Chemical Composition of Asparagus racemosus Root by GC–MS Analysis

Abstract

Asparagus racemosus (Asparagaceae) commonly called Shatavari in India is a well
known plant for its effects on the female reproductive system and more often used to
treat gastrointestinal disorders in Australia. The aim of the present study was to analyze
the chemical composition of the roots of Asparagus racemosus by GC–MS method. The
roots were washed, shade dried, powdered and stored in air tight container. The dried
powdered material was extracted with hexane. 200g of powder was immersed in hexane
solution in a flat bottom flask. The extract was concentrated under controlled pressure
and temperature using rotary flash evaporator. The yield of the hexane extract was
recorded as 14g. The GC–MS analysis of Asparagus racemosus roots hexane extract
(AHE) showed the presence of 21 different chemical components such as Disulfide, bis(1
methylpropyl), Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1 dimethylethyl), (E)-Hex-3-enyl (E)-2-methylbut-2-
enoate, Jatamansone, n-Pentadecylcyclohexane, Eicosane, Squalene and Heptacosane