Content of Sapogenins in Diploid, Tetraploid and Hexaploid Asparagus

Abstract
Sapogenin analysis in seven taxa of Asparagus belonging to three ploidy levels revealed the presence of sarsasapogenin in diploid and tetraploid species, and diosgenin in diploid and hexaploid species. Diosgenin content was higher in hexaploids than diploid species whereas sarsasapogenin content was lower in tetraploids as compared to diploids. The presence of sarsasapogenin in A. cooperi Baker and diosgenin in A. densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop cv. 'pyramidalis' and A. robustus Hort. (A. plumosus Bak. var. robustus Hort. (?)) is hitherto unrecorded.