Vol. 7, Issue 3 (2018)

Author(s):
Dayanand M Jadhav

Abstract:
Asparagus racemosus Willd belongs to family Asparagaceae is a common medicinal plant found in hilly and plane regions of India. The plant has got immense medicinal properties and because of that it has got special importance in ayurvedic system of medicine. In the present investigation attempts were made for study of phytochemical and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of root. The study showed presence of primary phytochemicals like steroids, alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, flavoniods, amino acids except tannins. Chromatographic analysis (HPTLC) showed presence of seven polyvalent phytochemical compounds with variable Rf valus and concentration. The antimicrobial study of extract showed significant growth inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mixture of polyvalent compounds present in the extracts might be responsible for the antibacterial activity against the pyogenic bacteria. The results obtained support the application of Asparagus racemosus in several traditional ethnomedicinal applications. Furthermore HPTLC fingerprint developed may found its application in the correct taxonomical identification of Asparagus racemosus and in detecting adulterations in the crude plant drug.