PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL COMPOUNDS BY THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY OF ETHANOL FRACTION OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS ROOTS

Objectives: Asparagus racemosus ( AR ) Willd, is commonly known as Shatavari, belongs to family Liliaceae, and has potent medicinal values. The present study deals with detail Pharmacological evaluation of ethanol fraction of AR . Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, qualitative analysis of antioxidant and flavonoid detection, total phenol and flavonoid content were measured. Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytoconstituents like phytosterols, phenols, flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates. Ethanol fraction of Asparagus racemosus roots have maximum relative percentage inhibition against gram (-) bacteria. The root displayed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity against standard ascorbic acid. Thin layer chromatography of the ethanol fraction was also performed to determine the active principles. Four major spots obtained with the Rf values 0.20, 0.22, 0.24 and 0.58. Total flavonoid and phenol content was 188.3 mg/g quercetin equivalent and 165.22mg/g gallic acid equivalent respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the current study shows that Asparagus racemosus is a good source of various phytochemicals and can be useful to progress and surge further scientific investigation to prevent and management of different diseases by their medicinal properties.