Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Family: Liliaceae

Synonym:Asparagus zeylanicus (Baker) Hook.f.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Shotomuli.

Tribal name: Shaktichara (Chakma), Hamaigrang (Chak), Mimong tamache (Garo), Keisago (Munda), Sattirsora (Rakhaing), Sattis chara gaas (Tanchangya), Sattirsora (Tripura).

English name: Asparagus.

Description of the plant: A perennial, slender, scandent shrub with reflexed spines, root tuberous, many together. Leaves scale-like, minute, cladodes present in scale-like leaf axils. Inflorescence a raceme; flowers white and sweet scented. Fruit a berry, globose.

Plant parts used: Root.

Herbal uses: Cottonseed-sized pills made with the roots of the plant are taken twice a day (one pill each time) until the respiratory troubles is cured.

A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is taken in empty stomach thrice a day (each time 5 ml amount of juice mixed with same amount of water) for one week to treat impotence.

A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each time) for 15 days to treat gonorrhoea.

The roots of the plant are useful in nervous disorder, dyspepsia, scalding of urine, throat infection, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis, and general debility.

The herb is useful for treating anorexia, insomnia, hyperactive children, and people who are under-weight.

The fresh juice of the roots, mixed with honey, helps in reducing the burning sensation pain in tumour.

A fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml amount each time) for seven days to treat dysuria.

Distribution: The species is common in the Sal forests of Dhaka, Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Sherpur districts.

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