Shatavari

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)
• Racemosol
• Asparagamine A
• Isoflavones
• Mucilage

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

• Galactogogue
• Adaptogen
• Phytoestrogenic
• Anti-ulcerogenic
• Immunomodulator
• 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 studies 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. Cureus. PMID 38725785 · doi: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. International journal of women’s health. PMID 41209045 · doi: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. Frontiers in reproductive health. PMID 41394012 · doi:10.3389/frph.2025.1654503
  135 women aged 45-65 across three arms (Shatavari alone, Shatavari + 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. International journal of women’s health. PMID 41710148 · doi: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.
• 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
  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: as given under Standard Dosage

Safety, contraindications and cautions

• Estrogen-sensitive conditions
• Kidney disorders (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

Other constituents

• Racemosol
• Asparagamine A
• Racemofuran

Polysaccharides

• Arabinogalactan
• Glucomannans

Sterols

• Beta-sitosterol
• Stigmasterol

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Granules (Shatavari Kalpa), 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

Optimal Timing: With warm milk (traditional vehicle for Stanya, galactagogue action and Vajikarana, reproductive tonic); morning and bedtime doses; after meals for GI-protective effects

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, Stigmasterol, Diosgenin

Synergistic Combinations

• Ashwagandha (adaptogenic synergy, male + female reproductive health)
• Lodhra (gynecological formulations)
• Guduchi (immunomodulatory and galactagogue combination)
• Yashtimadhu (ulcer-healing and mucosal protective synergy)
• Vidari (Brihana, nourishing tonic combinations)
• Jeeraka (galactagogue formulations for lactating mothers)