculigo
orchioides were studied for sexual behavior effects in male
albino rats and compared with untreated control group
animals. The rats were evaluated for effect of treatments
on anabolic effect. Seven measures of sexual behaviors
were evaluated. Administration of 200 mg/kg body weight
of the aqueous extracts had pronounced anabolic effect in
treated animals as evidenced by weight gains in body and
reproductive organs. There was a significant variation in
the sexual behavior of animals as reflected by reduction of
mount latency, ejaculation latency, post ejaculatory latency,
intromission latency, and an increase of mount frequency.
Penile erection was also considerably enhanced. Reduced
hesitation time (an indicator of attraction towards female
in treated rats) also indicated an improvement in sexual
behavior of extract treated animals. The observed effects
appear to be attributable to the testosterone-like effects of
the extracts. Nitric oxide based intervention may also be
involved as observable from the improved penile erection.
The present results, therefore, support the folklore claim for
the usefulness of these herbs and provide a scientific basis
for their purported traditional usage[82].
4.25. Diuretic activity
Acute toxicity study showed no fatality even with the
highest dose, and the diuretic study revealed significant
diuretic activity in dose of 3 200 mg/kg[83].
4.26. Potential to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis
Histopathological studies of hepatic tissues of Wistar
rats treated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (200 mg/kg
body weight, i.p.) once a week for 2 weeks, followed by
treatment with DDT, a tumor promoter (0.05% in diet) for 2
weeks and kept under observation for another 18 weeks,
demonstrated the development of malignancy. Pretreatment
of Wistar rats with the aqueous extract of the roots of A.
racemosus prevented the incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Immunohistochemical staining of the hepatic tissues of rats
treated with DEN showed the presence of p53+ foci (clusters
of cells expressing the mutated p53 protein), whereas an
absence of p53+ foci was observed in Wistar rats pretreated
with the aqueous extract of the roots of A. racemosus. The
microsections of the hepatic tissue of rats treated with
DEN followed by treatment with the aqueous extract of A.
racemosus showed an absence of p53+ foci. The results of the
biochemical determinations also showed that pretreatment of
Wistar rats with the aqueous extract of A. racemosus leadedto
the amelioration of oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity
brought about by treatment with DEN. These results prove
that the aqueous extract of the roots of A. racemosus has
the potential to act as an effective formulation to prevent
hepatocarcinogenesis induced by treatment with DEN[84].
4.27. Anti-stess activity
Chlorophytum arundinaceum (C.arundinaceum),
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3):
936
Asparagus adscendens (A. adscendens) and A. racemosus
are used in the Indian traditional medicine system for
improving the general state of health and for stress-
related immune disorders. The effects of the methanol
and aqueous extracts of the tuberous roots of these plants
were examined in an experimental mouse stress model,
induced by swimming. The extracts were shown to exert an
inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely
interleukin 1β and tumour necrosis factor α, and on the
production of nitric oxide in mouse macrophage cells RAW
264.7 stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in vitro. Similar
inhibition was also observed in the production of interleukin
2 in EL 4 lymphoma cells stimulated by concanavalin A.
Corticosterone levels in serum and adrenal glands were
measured. The findings suggest that these plants may be
beneficial in the management of stress and inflammatory
conditions[85,86].
4.28. Reduce blood glucose
Ethanol extract caused a significant (P<0.001) increase in
insulin release during 10 min perfusion, with a 21-fold increase
above basal (0.06依0.01) ng/mL at 2.8 mmol/L glucose vs. (1.27
依0.09) ng/mL with ethanol extract (Figure 2A). Subsequent
exposure for 5 min to 11.1 mmol/L glucose caused steep
elevation in insulin release. When extract was reintroduced
at 11.1 mmol/L glucose, there was a further enhancement of
insulin release (P<0.05). As shown in Figure 2B, perfusion
with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions evokes
a significant increase in insulin release in an almost similar
pattern, with a peak increase above basal of 36-, 18- and
28-fold, respectively. Aqueous and butanol fractions showed
less prominent effects on insulin release, especially at the
lower glucose concentration (0.050依0.004) ng/mL[87] .
