Everything You Need to Know About

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Botanical family: Asparagaceae
Parts used: Roots, Stems, Leaves
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
by Malek Murison
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Overview and Health Benefits

Soothing, nourishing and balancing, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties. Traditionally known as a female tonic, it has been used for centuries to support reproductive health, hormonal balance, and overall vitality. The name “shatavari” translates from Sanskrit as “she who possesses a hundred husbands”: it has been described as the most important sexual and reproductive tonic for women in Ayurvedic medicine (Winston, 2019; McIntyre, 2019). Modern scientific studies have corroborated these traditional uses, highlighting its role in enhancing fertility, reducing menopausal symptoms, and boosting immune function.

Key Benefits:

  • Supports reproductive health
  • Eases menopausal symptoms
  • Helps increase milk production in lactating mothers
  • Boosts immune function
  • Eases stress
  • Promotes digestive health
  • Supports urinary health

Shatavari is known for enhancing fertility, libido and hormonal balance. It has been shown to promote the health of the female reproductive organs and balance hormone levels, making it beneficial for women experiencing fertility issues, or menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness (Winston, 2019; McIntyre, 2019; Sharma & Bhatnagar, 2011). Shatavari’s phytoestrogenic properties help maintain hormonal equilibrium and promote overall reproductive health (Saxena & Chourasia, 2001; Pandey et al., 2005; Winston, 2019).

Shatavari helps alleviate common menopausal symptoms, providing relief from hot flashes and mood swings. Its cooling properties balance oestrogen levels, offering a natural alternative for managing menopausal discomfort (Sharma & Bhatnagar, 2011).

Shatavari has been traditionally acclaimed for its galactagogue properties (ability to increase milk production and milk flow in lactating women), and clinical studies substantiate this (Sharma et al., 1996). Notably, a double-blind randomised clinical trial involving 60 lactating mothers demonstrated a significant increase in prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk production, following the administration of Shatavari. The research group exhibited a more than threefold increase in prolactin compared to the control group, correlating with enhanced lactation. Secondary measures, such as maternal and infant weight gain and maternal satisfaction with lactation, also showed significant improvements, confirming the galactagogue effectiveness of Shatavari without notable toxicity (Gupta & Shaw, 2011). 

This herb enhances the body’s natural defence mechanisms, making it useful in preventing infections and supporting overall health. It has natural antibacterial activity (Narayanan et al., 2011), it activates helper T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections (Gautam et al., 2009), and it protects cells against oxidative stress (Veena et al., 2014). 

As an adaptogen, Shatavari has a calming effect, alleviating stress and increasing energy, resilience and mental clarity (McIntyre, 2019). It is often prescribed for people with fatigue, poor appetite, anaemia, and chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome (Winston, 2019). 

Shatavari acts as a soothing agent for the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful in conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux, and ulcers. The herb’s demulcent properties help to coat the stomach lining, reducing irritation and promoting healing (Sairam et al., 2003; Winston, 2019).

Shatavari has been found to have antibacterial activity against multiple antibiotic-resistant uropathogens (Narayanan et al., 2011). It is a soothing, moistening and cooling mild diuretic, making it helpful in cystitis and urethritis (Winston, 2019; McIntyre, 2019). 

Safety Profile 

While Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is widely regarded for its therapeutic benefits and generally considered safe, it is important to approach its use with caution. Those experiencing diarrhoea and/or abdominal bloating may want to avoid it so as not to aggravate the condition (Winston, 2019). Studies detect no toxicity or change in organ activity with doses of 50mg/kg (Muralidhar et al., 1993; Rege et al., 1999). As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before using Shatavari, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications.

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Key Body Systems Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) relates to

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Endocrine and or Reproductive System
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Digestive System
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Immune System
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Nervous system
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Urinary system

Energetics

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Cooling
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Moistening

Key actions

  • Adaptogen
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Nervine
  • Antispasmodic
  • Immunomodulatory
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Key uses

  • Female reproductive health
  • Supporting lactation in nursing mothers
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Promoting healthy immune function and digestive health

Where to Find Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari is a visually distinctive and botanically intriguing herb. It manifests as a prickly, woody, climbing vine that can extend up to 2 meters in length. The plant's leaves are slender and uniform, resembling pine needles, which lends a graceful, feathery appearance. From July to August, Shatavari produces delicate spikes of small white flowers on short, spiky stems. These blossoms are a prelude to the fruiting phase in September, when the plant yields blackish-purple berries, adding a striking contrast to its foliage (Plants for a Future, n.d.).

