Dried Chinese Asparagus Root Extract
Also known as: Chinese Asparagus, Shatavari, Asparagus cochinchinensis
Overview
Asparagus cochinchinensis is a traditional herbal supplement derived from the dried root of the plant, native to Asia. The root has been historically used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including as a tonic, expectorant, and treatment for liver and airway inflammatory diseases. Its primary active compounds include steroidal saponins, lignans, polysaccharides, and amino acids, which contribute to its pharmacological properties. Most scientific research on this herb is preclinical, primarily consisting of in vitro and animal studies that suggest potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Despite promising findings, human studies are lacking, necessitating further investigation to substantiate traditional claims of efficacy and safety.
Benefits
- **Antioxidant Activity**: The root extract exhibits strong antioxidant properties comparable to vitamin C, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (high-quality preclinical evidence). - **Anti-inflammatory Effects**: Demonstrated ability to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines in lung tissue, potentially beneficial for respiratory conditions (high-quality preclinical evidence). - **Hepatoprotective Role**: Prevents liver damage and cancer in animal studies, suggesting applications in liver health (high-quality preclinical evidence). - **Anti-tumor Potential**: In vitro studies show cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, but human data is absent (low-quality evidence). - **Neuroprotective Effects**: Inhibition of nitric oxide production in experimental models hints at neuroprotective abilities (low-quality evidence). - **Asthma Management**: Indications of airway inflammation reduction could help asthma patients, although direct human evidence is lacking.
How it works
Bioactive compounds in *Asparagus cochinchinensis*, such as steroidal saponins and lignans, engage in various biological pathways. For instance, methylprotodioscin inhibits proinflammatory cytokines through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun pathway. Its antioxidant properties are due to scavenging free radicals and boosting the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase. The extracts also modulate liver health by preventing chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.
Side effects
Currently, the safety profile remains uncertain due to a lack of human trials. The potential for drug interactions is noted, particularly with drugs processed by CYP2E1 and CYP1A2, based on animal studies. No specific common or uncommon side effects have been reported. There are no clear contraindications or recommendations for special populations, including pregnant women or children. The absence of human data on side effects highlights the necessity for cautious use and further investigation before widespread recommendations.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for humans have not been established. Preclinical studies report varied doses without consensus on an effective or safe range. As this extract often comes in dried form, there lacks clarity on optimal dosing regimens, timing for administration, or absorption factors. Maximum safe doses remain undefined, indicating a need for caution and further clinical testing to determine effective human dosages.
FAQs
Is *Asparagus cochinchinensis* safe?
Safety in humans is not well established. Preclinical studies suggest caution due to potential drug interactions.
How should I take *Asparagus cochinchinensis*?
There are no established guidelines for timing and administration. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What benefits can I expect?
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects are noted in preclinical studies, but human trials are needed for confirmation.
Is *Asparagus cochinchinensis* effective for asthma?
There are suggestions it may assist with asthma due to anti-inflammatory properties, but human data is lacking.
Why are traditional uses not guaranteed to be effective?
Traditional use does not equate to confirmed safety or efficacy; rigorous human trials are essential for validation.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1068858/full – This article reviews the pharmacological effects of *Asparagus cochinchinensis*, indicating benefits in anti-asthma, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities predominantly based on preclinical studies.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chinese-asparagus – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides an overview of scientific evidence regarding *Asparagus cochinchinensis*, emphasizing its traditional uses in medicine and the need for more rigorous human studies.
- https://www.sysrevpharm.org/articles/asparagus-racemosus--a-review.pdf – This review highlights the various pharmacological properties of *Asparagus cochinchinensis*, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while noting the predominance of preclinical evidence.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28946917/ – This study provides evidence of the antioxidant capacity of *Asparagus cochinchinensis*, showing that extracts can effectively scavenge free radicals and improve enzyme activities compared to vitamin C.
