Talk:Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Shatavari |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Asparagus racemosus Willd. |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Asparagus racemosus (commonly known as Shatavari) is a species of plant in the family Asparagaceae.
English name
Wild Asparagus
Therapeutic Uses
Acid Peptic Disorders (Amlapitta), Haemorrhoids (Arsha), Diarrhoea (Atisara), Abdominal lump (Gulma), Kshaya, Bleeding diarrhoea (Raktisara), Intrinsic haemorrhage (Raktapitta), Raktavikara, Gout (Vatarakta), Herpes zoster (Visarpa), Parinama Shoola, Mutrarakta, Vatajvara, Hoarseness of voice (Svarabheda), Night blindness (Naktandhya), Sutika Roga, Stanya Dosha, Stanya Kshaya[1]
Other varieties / other botanical names
- Asparagus rigidulus Nakai
- Protasparagus racemosus (Willd.) Oberm.
Types
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Mentioned 2 types[2]
- Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus Willd.
- Mahashatavari – Asparagus sarmentosus Linn.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Shatavari, Atirasa, Shatavirya, Bahusuta, Vari, Vira, Bhiru, Narayani
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Shatavari, Bahusuta, Bhiru, Indivari, Vari, Narayani, Shatapadi, Shatavirya, Pivari Mahashatavari – Shatamuli, Urdhvakantika, Sahasravirya, Hetu, Rushyaprokta, Mahodari[3]
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Sweet (madhura), Bitter (tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Cold (sheeta) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify Vata and Pitta |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(7) | Balya(tonic) mahakashaya |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/65 | Anu taila dravya |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/107 | Shaka Varga(group of vegetables) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 | Vamana dravyani(emesis dravya) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139 | Madhura skandha(group of sweet drugs) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/20 | Garbhasthapana dravya |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/58 | Stanyadushti(disease of vitiated breast milk) chikitsa- Dhatri karma |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/44 | In formulation of Brahma rasayana |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/25 | Ingredient in Bruhaniya Gutika |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/28 | Ingredient in Bruhaniya Gutika |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/34 | Ingredient in Vajikarana Ghrita |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/2/6 | Ingredient in Apatyakari Shashtikadi Gutika |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/2/14 | Ingredient in Apatyakara Swaras |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/2/18 | Ingredient in Vrushya Kshira |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/3/18 | Ingredient of Vrushya Shatavari Ghrita |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/28 | Ingredient in Apatyakara Ghrita |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/250 | As an ingredient of Jeevantyadi anuvasana basti |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 | As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/123 | Ingredient in Drakshadya Ghrita for Pittaja Gulma |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/145 | Ingredient in Mahatikta Ghrita |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/79 | Ingredient in Shira-Parshva –Ansa Shula nashak lepa |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/105 | Ghrita preparation in treatment of Daha(burning) |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/35 | Ingredient in Palankashadi taila |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/64 | Ingredient in Atattvabhinivesha nashaka yoga |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/36 | Ingredient in Amrutprasha Ghrita |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/46 | Ingredient in Shvadamshtradi Ghrita |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/66 | Ingredient in Chaturtha Sarpi guda |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/40 | As a ghrita dravya |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/43 | As a ghrita dravya |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/50 | As a yavagu(gruel) dravya |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/78 | Use with paya(milk) as a ahara(food) or ghrita |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/97 | As an ingredient of Shatavari ghrita |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/62 | As a anuvasana dravya |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/78 | As an ingredient of yavaka pradeha(external application) |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/79 | As an ingredient of Baladi alepa |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/90 | For pradeha prayoga in kaphaja visarpa(herpes) |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/91 | For pradeha prayoga in kaphaja visarpa(herpes) |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/84 | For pradeha prayoga in Vata-pittaja visarpa(herpes) |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/47 | As an ingredient of Vijayadi pralepa |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/75 | Used in shoola with sneha & sharkara |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/110 | Use for nadi sweda(fomentation) |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/160 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/52 | Used as Shaka dravya |
| 44 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/56 | As an ingredient of Baladi Ghrita |
| 45 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/58 | As an ingredient of Parushaka Ghrita |
| 46 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/61 | As an ingredient of Jeevaniya Ghrita |
| 47 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/72 | As an ingredient of Jeevakadi mahasneha |
| 48 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/76, 77 | As an ingredient of Sthiradi Ghrita/Taila |
| 49 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/81 | As an ingredient of Baladi yoga |
| 50 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/92 | As an ingredient of Madhuparnyadi taila |
| 51 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/53 | As an ingredient of Kashmaryadi ghrita, used in the treatment of Vataja yoni |
Dose
- Churna – 3 – 6 gm[4]
Important formulations
As per A.P.I.[5]
- Brahma Rasayana
- Puga Khanda
- Narasimha Churna
- Mahanarayana Taila
- Shatavari Guda
- Saubhagya Shunthi
- Bruhat Chhagaladi Ghrita
- Shatavari Ghrita
- Shatavari Kalpa
- Ashvagandharishta
Current availability
Available
- In India –
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil nadu, Andhra Pradesh
- Out of India –
Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
Current researches
Botanical profile and nomenclature
- Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus Willd.
