*Vernacular names*

Sprenger's asparagus fern, bushy asparagus, asparagus fern and smilax. Inwele in Zulu.

**Synonyms:** Asparagopsis densiflora Kunth, Prot*asparagus densiflorus*. *Scientific classification*

**Kingdom:** Plantae; **Subfamily:** Asparagoideae; **Clade:** Angiosperms; **Genus:** Asparagus; **Order:** Asparagales; **Species:** A. densiflorus; **Family:** Asparagaceae.

#### **8.1 Historical aspects**

South African asparagus was observed for the first time in an illustration from 1686, while plants from the 'Sprengeri' group began to be cultivated as early as 1888. Today they are grown in all parts of the word, and are hardy, drought-tolerant and quite salt-tolerant plants which are used for plants foliage and as garden plants. The South

**219**

*Medicinal Properties of Selected Asparagus Species: A Review*

African Asparagus species and the European Asparagus species are related, and they display a very interesting structure botanically. They do not have true leaves at all, but these are actually cladodes which may actually be modified branches, while the spines are formed from modified branches or from modified leaves. The most popular forms form part of the emerald ferns of the *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* 'Sprengeri' group [101]. They form large cushions which have long, arching stems more or less densely covered with dark green, leaves which have the appearance like needles. The plant appears fernlike, but its flowers and fruit clearly place it among the angiosperms. *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* is a delicate, fern-like perennial plant which has arching stems which grow up to 1 m long and have a scrambling habit. A large cushion of dark green needle-like leaves is formed by the plant. It is often proved to be of use for medicinal purposes and can also be used as ground cover in partial or light shade, but it flourishes in full sun if watered regularly. It has very small, hardly observable spines which is unlike most Asparagus fern species. It is also attractive as an indoor or patio plant in large containers or hanging baskets. Unlike most Asparagus fern species, it only has very small, hardly noticeable spines. The roots of the plants are extensive which contain numerous grape sized tubers. These provide food in nature for extensive periods of drought in summer. The root system is used extensively for binding soil on slopes [101].

The phytochemical analysis of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts was carried out for the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, amino acids, carbohydrates and alkaloids [46]. Both extracts showed a lack of amino acids, and were found to contain flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates. In addition, the ethanol extract was found to contain terpenoids and alkaloids, whereas the aqueous was found to contain quinones. Estimated flavonoid and phenolic content of *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* aqueous plant extracts were 900 and 380 μg/ml [102].

An infusion of the plants' leaves may be used to treat pain in the abdomen, as a general tonic and to boost immunity. Further it may be used as a cleansing agent to rid the body of "poison" and "dirty blood". Thrust and ulcers in the mouth associated with HIV may also be treated by this plant. According to Davids et al. [103], traditional health practitioners (THPs) reported that *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* is one of the "strongest" plants used for HIV. Moreover, according to Singh et al. [102], *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* is considered as one of the ethnomedicinal plants. However, its ethnomedicinal actions had never been discussed. No literature was found on the correlation or link of phytochemical active compounds and pharmacological activity of this particular plant. *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* aqueous and ethanoic leaf structures were screened for their antibacterial activity against *Enterobacter aerogenes*, *Clostridium perfringens* and *Salmonella typhimurium*. However, it was found that the aqueous extract showed a potential to inhibit growth of all three selected micro-organisms, while the ethanol extract

Only the preliminary phytochemical screening was performed on the crude extract of this plant, but no deeper research has been done on the activity of this plant in order to confirm its ethnobotanical claims as a plant used to treat thrush,

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87048*

**8.2 Phytochemical active principals**

**8.3 Pharmacological actions**

inhibited only the growth of *Enterobacter aerogenes* [46].

**8.4 Reflections and future recommendations**

*Medicinal Properties of Selected Asparagus Species: A Review DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87048*

*Phytochemicals in Human Health*

offered by *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* against sepsis by altering function of macro-

Methanolic extract of roots displayed important antitussive activity on sulfur dioxide-induced coughs in mice [93]. An aqueous solution of the crude alcoholic extract of the roots displayed significant antiprotozoal activity against *Entamoeba histolytica in vitro* [94]. An examination was made on rat liver mitochondria for the possible antioxidant effects of crude extract and purified aqueous fraction of *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* against member damage induced by the free radicals generated during gamma radiation [86, 95]. It also raised the urinary concentration of magnesium, which is considered as one of the suppressors of crystallization [96]. Aqueous and butanol fractions displayed less prominent effects on the release of, especially at lower glucose concentration [97]. *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* further showed the potential of anti-HIV, (Human

immunodeficiency virus) and its active principles are being investigated [98].

bolic reactions in humans may influence the activity of the compound.

**7.4 Reflections and future recommendations**

**8.** *Asparagus densiflorus* **(kunth) jessop**

*Vernacular names*

*Scientific classification*

**8.1 Historical aspects**

in Zulu.

