Comparison of Biological Activities of Different Parts of Asparagus

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Asparagus is a spring vegetable, a flowering perennial plant species belonging to the lily family. Technavio's analysts forecast the Global Asparagus Market to grow at a CAGR of 3.15% during the period 2018–2022. All parts of asparagus, including roots, are rich in bioactive chemicals. However, other parts except asparagus spears are discarded. This study compared the physiological activity of different parts of asparagus and tried to improve the utilization of other parts. Methods Asparagus was divided into root, spear (5 cm from the bottom, 25 cm from the top, respectively), leaf and stem in order and used after lyophilized. Total phenol content, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical elimination ability, ABTS radical elimination ability), α-amylase inhibitory activity, and the effects of nitric oxide (NO) production were measured. Results The total polyphenol content of asparagus was highest in the leaves (22.87 mg TAE/g) and lowest in 5 cm under part of the spear(3.03 mg TAE/g). DPPH radical scavenging effect (44.52% in 1 mg/mL, 92.84% in 5 mg/mL), and ABTS radical scavenging effect(15.58% in 1 mg/mL, 48.02% in 5 mg/1 mL) were the highest on the leaf. On 5 cm under part of the spear, α-amylase inhibitory activity (79.16%) was the higher than any other parts. NO generation was significantly hindered by LPS treatment group 5 cm under part of the spear (12.93 μM), 25 cm above the part of the spear (12.10 μM), root (11.68 μM), leaf(10.43 μM), and stem(9.70 μM) in order(P < 0.001). All the extracts were treated with the cells at concentrations of 100, 500 and 1000 µg/mL for one day. As a result, the survival rate of the macrophages was not significantly different from that of the control group. So it was confirmed that there is no cytotoxicity. Conclusions Thus, these results suggest that the another parts of asparagus may be highly valuable as a high-quality functional component as well as its-antioxidant, antiinflammatory activities. we believe that the results obtained would be helpful in the development of nutraceutics. Funding Sources This study was supported by 2019 Regional Specialized Technology Development Project, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.