Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of Asparagus meioclados Levl. and Asparagus munitus Wang et S. C. Chen plastomes and utility of plastomes mutational hotspots.

Tiandong is a vital traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It is derived from the tuber root of the Asparagus cochinchinensis according to the Pharmacopoeia of the people's republic of China (2020 Edition). On account of the similar morphology, Asparagus meioclados and Asparagus munitus were used as Tian-Dong in southwest China. Chloroplast (cp) genomes are highly active genetic components of plants and play an extremely important role in improving the efficiency of the identification of plant species. To differentiate the medicinal plants belonging to the genus Asparagus, we sequenced and analyzed the complete plastomes (plastid genomes) of A. meioclados and A. munitus and obtained two plastomes whose length changed to 156,515 bp and 156,381 bp, respectively. A total of 111 unique genes have been detected in plastome, which included 78 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. In plastomes of A. meioclados and A. munitus, 14,685 and 14,987 codons were detected, among which 9942 and 10,207 had the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values higher than 1, respectively. A. meioclados and A. munitus have 26 SSRs patterns, among which A. meioclados was 25 and A. munitus 21. The average Ka/Ks value was 0.36, and positive selection was detected in genes of the photosynthetic system (ndhF and rbcL) in Asparagus species. To perform the comparative analysis of plastomes, the two newly sequenced plastomes of the A. meioclados and A. munitus species were compared with that of A. cochinchinensis, and 12 hotspots, including 5 coding regions and 7 inter-genomic regions, were identified. Based on the whole plastome of Asparagus, 2 divergent hotspots (accD and rpl32-trnL-UAG) and 1 international barcode fragment (rbcL) were screened, which may be used as particular molecular markers for the identification of Asparagus species. In addition, we determined the phylogenetic relationship between A. meioclados and A. munitus in the genus Asparagus. This study enriches our knowledge of the molecular evolutionary relationships of the Asparagus genus and provides treasured data records for species identification, molecular breeding, and evolutionary analysis of this genus.

Enzyme Inhibition and Antioxidant Activities of Asparagus officinalis L. and Analysis of Its Phytochemical Content by LC/MS/MS.

In the study, water, ethanol, methanol, dichloromethane, and acetone extracts of Asparagus officinalis L. were obtained by maceration. DPPH⋅, ABTS⋅+ , FRAP, and CUPRAC methods determined the antioxidant capacities of all extracts. Moreover, the in vitro effects of extracts on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase (CA)-I, CA-II and α-Glycosidase were investigated. At a 10 µg/ml concentration, the extract with the highest Fe3+ reduction capacity was ethanol (AE), and the extract with the highest Cu2+ reduction capacity was acetone (AA). AE for AChE (IC50 =21.19 µg/ml) and α-Glycosidase (IC50 : 70.00 µg/ml), methanol (AM) for BChE (IC50 =17.33 µg/ml), CA-I and II (IC50 =79.65 and 36.09 µg/ml, respectively) showed the most potent inhibition effect. The content analysis of acetone extract was performed with LC/MS-MS, the first three phytochemicals found most were p-Coumaric acid, rutin, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (284.29±3.97, 135.39±8.19, and 102.06±5.51 µg analyte/g extract, respectively).

Asparagus (Asparagus racemosus L.) roots: nutritional profile, medicinal profile, preservation, and value addition.

Asparagus (Asparagus racemosus L.) is one of the most significant traditional medicinal plants, containing phytochemicals that are non-nutritive but beneficial to health. It contains bioactive metabolites such as fructo-oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, asparosides, shatavarins, sapogenins, racemosols, isoflavones, glycosides, mucilage, and fatty acids, while saponin is one of the main active constituents of asparagus roots. Asparagus helps in fertility promotion, stress management, and hormone modulation. It also treats stomach ulcers, kidney disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Substitution of asparagus powder or extract for value addition of food products (such as beverages, bakery, and milk) enhances the nutritional and functional properties. Currently, the plant is considered endangered in its natural habitat because of its destructive harvesting, habitat destruction, and deforestation. As it is a highly perishable commodity, it needs proper handling, preservation, and storage. This review will outline the medicinal properties, uses, value addition, and preservation techniques of asparagus roots. The study found that, till now, the only preservation techniques used to increase the shelf life of asparagus roots are drying and irradiation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistic effect of standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem and heat shock on progesterone synthesis with lipid droplets and mitochondrial function in bovine granulosa cells.

