By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Shatavari an Ayurvedic remedy sourced from the Asparagus plant family. You can purchase the processed form of Shatavari as dietary supplements or powder. Taking Shatavari is said to provide a range of benefits, from dealing with ulcers to improving muscle gain.
This article will highlight all the important details about Shatavari, its benefits, side effects, dosage, and value.
What Is Shatavari?
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an adaptogenic herb that can support your body in dealing with physical and emotional stress. It’s also why this herb is found in several health and wellness supplements.
In Ayurved, Shatavari is said to contain cooling and calming properties which can help balance the three Doshas. Ayurvedic treatments by ancient and modern Ayurvedic doctors make use of Shatavari quite frequently.
17 Health Benefits Of Shatavari:
- Boosts immunity: Shatavari is scientifically proven to help improve your body’s immune response and system.
- Rich in antioxidants: Shatavari contains antioxidants asparagamine A and racemosol that combat free radical damage and support your immune system.
- Improves muscle gain: Shatavari may increase testosterone in men, improving muscle gain and strength.
- Promotes healthy weight gain: Shatavari benefits for weight gain are possible due to its Ayurvedic Balya and Rasayana properties.
- Treats ulcers: Shatavari has shown to be effective at treating gastric ulcers.
- Improves female reproductive health: Shatavari is known to combat female reproductive disorders like PCOS, irregular menstrual cycle, abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding and menstrual discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Shatavari contains racemofuran that is proven to reduce inflammations without causing side effects.
- Treats diarrhoea: Shatavari is medically proven to stop diarrhoea. It is also an Ayurvedic treatment for treating diarrhoea.
- Boosts milk production: Shatavari is termed as stanya or a galactogogue in Ayurved. Shatavari can increase breast milk supply by increasing prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production.
- May treat depression and anxiety: Shatavari provides a side-effect-free solution to combat depression and anxiety.
- Powerful diuretic: Shatavari can help get rid of excess fluid in the body.
- Reduces menopause symptoms: Shatavari can reduce symptoms of menopause like night sweats and hot flashes by balancing hormone levels.
- Provides anti-aging benefits: Shatavari combats free-radical skin damage as well as collagen breakdown, inhibiting wrinkles.
- May relieve cough symptoms: One study claims Shatavari works as well as the cough medicine codeine phosphate to combat cough symptoms.
- Treats kidney stones: Shatavari may help prevent the formation and promote the breakdown of oxalate stones that make up kidney stones.
- Lowers blood sugar levels: Shatavari is proven to help maintain blood sugar levels by promoting insulin production.
- Promotes hair growth: Shatavari benefits for hair include promoting hair growth, strengthening the hair roots and helping to maintain healthy hair colour and texture.
Shatavari Side Effects:
Studies have found that Shatavari is safe for most people, even for long-term use. A 2003 study also found it to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding. But we recommend you talk to your doctor before taking Shatavari, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Those allergic to asparagus should also avoid this herb. You should also avoid Shatavari if you are on other diuretic treatments or medicines (like furosemide). Since Shatavari may lower blood sugar levels, diabetics should be cautious with this herb.
Shatavari Dosage:
You can buy Shatavari as a capsule or powder. Both have their benefits but I’ve found taking Shatavari capsules are just more convenient. The capsules contain standardized extract, providing consistent and predictable benefits.
You can buy Shatavari capsules with standardized extract online. But while the bottle will have the recommended dosage, it’s always recommended that you consult a doctor before starting on Shatavari.
The Final Word:
Shatavari is a common Ayurvedic herb that’s got a list of benefits for you. There are several studies that are being conducted to found out additional benefits of using Shatavari.
In short, taking supplements with Shatavari can help lower anxiety and stress (Stress Relief Capsules) as well as muscle gain (Herbobuild Capsules). So, if you are looking to distress or grow stronger, Ayurvedic supplements with Shatavari may be worth buying.
References:
- “In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Root Extract of Asparagus Racemosus Linn.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 8, no. 1, Jan. 2018, pp. 60–65. www.sciencedirect.com, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29321990/.
- Adler J.Ayurved: Achieve Wellness, Relieve Stress & Transform Your Body Fast with Effective Ayurvedic Tips, Recipes, Nutrition, Herbs & Lifestyle!: Ayurved, Health, Healing, #1. Body, mind and spirit.2018.