Shatavari is well-adapted to tropical climates and is often found as a shade-loving ground cover at low altitudes. It thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils and prefers environments with consistent warmth and humidity. Geographically, it is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and extends to parts of Africa and Australia.

The increasing demand for Shatavari in the herbal market, along with the decline in traditional cultivation and harvesting methods, has led to the excessive collection of its roots from the wild. As a result, Shatavari is now considered endangered in certain regions. Measures are being implemented to promote sustainable cultivation practices (Bopana & Saxena, 2007).

References

Bopana, N., & Saxena, S. (2007). Asparagus racemosus—Ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 110, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.01.001

Gautam, M., Saha, S., Bani, S., Kaul, A., Mishra, S., Patil, D., Satti, N. K., Suri, K. A., Gairola, S., Suresh, K., Jadhav, S., Qazi, G. N., & Patwardhan, B. (2009). Immunomodulatory activity of Asparagus racemosus on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity: Implications for immunoadjuvant potential. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 121(2), 241-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.10.028

Gupta, M., & Shaw, B. (2011). A double-blind randomized clinical trial for evaluation of galactogogue activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 10(1), 167-172. https://doi.org/10.22037/ijpr.2010.721 

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor: The definitive guide to the principles and practices of herbal medicine. Aeon.

Muralidhar, T.S., Gopumadhavan, S., Chauhan, B.L., & Kulkarni, R.D. (1993). Lack of teratogenicity after administration of D-400, an oral hypoglycemic ayurvedic formulation, during gestation and lactation. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 12(3-4), 151-156.

Narayanan, A.S., Raja, S.S., Ponmurugan, K., Kandekar, S.C., Natarajaseenivasan, K., Maripandi, A., & Mandeel, Q.A. (2011). Antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants against multiple antibiotic-resistant uropathogens: A study from Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Beneficial Microbes, 2(3), 235-243. https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2010.0033

Pandey, S.K., Sahay, A., Pandey, R.S., & Tripathi, Y.B. (2005). Effect of Asparagus racemosus rhizome (shatavari) on mammary gland and genital organs of pregnant rat. Phytotherapy Research, 19(8), 721-724. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1590

Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Asparagus racemosus–Willd. Retrieved from http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Asparagus+racemosus

Saxena, V.K., & Chourasia, S. (2001). A new isoflavone from the roots of Asparacus racemosus. Fitotherapia, 72(3), 307-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0367-326x(00)00315-4

Sharma, K., & Bhatnagar, M. (2011). Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives, 2(3), 855-863. Retrieved from http://www.ijpba.info

Rege, N.N., Nazareth, H.M., Isaac, A., Karandikar, S.M., & Dahanukar, S.A. (1989). Immunotherapeutic modulation of intraperitoneal adhesions by Asparagus racemosus. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, 35(4), 199-203.

Sharma, S., Ramji, S., Kumari, S., & Bapna, J. S. (1996). Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy. Indian Pediatrics, 33(8), 675-677. PMID: 8979551. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8979551/ 

Singh, R., & Geetanjali. (2016). Asparagus racemosus: A review on its phytochemical and therapeutic potential. Natural Product Research, 30(17), 1896-1908. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2015.1092148 

Veena, N., Arora, S., Kapila, S., Singh, R. R. B., Katara, A., Pandey, M. M., Rastogi, S., & Rawat, A. K. S. (2014). Immunomodulatory and antioxidative potential of milk fortified with Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari). Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 2(6), 13-19. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/107841937/2.1-libre.pdf?1700986531=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DImmunomodulatory_and_antioxidative_poten.pdf&Expires=1720366308&Signature=G2SQi0LkYLdzBvjgCVZGnYXnfKHdHudJXyQPdEq9rLgE3-TxFsC~a47a-fHRYFYjny0g7SfClGTelRC0IHyA1WGL4ZfSRUbjhjcZgaI62rOjTOqwe4tB6eR-Z4vl-Mdw8cbt5GuteojPO39NzI5RHKpl-4EKK8vLY1K1lpEO0WrCfalAmOAnb2iogQMYQ5B4~n1s9yqAxHnIVj9XZgiVXrV0rpdqgsV8fN8np5JCv-aeYaTHRwCXs06eHOSEJONgbQ-owLMpzZdDE-z9I1jYSKlo8pGF5JjAQ5iKGDTfEt~QBkVpId4MvWNiHU3bMrss0DGP6m4RV7nJdE-~3AWSlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA

Winston, D. (2019). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief (2nd ed.). Healing Arts Press.