Progesterone (P4) is a well-known steroid hormone that plays a key role in oocyte growth and the maintenance of pregnancy in mammals, including cattle. Heat stress (HS) has an adverse effect on P4 synthesis through an imbalance in the cellular redox status. We have recently revealed that a standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem (EAS) increases P4 through non-HS induction of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and a synergistic increase of HSP70 by enhancing the intracellular redox balance, which was adversely affected by HS in bovine granulosa cells (GCs). Bovine GCs collected from bovine ovarian follicles were cultured at 38.5 °C and 41 °C for 12 h with or without 5 mg/mL EAS. After treatment, cells and culture suppernatant were collected for the analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect in P4 levels. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect expression of steroidogenesis related genes. Fluorescence staining was used to detect mitochondrial activity and lipid droplet. P4 level was increased by EAS treatment in association with increase in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD), mitochondrial membrane activity and lipid droplet both under non-HS and HS conditions. Notably, synergistic effect of EAS with HS co-treatment was observed to show a greater increase in P4 synthesis when comparison with EAS treatment under non-HS condition. Furthermore, inhibition of HSP70 significantly reduced EAS-induced P4 synthesis, mitochondrial activity and synthesis of lipid droplets. These results suggest that P4 synthesis by EAS is mediated by the steroidogenesis pathway via HSP70-regulated activation of STAR and 3ß-HSD, together with improved mitochondrial activity and lipid metabolism in bovine GCs. Moreover, effect of EAS has a synergistic effect of with HSP70-regulated steroidogenesis pathway.

Differentiation of three Asparagus species by UHPLC-MS/MS based molecular networking identification and chemical profile analysis.

Asparagi Radix (AR), a traditional Chinese medicine, is the dried roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that AR has various excellent bioactivities, such as antioxidative, antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. However, the quality control method of AR is incomplete and there are various AR adulterants in markets due to their similar morphological characters. Here, holistic and practical quality evaluation methods were developed to chemically distinguish three common Asparagus species in markets, including Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., Asparagus officinalis L., and Asparagus lycopodineus (Baker) F.T.Wang & Tang. The chemical constituents of three species were rapidly tentatively annotated using a combination of ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) and molecular networking (MN). Fifty-six steroidal saponins were annotated, including common and characteristic chemical constituents of the three Asparagus species. Besides, to establish holistic and practical methods to differentiate three Asparagus species, an HPLC-ELSD (evaporative light scattering detector) was applied for fingerprint analysis and content determination of the sum of protoneodioscin and protodioscin of twenty samples. Each Asparagus species showed characteristic chemical profile and AR showed much higher level of the sum of protoneodioscin and protodioscin than that in the others. The above analyses showed that the three Asparagus species mainly contain steroidal saponins and the developed HPLC-ELSD profile of saponin can be used to differentiate them. In conclusion, this study reveals the different chemical constituents of three Asparagus species and provides relatively feasible quality evaluation methods for them which are essential for the rational utilization of these Asparagus species.

High-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy-based identification of α-amylase inhibitor from the aerial part of Asparagus racemosus Willd.

