# Shatavari

> Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is classified in Ayurveda as Rasayana, Stanya Janana (Galactogogue), from the Asparagaceae family. Parts used: root. Name means 'she who possesses 100 husbands' — referring to female reproductive benefits. Acknowledged by WHO in medicinal plant monographs, with encouragement for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Asparagus racemosus
- **Family:** Asparagaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Rasayana, Stanya Janana (Galactogogue)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Acknowledged by WHO in medicinal plant monographs, with encouragement for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Referenced in British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shatavari |
| Common Names | Wild Asparagus, Shatavari |
| Hindi | Shatavari, Satmuli |
| Sanskrit | Shatavari, Bahusuta |
| Latin/Botanical | *Asparagus racemosus* |

## Parts Used

- Root (tuberous)

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | May Increase |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Shatavarin I-IV (steroidal [saponins](/reference/saponins/))
- [Racemosol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#racemosol)
- Asparagamine A
- [Isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones)
- [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage)

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Galactogogue
- Adaptogen
- Phytoestrogenic
- Anti-ulcerogenic
- Immunomodulator
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)
- Female reproductive tonic

## How does it work?

- Phytoestrogenic activity via steroidal saponins (Shatavarins I-IV) binding estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), modulating gonadotropin levels
- Immunomodulation: Shatavarins stimulate immune cell proliferation and IgG secretion in dose-dependent manner
- Th1/Th2 cytokine balance modulation: stimulates IL-12 production while inhibiting IL-6
- Shatavarin I blocks oxytocin-induced uterine contractions (in vitro and in vivo) via glycoside-mediated competitive antagonism
- Antioxidant activity through polyphenol and flavonoid content scavenging reactive oxygen species
- Galactogogue effect attributed to increased prolactin levels mediated by steroidal saponins

## How is it used traditionally?

Name means 'she who possesses 100 husbands' — referring to female reproductive benefits. Primary herb for Stri Roga (gynecological disorders). Used for Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) and Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue).

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita (Balya group)
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
- Ashtanga Hridaya

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Gudise VS, Dasari MP, Kuricheti SSK 2024. [Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38725785/). *Cureus*. PMID [38725785](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38725785/) · [doi:10.7759/cureus.57879](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.57879)  
  Multicenter RCT demonstrated Shatavari root extract was effective and safe for managing menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances.
- Mahajan S, Avad P, Langade J 2025. [Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract for Perimenopause: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41209045/). *International journal of women's health*. PMID [41209045](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41209045/) · [doi:10.2147/IJWH.S544267](https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S544267)  
  80 participants randomized to Shatavari 300 mg daily or placebo for 8 weeks. Shatavari root extract demonstrated effective and safe natural intervention for perimenopausal symptoms.
- 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)  
  135 women aged 45-65 across three arms (Shatavari alone, Shatavari + [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/), placebo). Both Shatavari alone and the combination were effective; combination showed additive benefits for managing menopausal symptoms and overall health.
- Ademola J, Mahajan S, Srivathsan M and others 2026. [Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract on Sexual Wellness in Women: Findings from a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Three-Arm, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710148/). *International journal of women's health*. PMID [41710148](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710148/) · [doi:10.2147/IJWH.S561213](https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S561213)  
  Standardized Shatavari root extract demonstrated safe and effective improvement in women's sexual health outcomes, with additive effects when combined with [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/).
- 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)  
  Review consolidating evidence that Shatavari enhances fertility rates and improves breast milk quality and quantity, supporting its traditional use in postpartum care.

## Recent safety updates

- Clinical trials report favorable safety profile at doses of 300-500 mg daily for up to 8 weeks
- Mild gastrointestinal complaints (loose stools, nausea) are the most common adverse effects, typically transient and dose-dependent
- Phytoestrogenic properties can interfere with estrogen-based medications and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Contraindicated in hormone-sensitive conditions: certain cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine), endometriosis, uterine fibroids
- May reduce effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills by altering hormone levels or drug absorption
- Animal reproductive toxicity studies show no teratogenic effects at therapeutic doses, but rigorous human data still lacking
- Mild adverse events in clinical trials: loose stools, dizziness, nausea, headache - all resolving on discontinuation

## Recommended Dosage

Root powder: 3-6g/day (with milk); Extract: 500mg-1g/day

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Estrogen-sensitive conditions
- Kidney disorders ([diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) effect)
- May increase Kapha (edema/congestion)

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Root tuber

### Steroidal Saponins (Shatavarins)

- Shatavarin I-IV (8-12%)
- Sarsasapogenin
- Diosgenin
- Asparanin A-D

### Isoflavones

- Racemosol
- Asparagamine A
- Racemofuran

### Polysaccharides

- Arabinogalactan
- Glucomannans

### Sterols

- Beta-sitosterol
- Stigmasterol

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC-ELSD (saponins), LC-MS/MS, UV spectrophotometry

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Granules (Shatavari Kalpa), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Kwatha (decoction), Ksheerapaka (milk decoction), Soft gelatin capsule, Syrup

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder per day; 500-1000 mg standardized extract twice daily; 1-2 tablespoons Shatavari Kalpa (granules) with milk; 10-20 mL syrup twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Shatavarin (steroidal saponin) has moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%) — improved 2-3x by milk co-administration (traditional Ksheerapaka method, which provides lipid and calcium for enhanced saponin solubilization). Racemosol and [isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) are lipophilic with moderate absorption. Mucilage content (25-30%) slows gastric emptying and provides sustained release effect. Phytosome/phospholipid complex formulations improve bioavailability by 2.5-3x.

**Optimal Timing:** With warm milk (traditional vehicle for Stanya — [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) action and [Vajikarana](/glossary/pharmacology/#vajikarana) — reproductive tonic); morning and bedtime doses; after meals for GI-protective effects

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (10:1 in 70% ethanol), standardized to NLT 40% saponins (as Shatavarin IV equivalents by HPLC-ELSD); or NLT 20% total saponins by gravimetric method. Aqueous extract standardized to NLT 30% [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) for [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) applications.

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized extract capsules; 12 months for Shatavari Kalpa (sugar-based granules); 6-12 months for Ghrita

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Mucilage-rich powder is hygroscopic — maintain RH <50%. Ghrita in glass jars, protect from light. Kalpa in moisture-proof packaging.

**Marker Compounds:** Shatavarin I, Shatavarin IV, Racemosol, Asparagamine A, Racemofuran, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Milk decoction (Ksheerapaka — traditional bioenhanced form)
- Supercritical CO2 for saponin enrichment
- Spray-drying with maltodextrin for instant powder

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) synergy — male + female reproductive health)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (gynecological formulations)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (immunomodulatory and galactagogue combination)
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (ulcer-healing and mucosal protective synergy)
- [Vidari](/herb/vidari/) (Brihana — nourishing tonic combinations)
- [Jeeraka](/herb/jeeraka/) (galactagogue formulations for lactating mothers)

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- 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.