According to Bethany Cadman of Medical News Today, Shatavari is a species of asparagus plant that has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Moreover, Shatavari, also known as satavar or Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus), is said to promote fertility and have a variety of health benefits, particularly for the female reproductive system. The herb is thought to be adaptogenic, which means that it may help to regulate the body's systems and improve resistance to stress. Considered a popular health tonic for improving vitality, Shatavari has become a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. It can be taken orally as tablets, powders, and liquid essences.
Shatavari contains antioxidants. Antioxidants aid in the prevention of free radical cell damage. They also fight oxidative stress, which is linked to disease. Shatavari is high in saponins. Saponins are compounds with antioxidant abilities. According to a 2004 study by Nathathai Wiboonpun and colleagues, a new antioxidant called racemofuran was identified within shatavari root. Asparagamine A and racemosol, two well-known antioxidants, were also discovered. Shatavari has anti-inflammatory properties as well. According to Annette McDermott of Healthline, Racemofuran, which is found in Shatavari, also has significant anti-inflammatory capabilities. Racemofuran, according to the book Medicinal Cookery: How You Can Benefit from Nature's Pharmacy, acts in the body similarly to prescription anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors. These medications are thought to reduce inflammation without causing significant digestive side effects.
Annette McDermott also stated that Shatavari is used as an immunity booster in Ayurveda. A 2004 study found that animals given shatavari root extract had higher antibodies to a strain of whooping cough than untreated animals. The treated animals recovered faster and had better overall health. This suggested an improved immune response. Shatavari root juice is a natural cough remedy in West Bengal, India. In coughing mice, researchers tested its cough-relieving abilities. They discovered that shatavari root extract, like the prescription cough medicine codeine phosphate, stopped coughing. More research is needed to determine how shatavari works to relieve coughs.
Shatavari is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. Diarrhea may cause serious problems, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Shatavari helped stop castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats, according to a 2005 study. Similarly, more research is needed to determine whether shatavari produces comparable results in humans. Recent research suggests that the roots of shatavari may offer a variety of health benefits. However, more research is needed before this herb can be recommended as a treatment for certain conditions, and it is not currently used in clinical medicine.
According to an article published in the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild, 4-5 milliliters of shatavari root tincture, taken three times daily or a tea made from 1 teaspoon powdered shatavari root and 8 ounces water, taken twice daily may prevent kidney stones. Shatavari comes in powder, tablet, and liquid forms. A typical dose of shatavari tablets is 500 milligrams, up to twice daily. 30 drops of shatavari extract in water or juice, up to three times per day, is a typical dose. Herbs and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. The supplement’s quality, purity, and strength vary. Most importantly, talk to your doctor or a natural health practitioner before incorporating shatavari into your routine, especially if you take medications or have health problems. They can help you determine the right dose for you.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. What are the health benefits of Shatavari?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Bethany Cadman on June 6, 2018
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322043
2. What Is Shatavari and How Is It Used?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Annette McDermott — Updated on July 24, 2020
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/shatavari
3. Identification of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus
Nathathai Wiboonpun, Preecha Phuwapraisirisan, Santi Tip-pyang
