Shatavari
Shatavari is a herb used in Ayurveda to support female reproductive health, balance hormones, and enhance fertility.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an adaptogenic root used in Ayurvedic medicine to support the female reproductive system and hormonal balance. It is often referred to as the “queen of herbs” in traditional Ayurvedic texts.
The root contains steroidal saponins and other compounds that may help balance hormones, enhance fertility, and promote overall vitality. Shatavari is commonly found in powder, capsule, or liquid extract forms.
Women take Shatavari for menstrual health, fertility support, and menopausal symptoms. While traditional use is strong, modern clinical research is still limited and further studies are needed to confirm its effects.
Other names & forms of Shatavari supplement : asparagus racemosus, shatavari root, shatavari extract
Possible Benefits
Shatavari contains steroidal saponins and phytoestrogens that help regulate female hormones and support reproductive function.
- It is widely used to support hormonal balance in women, particularly during menstruation and menopause, aligning with Female Hormone Support & Menopause.
- Shatavari may also aid in emotional well-being and stress resilience, contributing to Nervous System & Stress Relief.
- It is traditionally used as a general tonic to promote vitality and immune health, falling under General Health and Immunity.
Side Effects
Shatavari offers gentle hormonal support, but some users notice subtle side effects. Keep an eye out for:
- Mild gastrointestinal upset, bloating or loose stools, especially if taken on an empty stomach
- Headache or dizziness in a few sensitive individuals
- Possible breast tenderness or mild breast swelling from hormonal modulation
- Occasional allergic reactions, rash or itching, in those sensitive to Asparagus species
- Rare changes in menstrual flow when starting the supplement
Interactions
Potential interactions include:
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: Shatavari’s phytoestrogens may interact with hormone therapies or birth control; review with your provider if on Progesterone or estrogen.
- Blood sugar-lowering drugs: By modulating glucose metabolism, Shatavari could potentiate insulin or Cinnamon, necessitating closer blood sugar monitoring.
- Sedatives and mood stabilizers: Its calming properties might enhance effects of benzodiazepines or supplements like L-Theanine, increasing sedation.
- Thyroid medications: Potential mild influence on thyroid axis; if using levothyroxine, check TSH and adjust as needed.
Precautions
Before introducing Shatavari into your daily routine, check whether any of these apply to you. If so, consult your healthcare provider:
- Pregnant women: Generally safe as a food, but high-dose extracts should be used only under professional guidance
- Breastfeeding women: Limited data on safety during lactation; seek medical advice before use
- Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers: May mimic estrogen; avoid if you have breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
- People with hypotension: Potential to lower blood pressure; monitor levels if you have low-normal blood pressure
- Patients on hormone replacement therapy: May interfere with prescribed hormones; use under supervision
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Shatavari benefits:
A 2018 randomized, double-blind trial in 60 lactating women found that 500 mg/day Asparagus racemosus extract for 30 days increased breast-milk volume by 28% versus placebo.
A 2018 pilot study in post-menopausal women showed 1,000 mg/day Shatavari for 12 weeks improved Menopause Rating Scale scores by 35% compared to 10% with placebo, alleviating hot flashes and mood swings.
A 2013 animal study reported no significant change in testosterone or fertility markers in male rats given Shatavari root powder for 60 days, suggesting limited androgenic effects.
A 2019 in vitro and ex vivo investigation found that Shatavari constituents inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines in human macrophages, but clinical relevance requires RCT confirmation.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you're pregnant, have a condition, or take medication, speak with a qualified professional.
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