It can be concluded that *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* has immense importance in the folk medicine. In Ayurveda, *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* has been described as perfectly safe for long term use, even during pregnancy and lactation. To support this theory, an *in vivo* study was conducted and the systemic administration of higher doses of all extracts did not display any abnormality behavioral patterns in mice and rats [99], neither did it produce mortality even up to higher oral dosages of 64 g/kg [100].

Intensive research has been performed on the active compounds from this plant. The plant was reported to have anticancer activity. However, cell lines used, and solvents used were not mentioned. While antitumor activity was reported on the mammary carcinogenesis only, more research using other cell lines is required to explore the antitumor and anticancer activity of this plant root's extract. The potential of this plant as cancer inducing agent has not been thoroughly elucidated as *in vivo* studies showed the safety of this plant. However, the exposure duration was not long enough. It is well known that the process of carcinogenesis is very slow, thus the adverse effects after 10 years of using *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* has not been determined scientifically. It will, therefore, be important to understand the mutagenicity of the plant before we can conclude that it is hundred percent safe. Mechanism of action of the active compounds from this plant and human trials are required, as different meta-

Sprenger's asparagus fern, bushy asparagus, asparagus fern and smilax. Inwele

**Kingdom:** Plantae; **Subfamily:** Asparagoideae; **Clade:** Angiosperms; **Genus:** Asparagus; **Order:** Asparagales; **Species:** A. densiflorus; **Family:** Asparagaceae.

South African asparagus was observed for the first time in an illustration from 1686, while plants from the 'Sprengeri' group began to be cultivated as early as 1888. Today they are grown in all parts of the word, and are hardy, drought-tolerant and quite salt-tolerant plants which are used for plants foliage and as garden plants. The South

**Synonyms:** Asparagopsis densiflora Kunth, Prot*asparagus densiflorus*.

phages, shows its potential immunomodulatory property [91, 92].

**218**

African Asparagus species and the European Asparagus species are related, and they display a very interesting structure botanically. They do not have true leaves at all, but these are actually cladodes which may actually be modified branches, while the spines are formed from modified branches or from modified leaves. The most popular forms form part of the emerald ferns of the *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* 'Sprengeri' group [101]. They form large cushions which have long, arching stems more or less densely covered with dark green, leaves which have the appearance like needles. The plant appears fernlike, but its flowers and fruit clearly place it among the angiosperms.

*Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* is a delicate, fern-like perennial plant which has arching stems which grow up to 1 m long and have a scrambling habit. A large cushion of dark green needle-like leaves is formed by the plant. It is often proved to be of use for medicinal purposes and can also be used as ground cover in partial or light shade, but it flourishes in full sun if watered regularly. It has very small, hardly observable spines which is unlike most Asparagus fern species. It is also attractive as an indoor or patio plant in large containers or hanging baskets. Unlike most Asparagus fern species, it only has very small, hardly noticeable spines. The roots of the plants are extensive which contain numerous grape sized tubers. These provide food in nature for extensive periods of drought in summer. The root system is used extensively for binding soil on slopes [101].

### **8.2 Phytochemical active principals**

The phytochemical analysis of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts was carried out for the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, amino acids, carbohydrates and alkaloids [46]. Both extracts showed a lack of amino acids, and were found to contain flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates. In addition, the ethanol extract was found to contain terpenoids and alkaloids, whereas the aqueous was found to contain quinones. Estimated flavonoid and phenolic content of *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* aqueous plant extracts were 900 and 380 μg/ml [102].

#### **8.3 Pharmacological actions**

An infusion of the plants' leaves may be used to treat pain in the abdomen, as a general tonic and to boost immunity. Further it may be used as a cleansing agent to rid the body of "poison" and "dirty blood". Thrust and ulcers in the mouth associated with HIV may also be treated by this plant. According to Davids et al. [103], traditional health practitioners (THPs) reported that *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* is one of the "strongest" plants used for HIV. Moreover, according to Singh et al. [102], *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* is considered as one of the ethnomedicinal plants. However, its ethnomedicinal actions had never been discussed. No literature was found on the correlation or link of phytochemical active compounds and pharmacological activity of this particular plant. *Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop* aqueous and ethanoic leaf structures were screened for their antibacterial activity against *Enterobacter aerogenes*, *Clostridium perfringens* and *Salmonella typhimurium*. However, it was found that the aqueous extract showed a potential to inhibit growth of all three selected micro-organisms, while the ethanol extract inhibited only the growth of *Enterobacter aerogenes* [46].

#### **8.4 Reflections and future recommendations**

Only the preliminary phytochemical screening was performed on the crude extract of this plant, but no deeper research has been done on the activity of this plant in order to confirm its ethnobotanical claims as a plant used to treat thrush, ulcers in the mouth as well as for HIV. Thrush results from an overgrowth of normal flora in the mouth. The anti-fungal activity of this plant has not been studied yet, together with its anti-HIV activity, as the plant has been reported to be used ethnobotanically for HIV. Further studies to isolate the active compounds, elucidate the safety of this plant and to fully confirm its pharmacological activity are needed.
