Shatavari

Shatavari

Latin Name: Asparagus racemosa
Family: Asparagaceae

Part used: Root.
Energetics: Bitter/ sweet, cooling, salty, moist.
Iris: All types.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • None known.
  • As it is an adaptogen, it is safe to take every day and long term if needed.
  • There are no contraindications or interactions with hormonal medications such as the contraceptive Pill or HRT.
  • There is not enough information about its use in pregnancy or breastfeeding

ACTIONS

  • Adaptogen
  • Diuretic
  • Galactagogue
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Demulcent
  • Refrigerant
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-protozoal
  • Anti-tussive
  • Anti-neoplastic
  • Antioxidant
  • Nutritive
  • Antacid
  • Cardio-tonic
  • Prostatic tonic
  • Anti-diarrhoeal
  • Febrifuge
  • Breast enhancer
  • Emmenagogue
  • Immune modulator
  • Antispasmodic
  • Utero-tonic

Main Constituents

  • Steroidal glycosides
  • Aglycones
  • Shatavarin Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅳ
  • Isoflavones
  • Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
  • Vitamin C
  • Quercetin
  • Rutin
  • Sterols
  • Mucilage

Main Uses

Nutritive, Adaptogen.
Digestive System: Gastritis, Heartburn, Hypochlorhydria, Crohn’s disease, Peptic ulcer, Hyperchlorhydria, Inflammation of the GI mucosa.
Immune System: Leukopenia, Neutropenia, Improves macrophage function, Fever.

Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella spp., Staphylococcus epidermidis, Vibrio cholerae.
Protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica
Mental/Emotional: Amnesia.
Musculo-Skeletal System: Rheumatism.
Reproductive System: Sexual dysfunction, Infertility/Fertility issues, Menopause and Menopausal depression, Low sperm count,  Dysmenorrhoea, Menorrhagia, Prostate tonic.

More About Shatavari

Shatavari’s main action is as an adaptogenic, protecting against a variety of biological, physical and chemical stressors. Shatavari is an incredibly nourishing, strengthening and balancing herb used for women during all stages of life.
In Ayurveda it’s known as ‘she who has a hundred husbands’, referring to both its ability to boost fertility and its physical appearance. The name shatavari is derived from the Sanskrit words shat, which means ‘100’ and vri, which means ‘root’. The word vari can also mean ‘husband’, which explains the ‘she who has a hundred husbands’ nickname.
Shatavari has long been used to support women at the end of menses by encouraging circulation, as well as healthy nervous system and hormonal function, but as an overall reproductive tonic, Shatavari is relied on heavily for all stages of a woman’s reproductive cycle, beginning with the menarche (start of menses), supporting the female system through menses, ovulation and fertility, and the hot flashes, irritability, irregular memory and dryness during menopause.
Shatavari is high in saponins so it has strong antioxidant abilities, due to the compound racemofuran, which is also anti-inflammatory.
Racemofuran acts similarly in the body as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs (COX-2 inhibitors).
Shatavari’s antioxidant effects (through glutathione) and its adaptogenic properties reduce the damage caused by stress, resulting in neuroprotective effects. It also reduces the symptoms of depression and improves cognitive function.

Recipes:


Shatavari Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 teaspoons dried shatavari root (cut and sifted)
  • 236ml of boiling water
  • Optional: Honey or a pinch of cinnamon for flavour

Instructions:

  • Bring 236ml of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stove.
  • Measure out the dried shatavari root.
  • Place the shatavari root in a teapot or heat proof mug.
  • Pour the boiling water over the shatavari root.
  • Cover the teapot or mug with a lid or saucer and let the shatavari root steep for about 10-15 minutes.
  • If desired, sweeten the tea with honey or add a pinch of cinnamon for flavour.
  • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the shatavari root.
  • Sip the shatavari tea while it's still warm. It has a slightly sweet and earthy flavour
Shatavari Tincture

Ingredients:

  • 42gr of dried shatavari root
  • 236ml of high-proof alcohol (such as 40% vodka)
  • Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
  • Amber glass tincture bottles with droppers (for storage)

Instructions:

  • Measure out the dried shatavari root.
  • Place the dried shatavari root in a glass jar.
  • Pour the high-proof alcohol over the shatavari root, ensuring the root is fully submerged.
  • Seal the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Shake the jar gently to mix the ingredients.
  • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily to aid in the extraction process.
  • After the steeping period, strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into amber glass tincture bottles.
  • Label the bottles with the contents and date.
  • Store the Shatavari tincture in a cool, dark place. It can last for several years if stored properly.
  • Dose: Take 5ml of the tincture 2-3 times a day.

References


Female reproductive health,hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), follicular growth and development, oocyte quality and infertility

Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: Possible beneficial effects of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).
Based on the existing studies, we propose that shatavari may improve female reproductive health complications including hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), follicular growth and development, oocyte quality and infertility possibly by reducing OS level and increasing antioxidants level in the body.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29635127/

Breast cancer, estrogen receptor

Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) targeting estrogen receptor α: - An in-vitro and in-silico mechanistic study.
For that reason, our study proposed that A. racemosus could be used as a new source for the treatment of breast cancer.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30580607/

Muscular strength, ergogenic benefits

The Effects of Asparagus Racemosus Supplementation Plus 8 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Endurance.
In conjunction with bench press training, supplementation with A. racemosus provided ergogenic benefits compared to placebo.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33467220/

Antibacterial, immunomodulatory, macrophage cells

Antibacterial and Immunomodulatory Potentials of Biosynthesized Ag, Au, Ag-Au Bimetallic Alloy Nanoparticles Using the Asparagus racemosus Root Extract.
The results showed that the root extract of A. racemosus, AgNPs, and AuNPs can reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the macrophages cells, while Ag-Au alloy NPs can reduce cytokine responses in NK92 cells.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33302432/

Anticandida

Anticandidal Activity of Asparagus racemosus.
The extract of Asparagus racemosus showed high degree of activity against all the Candida strains. The inhibitory effect of the extract against all the Candida tested was found comparable with that of standard antibiotics used.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20490311/

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