Shatavari Ksheera

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Shatavari Ksheera
Latin/Botanical	Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Shatavarin I-VI (steroidal saponins)
• Racemosol (dihydrophenanthrene)
• Asparagamine A (polycyclic alkaloid)
• Racemofuran (furanoid)
• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Rutin
• Sarsasapogenin

How does it work?

• Galactagogue: Steroidal saponins (shatavarins) are reported to influence prolactin secretion; traditionally used to support breast milk production
• Adaptogenic: Preclinical studies report that saponins modulate the HPA axis and GABAergic neurotransmission
• Immunomodulatory: Shatavarin IV activates NK cells and macrophages, enhances phagocytosis, and modulates Th1/Th2 cytokine balance

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Stanya-janana (galactagogue): traditionally used to support breast milk production. Randomized controlled trials have reported increased breast milk volume and prolactin levels in lactating women.
• Traditionally used for menopausal symptoms. A randomized controlled trial reported a reduction in hot flushes and sleep disturbance.
• Traditionally used as an adaptogen and Rasayana. Clinical and preclinical studies have reported HPA axis modulation and improvement in stress biomarkers.

What do recent studies show?

• Oyovwi MO, Chijiokwu EA, Ben-Azu B and others 2025. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): A Promising Ally for Fertility. Current nutrition reports. PMID 40974515 · doi: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. Frontiers in reproductive health. PMID 41394012 · doi: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.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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

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

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, Milk fat content (as quality parameter), Total saponins

Synergistic Combinations

• Saffron (premium reproductive tonic, Kesar-Shatavari Doodh)
• Ashwagandha (adaptogenic milk tonic)
• Cardamom + Cinnamon (flavor enhancement and digestive aid)
• Jaggery/Mishri (traditional sweetener and iron source)