Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF ROOTS OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS WILLD.

Y.C. Tripathi, Shalini Tiwari, Nishat Anjum and Devesh Tewari*

Abstract

Present study deals with qualitative and quantitative phytochemical evaluation of bioactive phytochemicals of roots of Asparagus racemosus, a traditionally acclaimed medicinal plant and antioxidant and antimicrobial assays of root extracts. The physicochemical and phytochemical analysis including quantitative estimation of total steroidal saponins, total alkaloid, flavonoids and TLC profiling of various extracts of A. racemosus roots were done by prescribed methods. The antioxidant activity of methanol extract was performed as reducing power assay and antimicrobial activity of water extract was assayed against Staphylococcus inoculums. Physicochemical studies resulted in standard value of certain quality ascertaining parameters. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of various phytochemicals. Quantitative evaluation of major bioactive constituents revealed considerably high content of total steroidal saponins in roots. Methanol extract of roots recorded a high amount of total phenolics and resultant good reducing activity whereas water extract of roots found to exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus. Standard values for key quality parameters will be helpful in authentication of A. racemosus roots. Notable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of root extracts provide scientific validation of traditional medicinal claims of the plant.

Keywords: Asparagus racemosus, Roots, Phytochemical screening, Quantification, Antioxidant & Antimicrobial assay.