Abstract
Asparagus roots (AR) contain many bioactive compounds and their use in Chinese and Indian traditional medicines is well documented. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated AR extracts act as antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidaemic and depict anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic activities and also improve cardiovascular and oral health. The physiological effects against wide range of pathologies are due to the wide range of phytochemicals found in AR including polyphenols, saponins and polysaccharides. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the functional, medical and physiological properties of AR bioactives. This review considers the roots of several asparagus species and provides up-to-date information on Asparagus officinalis that has not been extensively reviewed before.