INTRODUCTION: α-Amylase inhibitors from natural sources are of interest for new drug development for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled bioassay guided isolation of bioactive compounds has been improved within last few years. OBJECTIVE: A microchemical derivatised HPTLC-coupled attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed for profiling α-amylase inhibitor from the aerial part of Asparagus racemosus Willd. METHODOLOGY: Asparagus racemosus Willd. aerial part extracted with different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol) and assayed to detect free radical scavengers and α-amylase inhibitor by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and starch-iodine assay method, respectively. HPTLC-coupled ATR-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the α-amylase inhibitor. RESULTS: Methanolic extract of A. racemosus showed highest antioxidant activity (21.99 µg GAE/µL) where n-hexane extract showed lowest antioxidant activity (5.87 µg GAE/µL). The α-amylase inhibition was recorded as highest and lowest in ethyl acetate extract (13.13 AE/µL) and n-hexane extract (3.92 AE/µL), respectively. The deep blue zone of α-amylase sprayed TLC plate of extracts with hRF = 72 analysed for ATR-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy which revealed the presence of stigmasterol is responsible for α-amylase inhibition. CONCLUSION: The present work establishes the α-amylase inhibiting properties of A. racemosus maintaining its use for the treatment of DM as a traditional medicine. Bioassay guided isolation through HPTLC-coupled ATR-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy offers an effective method for the exploration of bioactive compounds such as α-amylase inhibitor from complex plant extracts.

In Vitro and In Vivo Regulation of SRD5A mRNA Expression of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract from Asparagus racemosus Willd. Root as Anti-Sebum and Pore-Minimizing Active Ingredients.

Oily skin from overactive sebaceous glands affects self-confidence and personality. There is report of an association between steroid 5-alpha reductase gene (SRD5A) expression and facial sebum production. There is no study of the effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root extract on the regulation of SRD5A mRNA expression and anti-sebum efficacy. This study extracted A. racemosus using the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid technique with ethanol and investigated its biological compounds and activities. The A. racemosus root extract had a high content of polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin, naringenin, and p-coumaric acid, and DPPH scavenging activity comparable to that of the standard L-ascorbic acid. A. racemosus root extract showed not only a significant reduction in SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 mRNA expression by about 45.45% and 90.86%, respectively, but also a reduction in the in vivo anti-sebum efficacy in male volunteers, with significantly superior percentage changes in facial sebum production and a reduction in the percentages of pore area after 15 and 30 days of treatment. It can be concluded that A. racemosus root extract with a high content of polyphenol compounds, great antioxidant effects, promising downregulation of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2, and predominant facial sebum reduction and pore-minimizing efficacy could be a candidate for an anti-sebum and pore-minimizing active ingredient to serve in functional cosmetic applications.

Shatavari Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women Improves Handgrip Strength and Increases Vastus lateralis Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation but Does Not Alter Markers of Bone Turnover.

Shatavari has long been used as an Ayurvedic herb for women's health, but empirical evidence for its effectiveness has been lacking. Shatavari contains phytoestrogenic compounds that bind to the estradiol receptor. Postmenopausal estradiol deficiency contributes to sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In a randomised double-blind trial, 20 postmenopausal women (68.5 ± 6 years) ingested either placebo (N = 10) or shatavari (N = 10; 1000 mg/d, equivalent to 26,500 mg/d fresh weight shatavari) for 6 weeks. Handgrip and knee extensor strength were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks. Vastus lateralis (VL) biopsy samples were obtained. Data are presented as difference scores (Week 6-baseline, median ± interquartile range). Handgrip (but not knee extensor) strength was improved by shatavari supplementation (shatavari +0.7 ± 1.1 kg, placebo -0.4 ± 1.3 kg; p = 0.04). Myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation, a known marker of improved myosin contractile function, was increased in VL following shatavari supplementation (immunoblotting; placebo -0.08 ± 0.5 a.u., shatavari +0.3 ± 1 arbitrary units (a.u.); p = 0.03). Shatavari increased the phosphorylation of Aktser473 (Aktser473 (placebo -0.6 ± 0.6 a.u., shatavari +0.2 ± 1.3 a.u.; p = 0.03) in VL. Shatavari supplementation did not alter plasma markers of bone turnover (P1NP, ß-CTX) and stimulation of human osteoblasts with pooled sera (N = 8 per condition) from placebo and shatavari supplementation conditions did not alter cytokine or metabolic markers of osteoblast activity. Shatavari may improve muscle function and contractility via myosin conformational change and further investigation of its utility in conserving and enhancing musculoskeletal function, in larger and more diverse cohorts, is warranted.