4.29. A versatile female tonic
In Ayurveda, it is considered a female tonic. In spite
of being a rejuvenating herb it is beneficial in female
infertility, as it increases libido, cures inflammation of
sexual organs and even moistens dry tissues of the sexual
organs, enhances folliculogenesis and ovulation, prepares
womb for conception, prevents miscarriages, acts as post
partum tonic by increasing lactation, normalizing uterus and
changing hormones. Its use is also advocated in leucorrhoea
and menorrhagia[88].
4.30. Cytotoxicity, analgesic and antidiarrhoeal activities
In Ayurveda, A. racemosus is known as the queen of
herbs because it has a strong rejuvenating, nurturing
and stabilizing effect on excessive air, gas, dryness and
agitation in body and mind. Ethanol extracts of A. racemosus
was investigated for biological action. The present study
was designed to evaluate the cytotoxicity, analgesic and
antidiarrhoeal properties of the ethanol extract of whole
plant of A. racemosus. The test for analgesic activity of
the crude ethanol extract was performed using acetic
acid induced writhing model in mice. On the other hand,
antidiarrhoeal test of the ethanol extracts of A. racemosus
was done according to the model of castor oil induced
diarrhoea in mice and brine shrimp lethality bioassay was
used to determine cytotoxic activity of ethanol extract of
the plant. In acetic acid induced writhing in mice, the
ethanol extract exhibited significant inhibition of writhing
reflex 67.47% (P<0.01) at dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. The
plant extract showed antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil
induced diarrhoea in mice. It increased mean latent period
and decreased the frequency of defecation with number
of stool count at dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight,
respectively comparable to the standard drug Loperamide
at dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the brine
shrimp lethality test showed significant cytotoxic activity of
the plant extract (LC50: 10 µg/mL and LC90: 47.86 µg/mL). The
obtained results support the traditional uses of the plant
and require further investigation to identify the chemical
constituent(s) responsible for cytotoxicity, analgesic and
antidiarrhoeal activities[89].
4.31. Antiurolithiatic activity
The rats treated with ethanolic extract of A. racemosus
at doses 800 and 1 600 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) reduced
the serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, urea and
creatinine[91].
5. Conclusion
Numerous studies have been conducted on different
parts of A. racemosus, this plant has developed as a drug by
pharmaceutical industries. A detailed and systematic study
is required for identification, cataloguing and documentation
of plants, which may provide a meaningful way for promoting
traditional knowledge of the medicinal herbal plant.
Conflict of interest statement
We declare that we have no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgements
The author are thankful with our deepest core of heart to
Dr. SK Jain and Dr. Amita Verma for valuable guidance.
Comments
Background
Shashi Alok et al./Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013; 3(3): 937
This is a review paper on the benefits of A. racemosus
as an alternative medicine for many diseases. The
pharmacological effects exhibited by this plant have been
elaborated in depth with citations from studies that have
been conducted using this Ayurvedic plant.
Research frontiers
There is no lab experiment being done in this manuscript
since it is a review paper. However, the author cited latest
and recent publications on works done in this particular
field, in which bring the readers to the recent analytical
approach for pharmacological potential of this plant.
Related reports
The author cited different papers in this manuscript
to support the therapeutic potential of A. racemosus in
traditional medicine. Past studies mostly presented the
pharmacological activities of this plant done in vitro and in
vivo.
Applications
This review summarizes researches conducted on A.
racemosus specifically in medicinal field. It is a good source
of literature survey for researchers who intended to do
studies in this particular field, and using this plant could be
applied by most Ayurvedic practitioners in their medication
activities to treat patients with different types of diseases.
Peer review
This paper is a good review paper on pharmacological
activities of A. racemosus. Citations used are also a good
resources for reviewing and very informative to all the
Ayurvedic and traditional medical practitioners.
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