ABSTRACT
Asparagus racemosus (Family: Asparagaceae) and Dioscorea villosa (Family: Dioscoreaceae) are two important medicinal plants used in various diseases. A. racemosus is native to the Himalayas in India while D. villosa is native to eastern North America. A. racemosus is a woody climber and D. villosa is a twining tuberous vine. The dried root of A. racemosus and tuber extract of D. villosa are used as drugs. Traditionally, A. racemosus is used as tonic, increases lactation, and improves physical stamina, immunity, and mental function. The traditional uses of D. villosa are in rheumatoid arthritis, stomach and menstrual cramps, and gallstone pain. The valuable chemical derivatives of A. racemosus are steroidal saponins, oligospirostanoside, aspargamine, racemosol, and racemofuran. The chemical derivatives of D. villosa are two furanostane-type saponins – namely methyl parvifloside and protodeltonin – and two spirostane types, deltonin and glucosidodeltonin, as well as minor saponins. Few scientific studies have tested the health benefits of A. racemosus, which are cooling, calming properties: enhanced reproductive and digestive health, treatment of diabetic nephropathy, and significantly decreased cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Potential medicinal uses of D. villosa include the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, menopause symptoms, diabetes, and muscular cramps. The current chapter highlights the traditional use, chemical derivatives, and potential benefits of A. racemosus and D. villosa.
