Plants for Immunity and Conservation Strategies

Abstract

Asparagus racemosus is known to be a very important species due to its vital application in various diseases. Shatavari is the popular name of A. racemosus. In Ayurveda, shatavari has been documented for its curative and preventive use in aging, with improved mental function and increased longevity, along with supplementing vigor and vitality to the body. A. racemosus has also been used in dyspepsia, nervous disorders, inflammation, tumors, hepatopathy, and neuropathy. There are reports regarding the pharmacological activities of extracts of A. racemosus that include antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-diarrheal, immunomodulatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-diabetic activities. Steroidal saponins (shatavarinI–X) are the main active components of shatavari root extract with pharmacological activity. In the same category, shatavarinIV has been classified as glycosides of sarsasapogenin. Along with shatavarin, there are a few other active components that have been identified and characterized, such as quercetin, rutin, and immunoside. Not only the roots, flowers, fruits, as well as leaves also possess many of these pharmacologically active compounds such as shataverins, diosgenin, and quercetin-3 glucuronide. In this chapter, we will try to collect the state of the art of phytochemicals discovered from shatavari with their biological application that will be beneficial for utilization in the development of specialty/functional foods.