Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Ayurvedic women's tonic, small RCT signal for lactation support and menopausal symptoms; broader claims tradition-only.
Why
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is the principal Ayurvedic 'women's tonic', historically used across the female lifespan for fertility, lactation, menopause and general vitality. Small modern RCTs report improvements in lactation (Sharma 1996) and menopausal symptoms (Pandey 2018). Broader healthy-ageing and immunomodulatory claims rest on traditional use and preclinical work; modern evidence remains preliminary.
How it works
Steroidal saponins (shatavarins) have weak phytoestrogenic activity at high concentrations. Polysaccharides have galactagogue effect in animal models, basis of the lactation use. Antioxidant effects on hippocampal and reproductive tissues documented preclinically.
Expected onset · Lactation effects within 2–3 weeks; menopausal effects over 4–8 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Traditional powder (churna): 3–6 g/day with warm milk or water. Standardised extract: 500 mg twice daily.
Timing
Divided 2 times daily with food
On the label
Quality-tested Asparagus racemosus root extract or churna. Look for heavy-metal-tested certification given Ayurvedic product concerns.
Ideal for
Breastfeeding women with low perceived milk supply exploring traditional galactagogues; perimenopausal women exploring Ayurvedic options; adults exploring Ayurvedic tonics under guidance.
Safety
Evidence
Sharma 1996 RCT: shatavari produced significantly higher prolactin and milk yield vs placebo in lactating women. Pandey 2018 small RCT in menopausal women reported reduced vasomotor symptoms. Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.
Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.
- Sharma et al., Indian J Med Res 1996, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) in postpartum lactation insufficiency
- Pandey et al., J Midlife Health 2018, clinical effects of Asparagus racemosus on menopausal symptoms (RCT)
- Singh et al., Phytother Res 2018, review of Asparagus racemosus phytochemistry and pharmacology
Where to get it
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