# Shatavari Ksheera

> Shatavari Ksheera (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae) family. Acknowledged in WHO medicinal plant monographs; included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; WHO encourages further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Asparagus racemosus Willd.
- **Family:** Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Acknowledged in WHO medicinal plant monographs; included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; WHO encourages further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shatavari [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/)|[Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) Ksheera |
| Latin/Botanical | *Asparagus racemosus Willd.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Shatavarin I-VI (steroidal [saponins](/reference/saponins/))
- [Racemosol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#racemosol) (isoflavone)
- Asparagamine A (polycyclic alkaloid)
- Racemofuran (furanoid)
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin)
- [Sarsasapogenin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sarsasapogenin)

## How does it work?

- [Galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue): Steroidal saponins (shatavarins) stimulate prolactin secretion and mammary gland development, increasing breast milk production
- [Adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/): Saponins modulate HPA axis, normalize cortisol levels, and enhance stress resilience through GABAergic neurotransmission modulation
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/): Shatavarin IV activates NK cells and macrophages, enhances phagocytosis, and modulates Th1/Th2 cytokine balance

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Galactagogue use (Stanya-janana) validated through RCTs showing increased breast milk volume and prolactin levels in lactating women
- Menopausal symptom relief confirmed by 2025 RCT demonstrating significant reduction in hot flushes and sleep disturbance
- Adaptogenic-[Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) use supported by HPA axis modulation and improvement of stress biomarkers in clinical and preclinical studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Oyovwi MO, Chijiokwu EA, Ben-Azu B and others 2025. [Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): A Promising Ally for Fertility](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40974515/). *Current nutrition reports*. PMID [40974515](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40974515/) · [doi:10.1007/s13668-025-00694-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00694-5)  
  Systematic review evaluating effects on reproductive health; found enhancement of fertility rates and improvement of breast milk quality and quantity for postpartum care.
- Ademola J, Ajgaonkar A, Debnath T and others 2025. [Efficacy and safety of Shatavari root extract (Asparagus racemosus) for menopausal symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41394012/). *Frontiers in reproductive health*. PMID [41394012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41394012/) · [doi:10.3389/frph.2025.1654503](https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2025.1654503)  
  RCT demonstrated significant reduction in menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes) with good safety profile; only mild adverse events reported.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- WHO has acknowledged Asparagus racemosus in its medicinal plant monographs; high safety margin confirmed in preclinical toxicological assessments
- Mild adverse events in clinical trials include loose stools, nausea, and headache; contraindicated in estrogen-sensitive conditions due to phytoestrogenic activity; caution in kidney disorders

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Liquid (milk decoction), Freeze-dried powder, Capsule (encapsulated dried preparation), Soft gelatin capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 100-200 mL prepared Ksheerapaka (milk decoction) once or twice daily; 500-1000 mg freeze-dried Ksheerapaka powder per day

**Bioavailability:** Superior bioavailability compared to simple [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) preparations due to milk lipid-mediated solubilization of steroidal saponins (2-3x enhancement). Casein micelles act as natural nanocarriers for lipophilic constituents. Calcium and [phospholipids](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phospholipids) in milk further enhance saponin absorption. This traditional formulation represents an ancient bioavailability enhancement technology.

**Optimal Timing:** Warm, before bedtime for reproductive tonic and sleep-promoting effects; morning dose for galactagogue action in lactating mothers

**Standardized Extract:** Freeze-dried Shatavari Ksheerapaka powder standardized to NLT 5% shatavarin content by HPLC-ELSD; reconstitution ratio 1:8 with warm water or milk

**Shelf Life:** Fresh Ksheerapaka: 24-48 hours refrigerated; spray-dried powder: 18 months; freeze-dried: 24 months; UHT-processed liquid: 6 months

**Storage:** Fresh: refrigerate at 2-8 deg C, consume within 48 hours. Dried powders: below 25 deg C, airtight containers with desiccant, protect from moisture. RH <40% for hygroscopic dried milk preparations.

**Marker Compounds:** Shatavarin IV, Racemosol, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Milk fat content (as quality parameter), Total saponins

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Ksheerapaka method: boil 1 part Shatavari powder with 8 parts milk and 32 parts water; reduce until only milk portion remains
- Spray-drying of prepared Ksheerapaka for shelf-stable powder
- Freeze-drying for maximum constituent preservation
- Vacuum evaporation at <50 deg C for concentrated paste

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Saffron](/herb/saffron/) (premium reproductive tonic — Kesar-Shatavari Doodh)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (adaptogenic milk tonic)
- Cardamom + Cinnamon (flavor enhancement and digestive aid)
- Jaggery/Mishri (traditional sweetener and iron source)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/shatavari-ksheera/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.