Asparagus Racemosus Willd Roots: Antioxidant Properties of Sri Lankan Origin

Abstract

The roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd (Family: Asparagaceae) are widely used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines. It has a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects including anti-diarrheal, hepatoprotective, diuretic, antibacterial, anti-cancer and immunostimulant and antioxidant activities. However, no scientific investigations were done to prove the antioxidant properties of A. racemosus grown in Sri Lanka. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities for hot water extract of A. racemosus. Results revealed that saponins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and flavonoids were present in the plant. Antioxidant activities of FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity), DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2, 2- azino-bis (3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) diammonium salt] were 5.51 ±0.0 , 13.39 ±0.37, 0.42±0.01, 6.35±0.14 mg Trolox equivalents/g of extract respectively. In addition, hot water extract of A. recemosus was rich in phenols and flavonoids. In conclusion, A. recemosus grown in Sri Lanka showed moderate antioxidant activity and can be used as a potential source of antioxidant against free radical associated diseases.