Chinese asparagus, which is derived from the plant’s root, is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy, cough suppressant, and treatment for a variety of ailments, including hepatic and respiratory inflammatory diseases. As very little study has been done on Chinese asparagus, scientists are unsure how it works. Chinese asparagus extracts hindered the development of isolated lung cancer cells in the lab and protected liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol. Studies show that it help decrease airway inflammation. However, it is unknown if similar effects may occur in the human body, and further study is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this treatment.
The majority of chinese asparagus root is yellow, mushy, and chewy; however, a less common red variety is thought to be more powerful. It has a sweet, bitter flavour and chilly qualities in traditional Chinese medicine, and it works with the Lung, Kidney, and Heart meridians. It is regarded as one of the most valuable shen tonics in herbal therapy.
It lubricates and cleanses the lungs (which eliminates toxins from the respiratory tract and helps breathing) and stimulates the generation of kidney yin (which increases well-being and peace of mind) (which may improve sexual potency).
Asparagus is sometimes used as part of a face mask to hydrate the skin and feed the yin.
Medicinal Uses :
For the treatment of cancer :
Some action against isolated lung cancer cell lines has been discovered in limited laboratory studies. However to prove the anti-cancer effects of the herb on humans more studies and human trials are required.
To treat respiratory illnesses :
Compounds identified in Chinese asparagus may protect against airway inflammatory disorders, according to preliminary scientific experiments, although no human trials have been done. In animal studies, several extracts have shown anti-asthmatic benefits via reducing airway inflammation.
For the treatment of hepatitis :
Limited laboratory research reveals a protective effect on liver cells against alcohol damage. There have been no human research.
It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce ethanol-induced cytotoxicity, according to in vitro research. Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo investigations.
Mechanism of action
Norlignans, steroidal saponins, pregnane glycosides, aspacochinosides, and furostanol glycosides are some of the compounds isolated from this species, and some of them may have anti-neuroinflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-induced murine microglial cells by inhibiting nitric oxide production.
In mouse astrocytes, an aqueous extract of asparagus root suppresses tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion.
In Hep G2 cell lines, asparagus root also decreases alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity.
Methylprotodioscin appears to be the active component that protects against airway inflammation both in vitro and mouse models of lung inflammation. By acting directly on airway epithelial cells, dioscin and methylprotodioscin reduced airway mucin gene expression and synthesis. In lung cancer cells, methylprotodioscin reduced the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta , and downregulated proinflammatory cytokine production via suppression of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun pathway.
Safety and precautions
Herbal stores and most Chinese marketplaces sell raw and dried asparagus root. Extracts and tinctures of asparagus are also available. Chinese asparagus root that has been processed is fairly safe. It has a class one grade from the American Herbal Products Association, indicating that it may be used safely at the recommended doses. It may, however, induce adverse skin responses in rare situations. Before using asparagus root or any other herbal medicine or nutritional supplement, always speak with a qualified health care practitioner.