- Family: Asparagaceae (formerly classified under Liliaceae)
- Vernacular Names: Shatavari (Sanskrit/Hindi), Satamuli (Bengali), Kurilo (Nepali)
- Plant Part Used: Dried tuberous roots
- Habitat & Distribution: Spiny climbing under-shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of India, Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa.[6][7]
Phytochemical profile
The primary therapeutic activity of Asparagus racemosus stems from its rich mixture of steroidal saponins and secondary metabolites concentrated within the tuberous roots.[7]
| Chemical Class | Key Bioactive Compounds | Biological Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Steroidal Saponins | Shatavarins (I–IV), Immunoside, Sarsasapogenin | Phytoestrogenic, galactagogue, and immunomodulatory activity |
| Alkaloids | Asparagamine A (pyrrolizidine-type) | Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities |
| Flavonoids & Isoflavones | Rutin, Quercetin, Hyperoside, 8-methoxy-isoflavones | Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties |
| Polysaccharides | Mucilage, complex oligosaccharides | Gastroprotective and demulcent effects |
| Trace Minerals | Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Calcium (Ca) | Nutritional support and metabolic cofactor functions |
Pharmacological actions and therapeutic efficacy
Galactagogue effect and lactation enhancement
Asparagus racemosus is recognized in Ayurvedic medicine as a primary galactagogue. Modern clinical trials support its ability to enhance breast milk production by stimulating systemic prolactin release and promoting the growth of mammary lobuloalveolar tissues.[7][8]
- Mechanism of Action: Bioactive saponins (specifically Shatavarin I–IV) modulate hormone axes to trigger endogenous prolactin release, leading to alveolar hyperplasia and increased milk synthesis.
- Clinical Evidence: Randomized double-blind clinical trials evaluating postpartum women administered A. racemosus root preparations demonstrated a statistically significant increase in maternal serum prolactin levels, enhanced total breast milk output, and proportional infant weight gain compared to placebo groups.[8]
The galactagogue action of Shatavari is attributed to its dual hormonal regulation—boosting prolactin expression while providing systemic antioxidant support to lactating tissue.
