Shatavari: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Asparagus racemosus
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Isoflavones
Saponins
Flavonoids
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Shatavari is known for its adaptogenic properties, capable of modulating the stress response. A clinical study using a formula with a mixture of plants called EuMil, containing Shatavari combined with Ashwagandha, Tulsi and Amla, showed promising results. Administered daily for 30 days, this formula reduced levels of norepinephrine and corticosterone, key markers of chronic stress. Although the specific effect of Shatavari alone was not isolated, its richness in steroidal saponins, known for their physiological action, suggests that it plays an important role in this balance.
Posologie
Oral: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Synergies
Sexual disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Sexual disorders, notably decreased libido, could be alleviated by Shatavari. A study evaluated a formulation called Siotone, combining Shatavari, Tribulus terrestris, Ashwagandha and Tulsi. Administered daily over a 30-day period, this formula improved sexual activity and certain neurochemical parameters in male participants. These results support the potential of Shatavari in supporting sexual function, although the plant's isolated effects still warrant further study.
Posologie
Oral: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Synergies
Lactation ✪✪✪✪✪
Shatavari is traditionally used to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding mothers, a benefit confirmed by modern studies. A randomized clinical study administered 60 mg/kg/day of Shatavari root capsules to breastfeeding mothers for 30 days. The results showed a significant 33% increase in prolactin levels, compared to an increase of only 9.5% in the control group. This hormonal increase resulted in a notable improvement in milk production, making Shatavari a natural and effective solution for nursing women.
Posologie
Oral: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Galactogogue Activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd
Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
Menopause marks an inevitable physiological turning point in a woman’s life, often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. These disorders are related to decreased estrogen levels. While hormone replacement therapies remain a common solution, their use is associated with risks such as cardiovascular disease and cancers. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Shatavari for relieving these symptoms. This multicenter study, conducted on 70 women aged 40 to 65, administered 250 mg of standardized Shatavari root extract twice daily for 60 days. The results showed a significant improvement in quality of life (assessed by the Utian QoL scale) in the Shatavari group compared with placebo. - Hot flashes and night sweats: The mean number of hot flashes fell from 1.97 to 0.14 per day in the active group, compared with a smaller decrease in the placebo group. - Improved sleep: The overall insomnia score (Regensburg Insomnia Scale) showed a significant reduction of -41% in the Shatavari group, versus +19.56% in the placebo group. - Libido and vaginal dryness: Shatavari reduced vaginal dryness and improved sexual satisfaction, thanks to its phytoestrogenic effect. - Reduction in anxiety and fatigue: Stress and anxiety scores (DASS-21) demonstrated a significant improvement, attributed to Shatavari’s adaptogenic properties. No major adverse reactions were reported, and Shatavari was well tolerated over the study period.
Posologie
Oral route: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Shatavari Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women Improves Handgrip Strength and Increases Vastus lateralis Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation but Does Not Alter Markers of Bone Turnover
Properties
Adaptogen
Steroidal saponins, notably shatavarin IV, act as modulators of the stress response. They influence cortisol levels and signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress. Animal studies show that Shatavari reduces corticosterone levels, an indicator of stress, and improves cognitive functions related to chronic stress. These effects are reinforced by its ability to increase levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in synergistic plant formulations: Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Emblica officinalis (Amla).
Usages associés
Immunomodulator
Shatavari stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses. Steroidal saponins and polysaccharides increase the activity of macrophages and T lymphocytes. Studies show an increase in phagocytosis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Shatavari also counteracts the immunosuppressive effects of certain chemical agents, such as cyclophosphamide, and may enhance vaccine responses.
Hormonal metabolism
Steroidal saponins, acting as phytoestrogens, partially mimic the effect of estrogens by binding to hormone receptors. This helps balance hormone levels, particularly during menopause and in menstrual disorders. Shatavari also inhibits oxytocin-induced uterine contractions, making it useful in cases at risk of miscarriage. These effects have been confirmed in animal studies.
Usages associés
Galactagogue
Shatavari stimulates breast milk production by increasing prolactin levels, a key hormone in lactation. This mechanism is attributed to its steroidal saponins, which act on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to promote prolactin secretion. A clinical study showed a 33% increase in prolactin levels in breastfeeding women who consumed Shatavari root capsules.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Shatavari improves gastrointestinal motility and protects the gastric mucosa by increasing mucus secretion. Its compounds reduce acid secretions and oxidative damage associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers. It also affects digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase), thereby promoting digestion. These anti-ulcer properties are comparable to drugs such as ranitidine in animal models.
Safe dosage
Adult: 500 mg - 1000 mg (standardized extract)
Standardized extract: 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily. Duration: 8 to 12 weeks, as needed. Digestive disorders (ulcers, dyspepsia): - Root powder: 3 to 6 g per day, as an infusion or in a capsule. - Duration: 4 to 6 weeks.
Breastfeeding woman: 500 mg (standardized extract)
Standardized extract: 60 mg/kg body weight per day. Duration: 30 days in clinical trials, under supervision.
Precautions
Edema: avoid
By analogy with the use of asparagus root in diuretic therapies approved by Commission E, it is advised to avoid Shatavari in cases of edema caused by functional cardiac or renal disorders.
Contraindications
Pregnancy: contraindicated
An animal study demonstrated teratogenic effects at doses of 100 mg/kg/day administered for 60 days in rats. These results suggest a potential risk to fetal development.
