HERBAL MONOGRAPHS ASPARAGUS/53EFFECTS: ASPARAGUS RHIZOME AND ROOT
Animal tests indicate that the root has a diuretic effect. The
main active principles are flavonol glycoside and furostanol
and spirostanol glycosides, mainly derivatives of sarsapoge-
nin. The distinctive odor of the urine after an individual has
i^ eaten asparagus is said to be caused by methylmercaptan.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ASPARAGUS HERB
Unproven Uses: Preparations of Asparagus are used as a
diuretic, although the effectiveness for the claimed applica-
tion has not been sufficiently documented.ASPARAGUS RHIZOME AND ROOT
Approved by Commission E:- Infections of the urinary tract
- Kidney and bladder stones
Unproven Uses: Traditional uses of the root include applica-
tion for non-specific inflammatory diseases of the efferent
urinary tract and for prevention of kidney and bladder stones
(irrigation therapy). Among other folk medicine uses are
J^, dropsy, rheumatic conditions, liver disease, bronchial asthma
and gout. These applications have not been proven.Chinese Medicine: The root is used to treat irritable cough,
coughing with blood, dry mouth and throat, and constipation.Homeopathic Uses: Uses in homeopathy include kidney
stones and cardiac insufficiency.CONTRAINDICATIONS
ASPARAGUS RHIZOME AND ROOT
Because of the irritating effect of saponin, the drug should
not be administered in die presence of kidney diseases. In the
case of reduced cardiac and/or kidney function, irrigation
therapy should not be attempted.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
ASPARAGUS HERB
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. The plant has a low sensitization potential through
A skin contact. The berries are considered poisonous, although
~ there is no proof of this.
ASPARAGUS RHIZOME AND ROOT
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. When used in irrigation therapy, ensure ample fluid
intake. There is a low sensitization potential, particularly
among workers in canning factories who can become prone
to asparagus scabies.DOSAGE
ASPARAGUS RHIZOME AND ROOT
Mode of Administration: The cut rhizome is used for teas, as
well as other galenic preparations for internal use. When
used in flushing-out therapy, ensure ample fluid intake.
How Supplied: Commercial pharmaceutical preparations of
Asparagus root are available in tablet form.
Daily Dosage: The daily dosage is 45 to 80 g. A typical
single dose is 800 mg of the drug.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5 to 10
globules 1 to 3 times daily, or 1 ml injection solution twice
weekly sc (HAB1).
LITERATURE
ASPARAGUS HERB
Goryanu GM et al., (1976) Khim Prir Soed 3: 400 et 6: 762.
Kawano K et al., (1975) Agric Biol Chem 39: 1999.
Shiomi N et al., (1976) Agric Biol Chem 40: 567.
Tagasuki M et al., (1975) Chem Letters 1: 43.
Woeldecke M, Hermann K, (1974) Z Lebensm Forsch Unters
25: 459.
Further information in:
Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-
Ges Stuttgart 1997.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Hausen B, Allergiepflanzen, Pflanzenallergene, ecomed
Verlagsgesellsch. mbH, Landsberg 1988.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Rodi L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
ASPARAGUS RHIZOME AND ROOT
Goryanu GM et al., (1976) Khim Prir Soed 3: 400 et 6: 762.
Kawano K et al., Agric Biol Chem (Tokyo) 41:1. 1977.
Lazurevskii GV et al., Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR
231:1479. 1976.
Pant G et al., PH 27:3324. 1988.
Shao Y et al., Steroidal saponins from Asparagus officinalis and
their cytotoxic activity. In: PM 63(3):258-262. 1997.
Shiomi N et al., (1976) Agric Biol Chem 40: 567.
Tagasuki M et al., (1975) Chem Letters 1: 43.