A comparative analysis of physicochemical and antioxidant profiles of wild and cultivated Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) roots

Abstract BACKGROUND: Shatavari ( Asparagus racemosus Willd), known for its Rasayana, properties, holds significant medical, research, and economic values, especially due to its potent aphrodisiac attributes. However, the rising demand for A. racemosus has triggered unsustainable harvesting practices, habitat destruction, and deforestation, pushing the species toward endangerment in the wild. Due to its extensive utilization for medicinal and nutritional purposes, the cultivation of Shatavari has become increasingly essential to meet growing demand while alleviating pressure on wild populations. This study aims to generate a comparative analytical profile of cultivated Shatavari (CS) and wild Shatavari (WS). METHODS: Fresh roots of CS and WS were sourced from Gondia District and Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, respectively. The samples underwent authentication before analysis. A comprehensive evaluation was performed, including macroscopic and microscopic (powder) studies, organoleptic and physicochemical evaluations, and phytochemical screening. High-performance thin-layer chromatography was conducted for bioactive constituent identification (fingerprinting assay), followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pesticide residues were estimated using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, whereas radical scavenging activity was assessed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. RESULT: The study reveals variations between WS and CS in the physicochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidant profiles. Both specimens demonstrated antioxidant potential (inhibitory concentration 50: 692.56 µg/mL for CS and 400.10 µg/mL for WS), indicating greater efficacy in WS than in the CS. The chromatographic assay showed that the bioactive constituent, β-sitosterol, was significantly higher in WS (20.08 µg/100 mg) than in the CS (4.628 µg/100 mg). WS exhibited a higher total ash value (WS: 10.37 ± 0.03 and CS: 3.69 ± 0.04) and lower water-soluble (WS: 65.73 ± 0.14 and CS: 39.29 ± 0.43) and alcohol-soluble extractives (WS: 23.66 ± 0.50 and CS: 17.78 ± 0.37) than in the CS, indicating substantial physicochemical differences between the two phytochemical screening further revealed the absence of proteins in CS. A critical finding of this study is the presence of pesticides in both specimens, which is not up to Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia standards. CONCLUSION: Despite the chromatographic and physicochemical parameters favoring WS, CS can be a viable alternative if cultivated under stringent Good Agricultural and Collection Practices. Pesticides in both sources underscore the need for rigorous quality control in both wild and cultivated Shatavari .