ASPARAGUS: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Asparagus is a plant. The newly formed shoots (spears), root, and "underground stems" (rhizomes) are used to make medicine. The shoots are also used as a food source.

Asparagus is used along with lots of fluids as "irrigation therapy" to increase urine output. It is also used for bladder infections (urinary tract infections), joint pain, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, asparagus spears are eaten as a vegetable. This can produce a pungent odor in the urine in some people. The seed and root extracts of asparagus are used in alcoholic beverages.

How does it work ?

There is some scientific evidence that asparagus can increase urine production. Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and several minerals.

View References

REFERENCES:

Escribano MM, Munoz-Bellido FJ, Serrano P, et al. Acute urticaria after ingestion of asparagus. Allergy 1998;53(6):622-623. View abstract.

Gearhart HL, Pierce SK, Payne-Bose D. Volatile organic components in human urine after ingestion of asparagus. Clin Chem 1977;23(10):1941. View abstract.

Hausen BM, Wolf C. 1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, a first contact allergen from Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae). Am J Contact Dermat 1996;7(1):41-46. View abstract.

Hoffenberg L. A note on polymorphism: the ability to smell urinary metabolites of asparagus. Diastema 1983;11:37-38. View abstract.

Lison M, Blondheim SH, Melmed RN. A polymorphism of the ability to smell urinary metabolites of asparagus. Br Med J 1980;281(6256):1676-1678. View abstract.

Misico, R. I., Nicotra, V. E., Oberti, J. C., Barboza, G., Gil, R. R., and Burton, G. Withanolides and related steroids. Prog.Chem.Org.Nat.Prod. 2011;94:127-229. View abstract.

Mitchell SC, Waring RH, Land D, et al. Odorous urine following asparagus ingestion in man. Experientia 1987;43(4):382-383. View abstract.

Shao Y, Chin CK, Ho CT, et al. Anti-tumor activity of the crude saponins obtained from asparagus. Cancer Lett 1996;104(1):31-36. View abstract.

Shao Y, Poobrasert O, Kennelly EJ, et al. Steroidal saponins from Asparagus officinalis and their cytotoxic activity. Planta Med 1997;63(3):258-262. View abstract.

Sharma S, Ramji S, Kumari S, et al. Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy. Indian Pediatr 1996;33(8):675-677. View abstract.

Wiboonpun N, Phuwapraisirisan P, Tip-pyang S. Identification of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus. Phytother Res 2004;18(9):771-773. View abstract.

Amaro-Lopez MA, Zurera-Cosano G, Moreno-Rojas R. Trends and nutritional significance of mineral content in fresh white asparagus spears. Int J Food Sci Nutr 1998;49:353-63. View abstract.

Chrubasik C, Maier T, Dawid C, et al. An observational study and quantification of the actives in a supplement with Sambucus nigra and Asparagus officinalis used for weight reduction. Phytother Res 2008;22:913-8. View abstract.

Chrubasik S, Droste C, Black A. Asparagus P(R) cannot compete with first-line diuretics in lowering the blood pressure in treatment-requiring antihypertensives. Phytother Res 2009;23:1345-6. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Gaus BM, Scheiba N, Schäkel K. Asparagus-induced fixed food eruptions mimicking cutaneous lupus. Acta Derm Venereol 2014;94:731-2. View abstract.

Huang X, Kong L. Steroidal saponins from roots of Asparagus officinalis. Steroids 2006;71:171-6. View abstract.

Jang DS, Cuendet M, Fong HH, et al. Constituents of Asparagus officinalis evaluated for inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:2218-22. View abstract.

Makris DP, Rossiter JT. Domestic processing of onion bulbs (Allium cepa) and asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis): effect on flavonol content and antioxidant status. J Agric Food Chem 2001;49:3216-22. View abstract.

Mitchell SC. Asparagus, urinary odor, and 1,2-dithiolane-4-carboxylic acid. Perspect Biol Med 2013;56:341-51. View abstract.

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Rodriguez R, Jaramillo S, Rodriguez G, et al. Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from several asparagus cultivars. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:5212-7. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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RELATED TO VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

ASPARAGUS

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Lithium interacts with ASPARAGUS

Dosing

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