Asparagus saponins: effective natural beneficial ingredient in functional foods, from preparation to applications

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(33):12284-12302. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2249097. Epub 2023 Aug 24.

Abstract

Asparagus species is recognized as a perennial herb with several valuable functional ingredients, and has been widely used as medicine and food since ancient times. Among its main chemical constituents, saponins play a vital role in the health benefits and biological activities including anti-cancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic. This review summarizes the preparation methods, structure and classification, biological functions, as well as the food and non-food applications of asparagus saponins, with a special emphasis on its anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Further, the main challenges and limitations of the current research trends in asparagus saponins are highlighted after a detailed analysis of the recent research information. This review bridges the gap between bioactive components and human health and aids current research on functional and health-promoting foods and medicinal application of Asparagus saponins.

Keywords: Saponin; anticancer; applications; asparagus; extraction; health benefits.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Asparagus Plant* / chemistry
  • Functional Food*
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Saponins* / analysis
  • Saponins* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Saponins
  • Antioxidants
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Plant Extracts