Anticancer Activity of Aqueous Extracts from Asparagus officinalis L. Byproduct on Breast Cancer Cells.

Cultivation of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.; Asp) for food and medicinal use has taken place since the early Roman Empire. Today, Asp represents a worldwide diffuse perennial crop. Lower portions of the spears represent a food industry waste product that can be used to extract bioactive molecules. In this study, aqueous extracts derived from the non-edible portion of the plant (hard stem) were prepared and characterized for chemical content. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Asp aqueous extracts were assessed in vitro on normal fibroblasts and on breast cancer cell lines. Results showed no interference with fibroblast viability, while a remarkable cytostatic concentration-dependent activity, with significant G1/S cell cycle arrest, was specifically observed in breast cancer cells without apoptosis induction. Asp extracts were also shown to significantly inhibit cell migration. Further analyses showed that Asp extracts were characterized by specific pro-oxidant activity against tumoral cells, and, importantly, that their combination with menadione resulted in a significant enhancement of oxidants production with respect to menadione alone in breast cancer cells but not in normal cells. This selectivity of action on tumoral cells, together with the easiness of their preparation, makes the aqueous Asp extracts very attractive for further investigation in breast cancer research, particularly to investigate their role as possible co-adjuvant agents of clinical drug therapies.

Neuromodulatory potential of Asparagus racemosus and its bioactive molecule Shatavarin IV by enhancing synaptic acetylcholine level and nAChR activity.

Cholinergic dysfunction has been commonly known to be associated with plethora of neurodegenerative disorders and also serves as a biomarker. Recently, cholinergic system demonstrated that acetylcholine has major role in regulation of its function therefore the main therapeutic regimens towards disease management have been focused on increasing acetylcholine levels. The current study explores the potential of Asparagus racemosus extract (ARE) and its bioactive molecule Shatavarin IV (SIV) in improving cholinergic transmission via utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans considering as a model system. Observations and results obtained through this study have clearly showed significant modulation in cholinergic function by increasing acetylcholine (ACh) levels and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) activity. Further exploration on mechanistic facet pointed towards ARE and SIV modulatory potential through increased synaptic ACh level by blocking acetyl cholinesterase at enzyme level and by regulating increment in transcript level of cha-1, and cho-1 that are directly responsible for the synthesis of ACh. Further, the up-regulation of unc-38 and unc-50 transcripts could be the reason for enhanced nAChR activity and investigation on stress modulator activity showed excellent efficiency of ARE and SIV in diminishing ROS thereby lowering the oxidative damage.

Standardized Extract of Asparagus officinalis Stem Attenuates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced IL-6 and IL-1ß Production by Suppressing p44/42 MAPK and Akt Phosphorylation in Murine Primary Macrophages.

Excessive host inflammation following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with severity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We recently reported that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit (S1) induces pro-inflammatory responses by activating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in macrophages. A standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem (EAS) is a unique functional food that elicits anti-photoaging effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling in hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet B-exposed skin fibroblasts. To elucidate its potential in preventing excessive inflammation in COVID-19, we examined the effects of EAS on pro-inflammatory responses in S1-stimulated macrophages. Murine peritoneal exudate macrophages were co-treated with EAS and S1. Concentrations and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Expression and phosphorylation levels of signaling proteins were analyzed using western blotting and fluorescence immunomicroscopy. EAS significantly attenuated S1-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 in a concentration-dependent manner without reducing cell viability. EAS also markedly suppressed the S1-induced transcription of IL-6 and IL-1ß. However, among the TLR4 signaling proteins, EAS did not affect the degradation of inhibitor κBα, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 subunit, and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase p54 subunit after S1 exposure. In contrast, EAS significantly suppressed S1-induced phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt. Attenuation of S1-induced transcription of IL-6 and IL-1ß by the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 was greater than that by the Akt inhibitor perifosine, and the effects were potentiated by simultaneous treatment with both inhibitors. These results suggest that EAS attenuates S1-induced IL-6 and IL-1ß production by suppressing p44/42 MAPK and Akt signaling in macrophages. Therefore, EAS may be beneficial in regulating excessive inflammation in patients with COVID-19.

A standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem improves HSP70-mediated redox balance and cell functions in bovine cumulus-granulosa cells.

Heat shock (HS) protein 70 (HSP70), a well-known HS-induced protein, acts as an intracellular chaperone to protect cells against stress conditions. Although HS induces HSP70 expression to confer stress resistance to cells, HS causes cell toxicity by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Recently, a standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem (EAS), produced from the byproduct of asparagus, has been shown to induce HSP70 expression without HS and regulate cellular redox balance in pheochromocytoma cells. However, the effects of EAS on reproductive cell function remain unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of EAS on HSP70 induction and oxidative redox balance in cultured bovine cumulus-granulosa (CG) cells. EAS significantly increased HSP70 expression; however, no effect was observed on HSP27 and HSP90 under non-HS conditions. EAS decreased ROS generation and DNA damage and increased glutathione (GSH) synthesis under both non-HS and HS conditions. Moreover, EAS synergistically increased HSP70 and HSF1 expression and increased progesterone levels in CG cells. Treatment with an HSP70 inhibitor significantly decreased GSH level, increased ROS level, and decreased HSF1, Nrf2, and Keap1 expression in the presence of EAS. Furthermore, EAS significantly increased progesterone synthesis. Thus, EAS improves HSP70-mediated redox balance and cell function in bovine CG cells.

Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction has remained as one of the major global health issues. Since the discovery of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, a significant portion of the patients has solved the issue of erectile dysfunction. However, the wide distribution of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzymes at various sites of the body led phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors to cause various unnecessary outcomes. Hence, it is vital to look for and find optional agents that could solve these limitations. The people of Ethiopia depend heavily on medicinal plants to ease their ailments, including erectile dysfunction. Aim of the study. The current study was carried out to systematically review the traditional medicinal plants used for the management of erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia. METHOD: A systematic and manual search was conducted to retrieve relevant articles published from 2000 to August 2020. Electronic databases of PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, and grey literature were employed to access the studies. Accordingly, fifty-four published articles and thesis papers were finally included in this study. RESULT: Seventy plant species have been reported for the management of erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia. The commonly recorded family was Fabaceae, followed by Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae, and Solanaceae. The plant species that represented the highest number of citations were Asparagus africanus, succeeded by Ricinus communis and Carissa spinarum. The commonest plant part used was roots. Majority of the medicinal plants were administered orally. The growth forms of the reported species were primarily herbs followed by shrubs. CONCLUSION: The present review compiled medicinal plants utilized by the Ethiopian community to manage erectile dysfunction. The findings will serve as a reference for the selection of plants for further pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical investigations in developing new plant-based drugs used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Ayurveda botanicals in COVID-19 management: An in silico multi-target approach.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic in a very short time span. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine to counter this highly contagious disease. There is an urgent need to find a specific cure for the disease and global efforts are directed at developing SARS-CoV-2 specific antivirals and immunomodulators. Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy has been traditionally used in India for its immunomodulatory and adaptogenic effects, and more recently has been included as therapeutic adjuvant for several maladies. Amongst several others, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) and Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) play an important role in Rasayana therapy. The objective of this study was to explore the immunomodulatory and anti SARS-CoV2 potential of phytoconstituents from Ashwagandha, Guduchi and Shatavari using network pharmacology and docking. The plant extracts were prepared as per ayurvedic procedures and a total of 31 phytoconstituents were identified using UHPLC-PDA and mass spectrometry studies. To assess the immunomodulatory potential of these phytoconstituents an in-silico network pharmacology model was constructed. The model predicts that the phytoconstituents possess the potential to modulate several targets in immune pathways potentially providing a protective role. To explore if these phytoconstituents also possess antiviral activity, docking was performed with the Spike protein, Main Protease and RNA dependent RNA polymerase of the virus. Interestingly, several phytoconstituents are predicted to possess good affinity for the three targets, suggesting their application for the termination of viral life cycle. Further, predictive tools indicate that there would not be adverse herb-drug pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interactions with concomitantly administered drug therapy. We thus make a compelling case to evaluate the potential of these Rasayana botanicals as therapeutic adjuvants in the management of COVID-19 following rigorous experimental validation.

