Sunday, March 23, 2008

Asparagus racemosus

A much-branched, spinous under-shrub, with tuberous, short rootstock bearing numerous fusiform, succulent, tuberous roots. The plant contains triterpene saponins - Shatavarin I - IV, which are phytoestrogen compounds.

The plant is used as a demulcent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and galactagogue. The root extracts exhibit antiallergic activity. Along with the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, they are given to diabetic patients.

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