Phytochemical Screening, HPTLC Fingerprinting and Invitro Antioxidant Activity of Root Extract of Asparagus racemosus

Background: Asparagus racemosus is a climber shrub used in Indian medicine for centuries. It has been used as galactogogue and nerve tonic in folk medicine. The recent research on A. racemosus has revealed its disease fighting properties such as anti-bacterial, immunomodulatory, cardio protective, anti-stress, etc. Phytochemicals present in the plants are associated with their therapeutic capabilities. Hence, phytochemical screening of a therapeutic plant is essential. Materials and Methods: A preliminary qualitative screening of phytoconstituents present in the ethanol and aqueous extract of the plant was done. high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used to create a phytochemical fingerprint of the plant extract. Further, a series of antioxidant assays, i.e., 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) radical, Nitric oxide (NO) radical, Superoxide (SO) radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays were done. Results: The phytochemical screening and the HPTLC fingerprint showed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, saponins etc. They also showed free radical scavenging property and hence can be used as potential primary antioxidant. Conclusion: A preliminary screening created a phytochemical profile of A. racemosus extracts. These phytoconstituents may be linked to the various known therapeutic applications of the plant. This may aid in further extensive studies for identifying and isolating compounds with potential therapeutic value in A. racemosus.