Asparagus Purchase & Information
Alternative Names
Asparagi Rhizoma Root, Asperge, Asperge Comestible, Asperge Commune, Asperge Officinale, Asperges, Espárrago, Espárragos, Garden Asparagus, Spargelkraut, Spargelwurzelstock, Sparrow Grass CAUTION: Please refer to separate listing for Asapragus Racemosus
Scientific Name
Asparagus Officinalis
Why Do People Use Asparagus?
Oral preparations of asparagus officinalis (Asparagus), like asparagus powder, are used in combination with water as "irrigation therapy" in order to enhance the urine output. In addition, it is also used as a treatment for various inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract, for urinary tract infections, rheumatic joint pain and swelling, preventing kidney and bladder stones, dryness in the lungs and throat, female hormone imbalances, to prevent anemia due to folic acid deficiency, AIDS, for neuritis, as a laxative and for treating cancer and parasitic diseases.
Topically - Asparagus is topically used for cleaning the drying sores, face and acne.
In Foods - Asparagus is eaten as a vegetable. The root and seed extracts of asparagus are utilized in alcoholic beverages.
Is It Safe To Use?
Likely Safe - Oral consumption of asparagus is thought to be safe when it is used with other food items. Seed and root extract of asparagus have attained Generally Recognized As Safe status (GRAS) for use in food items in the United States.
Possibly Unsafe During Pregnancy - Pregnant females should avoid medicinal use of asparagus. Particularly, its extracts have been used as a contraceptive; therefore doctors do not advice its use during pregnancy.
For Milk-Feeding Mothers - About the safety level of asparagus for breastfeeding females, there is limited and unreliable information available. Therefore, such females should avoid its use.
How Effective Is Asparagus?
To rate how effective is asparagus, there is limited and unreliable information available.
How Asparagus Works?
The most effective parts of asparagus officinalis are the rhizome, shoots or "spears," juice and root. Seeds of asparagus are used in making medicines as well.
Asparagus is an excellent dietary source of folic acid, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B6. It also consists of a number of minerals, including iron, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorous. The mineral substance is higher in green asparagus as compared to different varieties and is most astounding in the tips of the spears.
A number of constituents are found in asparagus shoots and roots. These include flavonoids, rutin, oligosaccharides, hydroxycinnamic acids, sterols, carotenoids, amino acids, steroidal saponins, sulfur mixes, oligospirostanosides sarsasapogenin M and N.
In animal studies and in vitro data demonstrates that extract of asparagus has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimutagenic, diuretic, immunostimulatory, antibacterial, hypotensive, antifungal and antiviral properties.
The antioxidant effects of asparagus are identified by the total phenol content and can differ with the mixed bag of asparagus and developing conditions. Phenol content is decreased by boiling.
Asparagus juice is prepared from asparagus spears. It is prepared with pectolytic enzymes, which might cotain impurities. Such impurities may diminish the antioxidant activity of the juice.
Number of asparagus constituents decrease cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 2 (COX-2) activity in vitro. The saponin constituents is cytotoxic.
Allergens present in asparagus have not been completely recognized, but lipid transfer proteins may result in some lethal systemic allergic side effects. Contact dermatitis may result from exposure to 1,2,3-trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, which is present in highest amounts in young asparagus shoots that seem to be most allergenic in nature.
What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Asparagus?
Allergic reactions may occur due to the oral consumption of asparagus powder. Cross-reactivity may develop with different member of the Liliaceae family such as garlic, onions and chives. Also delayed-type, T-cell mediated hypersensitivity and immediate-type, IgE mediated hypersensitivity have been reported. Oral consumption of canned or fresh asparagus can lead to dysphagia, urticaria, anaphylaxis and dyspnea in sensitized individuals.
Topical - Asparagus application during processing, harvesting or cooking has been shown to cause contact dermatitis, asthma, urticaria, conjunctivitis and rhinitis.
How Asparagus Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?
Not known.
How Asparagus Interacts With Drugs?
Lithium - Interaction rating between asparagus powder and lithium is moderate, so be careful about this combination. Asparagus officinalis seems to have diuretic effect. Because of these potential diuretic impact, asparagus may increase levels of lithium and lessen its excretion. Lithium dosage should be reduced in such instances.
How Asparagus Interacts With Foods?
No information available.
How Asparagus Interacts With Lab Tests?
Not known.
How Asparagus Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?
Cross-Allergenicity - Asparagus powder may result in allergic reactions in those individuals who are sensitive to other members of the Liliaceae family. Member included in this family include leeks, onions, chives and garlic.
What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Asparagus?
ORAL Normally, asparagus is utilized every day as a tea that is made by steeping root or 40 to 60 grams of the cut rhizome in 150 mL of boiling water for up to ten minutes and then straining the liquid. So, make sure that you drink ample fluid while using this tea for "irrigation therapy".
TOPICAL There is no routine topical dosage of asparagus.
Comments
The oral consumption of asparagus spears can produce a strong odor in the urine.
General Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.
