Distribution of Growth-inhibitory Activity, Mineral Contents, and Functional Components in Different Tissue Parts of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) and Availability of Unusable Parts

Abstract

Asparagus is a popular vegetable rich in healthy functional components. However, the process of its production leaves ferns from aboveground parts and roots from underground parts as unusable parts, and this is an issue to be resolved. In our previous studies, large amounts of rutin were noted in the cladophylls and storage roots (brown and epidermis), and the protodioscin content was high in buds, in the soil-covered section of spears, and in rhizomes. This study was conducted to examine the distribution of growth-inhibitory activity and mineral contents in different parts of asparagus. Correlations, including representative functional components (rutin and protodioscin), were examined. The results suggest there are differences in growth-inhibitory activity of different parts of asparagus. The growth-inhibitory activity was strong in the buds, rhizome, and absorptive and storage roots, and weak in the cladophylls and lateral branches. The percent N content of the aboveground part of asparagus was high compared with that in the aboveground part of other crops. Although the percent K content was similar to the mean of the aboveground part of other crops, it was higher than that in general green manure, suggesting the residual stems and leaves of the aboveground part of asparagus are effective green manure. In the aboveground part of asparagus, the rutin content and percent N and K content were higher, whereas growth-inhibitory activity tended to be low, suggesting that when no disease developed in the aboveground part, it can be used as an organic substance.

Composition and Functional Properties of the Edible Spear and By-Products from Asparagus officinalis L. and Their Potential Prebiotic Effect

“…On the other hand, when comparing with data from the edible portion reported in other studies, it can be seen that the values of Na and Mg found in this study were similar to those reported by Motoki et al [33] and Moreiras et al [34], while other elements were found in lower amounts. The analyzed edible spears also presented values of Mg similar to those reported by Amaro-López et al [32] for spears of A. officinalis, cv.…”

“…Adouni et al [1] studied mineral contents in the root and rhizomes of A. stipularis; the values found in the present work for root by-product of A. officinalis, var Primens were slightly lower for Mg, similar for Ca and much higher for K than values reported by these authors. However, for samples of A. officinalis analyzed by Motoki et al [33], the Ca and Mg content in the roots was similar to those found in this study.…”

Quality Evaluation of Asparagus officinalis by Profile of Amino Acids and Mineral Elements in Different Parts Combined with Chemometrics Methods

“…[2] Rutin also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. [3][4][5] The saponins in A. officinalis have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties. [6] Hence, A. officinalis is widely consumed because of its rich nutritional value and medicinal compositions in plant kingdoms worldwide.…”

“…For example, a series of antioxidants such as rutin, glutathione, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanins can reduce the reactive oxygen in the human brain and cardiovascular damage [2] . Rutin also has anti–inflammatory and antibacterial properties [3–5] . The saponins in A. officinalis have anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and sedative properties [6] .…”