CHEMISTRY

The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemicals and to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of the shade dried roots of the Asparagus adscendens . The powder roots were extracted with chloroform and after removal of solvent under reduced pressure was subjected for chromatographic separation. After column chromatography and purification five compounds i.e. Hexacosanyltriacontanoate, hexatriacontanone, 2,3,5,7-tetramethoxydi hydrophenanthrene, b -sitosterol and stigmasterol were characterized with the help of physical and spectral analysis (IR, 1 HNMR, 13 CNMR and mass). The crude extract was tested against the selected bacteria and fungi using disc diffusion method. The root extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity with maximum efficacy against E. coli (activity index 0.82 at 1000 µ g/disc and 0.73 at 500 µ g/disc).


INTRODUCTION
Asparagus genus belongs to Family liliaceae is a perennial plant. The young shoots are used as vegetable or salad. This genus possess various types of biological properties e.g. antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic anti-oxytocic, immunostimulant, antibacterial and reproductive agents [1][2] . The genus asparagus includes about 300 species around the world. The tuberous roots of asparagus are main source as the drug shatavar or shatavari. The drug in crude form is used in increase secretion of milk and also improves appetite in lactating women. Tuberous roots of Asparagus currillus after mixing with honey is given in case of diarrhea, diabetes and dysentery. One of the important species is Asparagus adscendens known as yellow musli is mainly grown in Asian countries and also in Garhwal valley. Traditionally it is recommended as nerve tonic and also used for memory impairment. In ayurvedic system of medicine it is helpful in treatment of female disorders [3][4][5][6] . Asparagus polysaccharides also exhibited health benefits against tumor cells 7 . In India Asparagus adscendens is mainly distributed in Garhwal (Himalayan) hills, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Jammu and Kashmir and lower Himalayan Hills. It is a shrub with tall, sub erect, smooth stem having ascending branches and white tuberous roots. Asparagus ascendens is a rich source of nutritious starch with low calorie, sodium values and good source of vitamins [8][9][10] .

Isolation and Identification of Phytochemicals
110 g crude extract of roots of Asparagus adscendens was eluted with the solvents of increasing polarity over a column of silica gel. On elution five compounds were isolated, purified and characterized by co-TLC, mixed m.p. and spectral analysis (IR, 1 HNMR, 13 CNMR and mass spectral data).

Antimicrobial analysis
The crude chloroform extract of roots of Asparagus adscendens was screened against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proctus vulgaris and Salmonella paratyphi B. for bactericidal efficacy and against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium moniliforme and Rhizoctonia bataticola for fungicidal activity by using Disc diffusion method 19 .

Antimicrobial analysis
The test extract exhibited anti bacterial activity against all the test bacteria, the maximum activity was observed against E. coli (activity index 0.82 at 1000 µg/disc and 0.73 at 500 µg/disc). The root extract also showed significant activity against S. aureus (activity index 0.77 at 1000 µg/disc and 0.56 at 500 µg/disc) In case of antifungal activity only F. moniliforme and R. bataticola exhibited some activity. sTanDarD-amikacin=10 µg/ml (BacTeria); mycosTaTin=100 uniTs/Disc (Fungi) (±) Trace acTiviTy: (-) no acTiviTy CONCLUSION Five phytochemicals i.e. hexacosanyltriacontanoate, hexatriacontanone, 2,3,5,7 -tetramethoxydi hydrophenanthrene, b-sitosterol and stigmasterol were isolated and characterized with the help of spectral studies from the root extract of Asparagus adscendens. Chloroform extract of roots of A. adscendens possess active compounds which exhibited significant anti bacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. It can be natural and harmless alternate of antibiotics for the treatment of many bacterial infections.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors are thankful to Head, Department of Chemistry, University of Rajasthan for providing lab facilities.