- Acute Toxicity and Diuretic Studies of the Roots of Asparagus Racemosus Willd in Rats | West Indian Medical Journal. https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fms/wimj/article/1154. Accessed 20 Feb. 2021.
- Garabadu, Debapriya, and Sairam Krishnamurthy. “Asparagus Racemosus Attenuates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Experimental Animal Models.” Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, vol. 34, no. 4, May 2014, pp. 511–21. Springer Link, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24557501/.
- Singh R, Singh R.Male Infertility: Understanding, Causes and Treatment.Springer.2017.
- Pandey, Ajai K., et al. “Impact of Stress on Female Reproductive Health Disorders: Possible Beneficial Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus).” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie, vol. 103, July 2018, pp. 46–49. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29635127/.
- Singh, Gireesh K., et al. “Antidepressant Activity of Asparagus Racemosus in Rodent Models.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, vol. 91, no. 3, Jan. 2009, pp. 283–90. ScienceDirect, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18692086/.
- Rungsang, Tammanoon, et al. “Stability and Clinical Effectiveness of Emulsion Containing Asparagus Racemosus Root Extract.” ScienceAsia, vol. 41, no. 4, 2015, p. 236. DOI.org (Crossref), https://www.scienceasia.org/content/viewabstract.php?ms=5300.
- Sharma SC.Constituents of the fruits of Asparagus racemosus Willd. Pharmazie. 1981;36:709.
- Steels, E., et al. “A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of an Ayurvedic Botanical Formulation in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women.” Journal of Herbal Medicine, vol. 11, Mar. 2018, pp. 30–35. ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803318300010.
- Christina, A. J. M., et al. “Antilithiatic Effect of Asparagus Racemosus Willd on Ethylene Glycol-Induced Lithiasis in Male Albino Wistar Rats.” Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 27, no. 9, Nov. 2005, pp. 633–38. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16357948/.
- Somania R, Singhai AK, Shivgunde P, Jain D. Asparagus racemosus Willd (Liliaceae) ameliorates early diabetic nephropathy in STZ induced diabetic rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 2012 Jul;50(7):469-75.
- WebMD.Asparagus racemosus: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Venkatesan, N., et al. “Anti-Diarrhoeal Potential of Asparagus Racemosus Wild Root Extracts in Laboratory Animals.” Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Publication of the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Societe Canadienne Des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, vol. 8, no. 1, Feb. 2005, pp. 39–46.
- Dass V.Ayurvedic Herbology - East & West: The Practical Guide to Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine.Lotus press.2013.
- Sharma R, Jaitak V. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) targeting estrogen receptor α: - An in-vitro and in-silico mechanistic study. Nat Prod Res. 2018;:1-4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786419.2018.1517123
- Ahmad S, Jain PC.Chemical examination of Satavari (Asparagus racemosus).Bull. Medico.Ethnobotanical Res.1991;12:157-160.
- Bazzano, Alessandra N., et al. “A Review of Herbal and Pharmaceutical Galactagogues for Breast-Feeding.” The Ochsner Journal, vol. 16, no. 4, 2016, pp. 511–24.
- Negi JS, Singh P, Joshi GP, et.al.Chemical constituents of Asparagus.Pharmacogn Rev.2010;4(8):215–220.
- Bhatnagar, Maheep, et al. “Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of Asparagus Racemosus Willd and Withania Somnifera Dunal in Rats.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1056, Nov. 2005, pp. 261–78. PubMed, https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1196/annals.1352.027.
- Mandal D, Banerjee S, Mondal NB, et.al.Steroidal saponins from the fruits of Asparagus racemosus.Phytochem.2006;67:1316-1321.
- Bi W, Hu L, Man MQ. Anti-ulcerogenic efficacy and mechanisms of edible and natural ingredients in NSAID-induced animal models. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2017;14(4):221–238. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajtcam/issue/view/16096
- Bioline International Official Site (Site up-Dated Regularly). https://www.bioline.org.br/request?ms03025. Accessed 20 Feb. 2021.
- Singh J, Tiwari HP. Chemical examination of roots of Asparagus racemosus.J Indian Chem Soc.1991;68:427-428.
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.