Pharmacognostical studies on the root tubers of <i>Asparagus gonoclados</i> Baker –Alternate source for the Ayurvedic drug Shatavari

Abstract

57-62Asparagus gonoclados Baker is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Liliaceae (sensu lato). Many species of Asparagus Linn. including A. gonoclados are used as substitute of the well known Ayurvedic drug, Shatavari. Root tubers of Shatavari possesses adaptogenic, antioxidant, cooling, emollient, diuretic, galactagogue, nervine tonic, rejuvenating, and stomachic properties; they are useful in treatment of diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia, epilepsy, fatigue, inflammations, nervous disorders, tumours and tuberculosis. The present study provides taxonomy of the species, pharmacognostical and physico-chemical details of the root tubers of A. gonoclados. This helps in laying down standardisation and pharmacopoeial parameters. Presence of Shatavarin IV in the alcohol and aqueous extracts is reported in this species for the first time