Phytochemicals, Medicinal and Food Applications of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): An Updated Review

Background: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), belongs to the family Asparagaceae, has got a very important place in the Ayurveda system of medicine due to its versatility in preventing and curing hundreds of different diseases. The presence of many bioactive compounds such as steroidal glycosides, saponins (mainly Shatavarins I, II, III and IV), polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids (racemosol) and vitamins makes it popular among all the medicinal plants. Different extracts of roots, leaves, flowers and stems of Shatavari plants are beneficial in healing the female reproductive system problems and curing a number of diseases like dyspepsia, nervous disorders, cough bronchitis, throat infections, tuberculosis etc. Several Shatavari extracts based drugs are available commercially. Conclusion: This review includes the detailed view of phytochemistry and medicinal properties of Shatavari extracts and their application in some widely consumed food products like milk and milk products, bread, biscuits etc., which could be a good choice for the delivery of functionality of Shatavari extract to the consumers.