Modulation of Various Pharmacological Pathways by Asparagus Saponins: Special Emphasis on Shatavarin-IV

Asparagus is an important traditional medicinal plant with multiple species. Among these, 'Shatavari', namely, Asparagus racemosus, is one of the most widely described species, characterized by its tuberous roots and valued in the traditional Indian system of medicine for its galactagogue effect and for the treatment of diverse ailments. The pharmacological activities of the genus Asparagus are largely attributed to its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, adaptogenic, antihepatotoxic, antibacterial and antioxytocic properties. These effects are primarily associated with its abundance of steroidal saponins, including shatavarins, racemosides, adscendens, asparanins, curillins and immunoside. Shatavarin-IV is regarded as the most important steroidal saponin responsible for most of the pharmacological effects of Shatavari. The present review provides an update on the diverse pharmacological activities of 'Shatavari' and Shatavarin-IV. It covers plant metabolic biosynthesis, recent mechanistic pathways underlying key bioactivities and safety aspects. The uses of this plant in some of the marketed traditional products, nano-formulations and clinical trial aspects have also been included.