Neuroprotective Effects of Asparagus officinalis Stem Extract in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Amyloid Precursor Protein.

To mimic Alzheimer's disease, transgenic mice overexpressing the amyloid precursor protein (APP) were used in this study. We hypothesize that the neuroprotective effects of ETAS®50, a standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem produced by Amino Up Co., Ltd. (Sapporo, Japan), are linked to the inhibition of the apoptosis cascade through an enhancement of the stress-response proteins: heat shock proteins (HSPs). APP-overexpressing mice (double-transgenic APP and PS1 mouse strains with a 129s6 background), ages 6-8 weeks old, and weighing 20-24 grams were successfully bred in our laboratory. The animals were divided into 5 groups. APP-overexpressing mice and wild-type (WT) mice were pretreated with ETAS®50 powder (50% elemental ETAS and 50% destrin) at 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Saline, the vehicle for ETAS®50, was administered in APP-overexpressing mice and WT mice. ETAS®50 and saline were administered by gavage daily for 1 month. Cognitive assessments, using the Morris Water Maze, demonstrated that memory was recovered following ETAS®50 treatment as compared to nontreated APP mice. At euthanization, the brain was removed and HSPs, amyloid ß, tau proteins, and caspase-3 were evaluated through immunofluorescence staining with the appropriate antibodies. Our data indicate that APP mice have cognitive impairment along with elevated amyloid ß, tau proteins, and caspase-3. ETAS®50 restored cognitive function in these transgenic mice, increased both HSP70 and HSP27, and attenuated pathogenic level of amyloid ß, tau proteins, and caspsase-3 leading to neuroprotection. Our results were confirmed with a significant increase in HSP70 gene expression in the hippocampus.

Identification of Bioactive Compounds of Asparagus officinalis L.: Permutation Test Allows Differentiation among "Triguero" and Hybrid Green Varieties.

In this study, we determined the phytochemical profile of the Spanish "triguero" asparagus landrace "verde-morado" (Asparagus officinalis L.), a wild traditional landrace, and the improved "triguero" HT-801, together with two commercial green asparagus varieties. For comparison, we used reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-TOF/MS) followed by a permutation test applied using a resampling methodology valid under a relaxed set of assumptions, such as i.i.d. errors (not necessarily normal) that are exchangeable under the null hypothesis. As a result, we postulate that "triguero" varieties (the improved HT-801 followed by its parent "verde-morado") have a significantly different phytochemical profile from that of the other two commercial hybrid green varieties. In particular, we found compounds specific to the "triguero" varieties, such as feruloylhexosylhexose isomers, or isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, which was found only in the "triguero" variety HT-801. Although studies relating the phytochemical content of "triguero" asparagus varieties to its health-promoting effects are required, this characteristic phytochemical profile can be used for differentiating and revalorizating these asparagus cultivars.

Nutricosmetic effects of Asparagus officinalis: a potent matrix metalloproteinase-1 inhibitor.

This study aimed to investigate the nutricosmetic effect of Asparagus officinalis extracts. The tip and spear of A. officinalis were successively extracted with 95% ethanol. The rutin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents of A. officinalis extracts were investigated. The antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition were determined by in vitro enzyme reaction assay. The cytotoxicity was analyzed on peripheral blood mononuclear cellss. Findings revealed that drying temperature and drying duration had significant effects on the chemical composition and biological activity of A. officinalis extract. A. officinalis tips dried at 50 °C for 24 h contained the (significantly) highest flavonoid and rutin content. The most potent extract was from A. officinalis spears since it possessed the (significantly) highest MMP-1, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition rates of 83.4 ± 1.5%, 70.4 ± 4.1%, and 75.2 ± 1.0%, respectively. Interestingly, at the same concentration, the A. officinalis spear extract was more potent in MMP-1 inhibition than oleanolic acid and epigallocatechin gallate, the well-known natural MMP-1 inhibitors. The results show that A. officinalis extract is an attractive source of natural anti-skin-wrinkle ingredients.

