Shatavari

Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants.

Foong SC, Tan ML, Foong WC, Marasco LA, Ho JJ, Ong JH · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2020 · n=20

Many women express concern about their ability to produce enough milk, and insufficient milk is frequently cited as the reason for supplementation and early termination of breastfeeding. When addressing this concern, it is important first to consider the influence of maternal and neonatal health, infant suck, proper latch, and feeding frequency on milk production, and that steps be taken to correct or compensate for any contributing issues. Oral galactagogues are substances that stimulate milk production. They may be pharmacological or non-pharmacological (natural). Natural galactagogues are usually botanical or other food agents. The choice between pharmacological or natural galactagogues is often influenced by familiarity and local customs. Evidence for the possible benefits and harms of galactagogues is important for making an informed decision on their use. To assess the effect of oral galactagogues for increasing milk production in non-hospitalised breastfeeding mother-term infan

A Standardized Asparagus Racemosus Root Extract Improves Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Health and Reduces Vasomotor Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Yadav P, Yadav S, Vedururu SS, Kumari G · Journal of the American Nutrition Association · 2025

Perimenopausal women often experience dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps, hormonal imbalances and vasomotor symptoms (VMS), significantly affecting their quality of life. In Ayurveda, Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) root extract has been used for female reproductive health. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of CL22205, a standardized A. racemosus root extract, in managing perimenopausal symptoms. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 50 perimenopausal women (age: 40-50 years) experiencing mild to moderate climacteric symptoms. Participants received either CL22205 (200 mg/day) or placebo over a period of 120 consecutive days. Primary outcome measure was Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) scores. Secondary measures assessed Hot Flash Weekly Weighted Score (HFWWS), Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), ovarian follicular number using ultrasonography, serum Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Anti-Müllerian

Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) Root Extract for Treatment of Perimenopausal Symptoms in Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study

n=60 · NCT07441109 · NOT_YET_RECRUITING · NOT_YET_RECRUITING

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a standardized Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root extract in women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. Participants will receive either Shatavari root extract or a matched placebo for 12 weeks. Efficacy will be assessed using validated menopause-specific symptom, quality-of-life, stress, mood, and sleep questionnaires, along with physiological stress markers. Safety will be evaluated through laboratory assessments and adverse event monitoring.

Assessing the Effect of Shatavari Supplementation on Bone and Skeletal Muscle Health in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Randomised Double Blind Clinical Trial

n=24 · NCT05025917 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Shatavari is a plant that grows in Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas and its root has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its traditional uses include supporting women's health, particularly during breastfeeding and during the perimenopausal period. Shatavari has been found to contain substances that have similar chemical properties to estrogen. A decrease in the amount of ovarian estrogen production causes the menopause and this reduction in circulating estrogen has widespread effects, including promoting a decrease in bone density. This increases the risk of bone fractures. Having less oestrogen is also thought to contribute to a loss of muscle strength in postmenopausal women. As shatavari may act on the body's tissues in a similar way to estrogen, shatavari supplementation may represent one way of preventing postmenopausal bone and muscle loss. This study will investigate these questions. 24 healthy postmenopausal women aged 60 years or older will be recruited. The participants will be randomly assigned to consume shatavari (1000 mg per day, equivalent to 26,500 mg per day fresh weight shatavari) or placebo (1000 mg per day magnesium stearate) for 6 weeks. Handgrip and knee extensor strength will be measured at baseline and at 6 weeks. Vastus lateralis (VL) muscle biopsy samples will be obtained at baseline and at 6 weeks and analysed for markers of muscle function and protein turnover. Plasma and serum samples will be collected via venepuncture and markers of bone turnover (P1NP, β-CTX) will be measured at baseline and at 6 weeks. Primary human osteoblasts (not obtained from these participants) will be stimulated with pooled sera from the placebo and shatavari supplementation conditions to assess markers of osteoblast (bone-building) activity.