Female reproductive health and endocrine modulation
The root extract exhibits phytoestrogenic properties due to structural similarities between Shatavarins/isoflavones and 17β-estradiol, allowing selective binding to estrogen receptors (<math>\text{ER}\alpha</math> and <math>\text{ER}\beta</math>).[7]
- Dysmenorrhea & Infertility: Helps regulate gonadotropin release, supports folliculogenesis, and mitigates uterine hyper-reactivity.[6]
- Menopausal Symptom Relief: Studies demonstrate that A. racemosus root extracts alleviate vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) and mood fluctuations during pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal phases through partial estrogenic receptor modulation without inducing unwanted endometrial proliferation.[7]
Adaptogenic, neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties
Classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic), Shatavari functions as a systemic adaptogen by buffering the central nervous system against physical and emotional stressors.[6][9]
[ Environmental / Physiological Stress ]
│
▼
[ Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis ]
│
┌─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┐
▼ ▼
(Unmodulated Cortisol Surge) (Modulated via A. racemosus)
│ │
▼ ▼
[ Neuronal Cell Loss & ] [ Upregulation of BDNF & ]
[ Memory Impairment ] [ GABAergic Homeostasis ]
- Neuroprotection: In vivo models show that root extracts protect hippocampal sub-regions (<math>\text{CA1}</math>, <math>\text{CA3}</math>, and dentate gyrus) from stress-induced cell degeneration by reducing lipid peroxidation and restoring endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (<math>\text{SOD}</math>) and glutathione (<math>\text{GSH}</math>).[10][9]
- Cognitive & Anticonvulsant Support: Network pharmacology studies demonstrate that key phytoconstituents target neuro-inflammatory cascade proteins (such as <math>\text{TNF}-\alpha</math>, <math>\text{CASP3}</math>, and <math>\text{PTGS2}</math>), providing protective effects in neurodegenerative and seizure models.[11]
Gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activity
A. racemosus root extract acts as a cytoprotective agent within the gastrointestinal tract.[7]
- Mechanism: Rather than purely suppressing gastric acid secretion, it enhances mucosal resistance by increasing mucosal secretion, extending the lifespan of mucosal cells, and reducing gastric hypermotility.
- Therapeutic Application: Effective in managing duodenal ulcers, hyperacidity, and stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions.[6][7]
Immunomodulatory activity
Shatavari saponins, notably Immunoside and Shatavarin IV, act as biological response modifiers.[7]
- Potentiates both humoral and cell-mediated immunity by enhancing macrophage phagocytic activity.
- Stimulates leucocytosis and restores immune equilibrium during stress-induced immunosuppression.[6]
Dosage, safety, and toxicology
Standard clinical dosage
- Crude Root Powder (Churna): 3–6 g/day in divided doses, traditionally taken with milk or warm water.
- Standardized Extract (Water/Ethanol): 500–1000 mg/day (standardized to steroidal saponins).
Toxicology and contraindications
- Toxicity: Animal studies demonstrate high safety margins with no significant acute or sub-acute oral toxicity observed at standard therapeutic ranges.[6]
- Adverse Effects: Mild, transient gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals.
- Precautions: Patients with estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., specific breast or uterine malignancies) should consult a physician prior to high-dose standardized extract therapy due to its phytoestrogenic receptor interaction profile.
Summary and clinical outlook
Asparagus racemosus is an adaptogenic herb with demonstrated clinical applications in female reproductive care, galactagogue support, gastroprotection, and neuroprotection. Modern pharmacological research confirms that its complex array of steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids underpins its traditional use as a multi-system restorative agent.
See also
https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Asparagus%20racemosus
References
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume IV:50.
- ↑ Prof. K.C.Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint.2015, Chaukhambha vishvabharti, Guduchyadi Varga, p.379.
- ↑ Prof. K.C.Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint.2015, Chaukhambha vishvabharti, Guduchyadi Varga, p.379.
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume IV:50.
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume IV:50.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Bopana N, Saxena S (2007). "Asparagus racemosus—Ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 110 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.01.001.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 Alok S, Jain SK, Verma A, Kumar M, Mahor A, Sabharwal M (2013). "Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review". Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 3 (3): 242–251. doi:10.1016/s2222-1808(13)60049-3.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Birla A, Satia M, Shah R, et al. (2022). "Postpartum Use of Shavari Bar® Improves Breast Milk Output: A Double-Blind, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Study". Cureus. 14 (8): e26831. doi:10.7759/cureus.26831.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Singh N, Garg M, Prajapati P, et al. (2023). "Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects". Heliyon. 9 (4): e14932. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14932.
- ↑ Saxena G, Singh M, Meena P, et al. (2007). "Neuroprotective Effects of Asparagus Racemosus Linn Root Extract: An Experimental and Clinical Evidence". Annals of Neurosciences. 14 (3): 57–63. doi:10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2007.140302.
- ↑ Kaur B, Kumar S, Kaur A, Goel RK (2023). "A network pharmacology approach to explore pharmacological mechanisms of Asparagus racemosus for ameliorative effect in epilepsy and comorbid progressive memory dysfunction". In Silico Pharmacology. 11 (1): 28. doi:10.1007/s40203-023-00169-x.