Bio Diversity Park

Common Name : Indian Asparagus

Hindi Name : सतावरी | Scientific Name : Asparagus racemosus
Family : Liliaceae
Uses : It is recommended in Ayurvedic texts for prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and as a galactogogue. The plant has been shown to aid in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and in alcohol abstinence-induced withdrawal symptoms. It is mainly known for its phytoestrogenic properties. Besides use in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, the plant also has potent antioxidant, immunostimulant, antidyspepsia and antitussive effects. Asparagus root possesses aphrodisiac, demulcent, general tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-oxidant and antispasmodic properties. Regular use of asparagus root treats infertility, impotence, leucorrhea, menopause syndromes, hyperacidity, and certain infectious diseases such as herpes and syphilis. It is also useful in treatment of epilepsy, kidney disorders, chronic fevers, excessive heat, stomach ulcers and liver cancer.
Native: India
General Description:

It is a woody perennial climber; stem often spinescent, terete, green; rootstock with fascicled tuberous roots. Cladodes from the axils of scale leaves in clusters of 2-6, 0.8-1.5 x 0.1-0.3cm, linear-falcate, slightly triquetrous, base narrow, apex acute. Racemes 2.5-5cm long, slender, axillary, solitary or clustered. Flowers bisexual, 5-6mm across; bracts triangular; pedicel c. 1mm long. Perianth-lobes 6, white, c. 3 x 0.5mm, oblong, acute. Stamens 6, adnate to the perianth lobes; filaments subulate. Ovary 2-3mm long, globose to slightly 3-gonous, 3-celled; ovules 2 per cell; stigma 3, recurved. Berry 4-6mm diam., globose, purple on ripening. Seeds 2-5, c. 2 mm across, globose.