Neuro-nutraceutical potential of Asparagus racemosus: A review.

Debilitating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions are associated with complex multifactorial pathophysiology. Their treatment strategies often only provide symptomatic relief, delaying disease progression without giving a complete cure. Potent and safer treatment alternatives beyond symptomatic relief are sought. Herbal supplements have surely been explored due to their multiple component nature to enhance the effect of western medications. One such well-documented nutraceutical in the ancient Greek, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine system known for its various medicinal benefits is Asparagus racemosus. Widely used for its lactogenic properties, A. racemosus is also cited in Ayurveda as a nervine tonic. A. racemosus based nutraceuticals have shown to possess adaptogenic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nootropic activity under preclinical and clinical settings without posing significant adverse effects. A. racemosus extracts restore the perturbed neurotransmitters and prevent oxidative neuronal damage. From the available neuropharmacological researches, the physiological actions of A. racemosus can ultimately be directed for either augmentation of cognitive ability or in the management of neurological conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. The studies focus on the multi-component extract, and the lack of standardization has been a major hurdle in preventing the allotment of reported neuropharmacological activity to one of the phytoconstituent. Herbal standardization of the plant extract based on a specific biomarker can help elucidate the intricate biomolecular pathway and neurocircuitries being involved. This, followed by rigorous standardized clinical trials, fixing dosages, and determining contraindications would facilitate the translation of A. racemosus to a FDA-approved neuromedicine for neurological disorders.

Improved Sleep Quality and Work Performance Among Shift Workers Consuming a "Foods with Function Claims" Containing Asparagus Extract.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether Foods with Function Claims (FFC) containing asparagus extract effectively improved sleep quality and work performance in shift workers. An intervention study with a before-and-after intervention design was conducted on nurses engaged in two-shift work at a hospital, ingesting a FFC containing asparagus extract. The evaluation period lasted at least two weeks, including three nights shifts during the period. Before and after ingestion, Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Sleep quality (VAS-rated), impaired work functioning, and psychiatric symptoms were evaluated. A diary record, wearing of an activity meter, and a Psychomotor vigilance test were also performed at baseline and after intervention. Data were analyzed by the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Among 34 participants, 33 completed the study. The results of the primary outcome measures showed significant improvements in PSQI and Sleep Quality in the night of the day after a night shift (PSQI total score: base line 7.41/ post intervention 6.03: P < 0.001; sleep quality: base line 4.48/post intervention 6.00: P < 0.001). The results of the secondary outcome measures showed significant improvements in UWES and feeling of fatigue. There was also trend of improvement in sleep efficiency and the reaction time. There was no significant improvement in impaired work functioning. This study showed that regular consumption of an FFC containing asparagus extract could improve sleep quality, feeling of fatigue, and work engagement among shift workers. Some caution, however, is needed when interpreting the results because of the before-and-after intervention design without a control group.

Development of comprehensive liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection for the characterization of (poly-)phenolic and flavonoid compounds and application to asparagus.

The main objective of the present work was to develop a method for the simultaneous and comprehensive analysis of (poly-)phenolic and flavonoid compounds with liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection and its application to green asparagus samples. To this end, a representative set of polyphenols was used to develop the method. A through method validation was carried out with these. The method was applied to asparagus samples known as a healthy vegetable being rich in bioactive compounds. Polyphenol contents of asparagus samples were determined by carrying out quantitative and qualitative analyses by LC-DAD-ESI/MS. In this context asparagus sample extracts were obtained using solvents of different polarity. The results were evaluated statistically and showed that rutin is the major phenolic compound in asparagus. This demonstrates the versatility of this rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of (poly-)phenolic and flavonoid compounds which was successfully applied to asparagus samples.