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Shv5.0
Shatavari Research
Likely helps
18 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Shatavari appears to help in 5 of 5 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2012–2026 with a typical study size of 45 participants.
Based on 18 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 6 RCTs · 965 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidence
What the studies found
5helped· 13 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Women's healthA small RCT (n=50) reduced perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms · 4-8 weeks · A small perimenopausal RCT improved hormonal markers · 4-8 weeks · A small RCT improved menstrual discomfort scores · 1-3 cycles
Likely helps18 studies
Anxiety & stressAdaptogenic claims rest on limited, mostly traditional evidence · 4-8 weeks · Adaptogenic support rests on limited, mostly traditional evidence · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Muscle strength & power
Too few graded studies2 studies
Fertility & reproductiveFertility benefit is largely unproven in human trials · 4-12 weeks
Too few graded studies2 studies
Bone health
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 13 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
100%
across studies
People studied
965
typical study: 45 people
Strongest designs
7
1 pooled, 6 randomised
Showed benefit
100%
5/5 studies
How long studies ran
1–3 months
1
3+ months
1
Populations Studied
Breastfeeding mothers2
Not specified1
Women of reproductive age1
Women1
Active research area
14 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2020
201220192026
1Pharmacological pathways modulated by Asparagus saponinsSystematic Review2026
The uses of this plant in some of the marketed traditional products, nano-formulations and clinical trial aspects have also been included.
Kurmi A et al. · Chemistry & biodiversity (2026)
Shatavarin-IV is regarded as the most important steroidal saponin responsible for most of the pharmacological effects of Shatavari.
The present review provides an update on the diverse pharmacological activities of 'Shatavari' and Shatavarin-IV.
It covers plant metabolic biosynthesis, recent mechanistic pathways underlying key bioactivities and safety aspects.
2Shatavari efficacy for fertilitySystematic Review2025
Shatavari shows promise for fertility enhancement due to its active compounds like saponins and flavonoids.
Oyovwi MO et al. · Current nutrition reports (2025)
Recent investigations suggest that Shatavari has the potential to enhance fertility rates and improve breast milk quality and quantity, making it important for postpartum care.
Preliminary findings also indicate positive outcomes for male fertility, but more clinical trials are needed.
It is also crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consult healthcare professionals before using Shatavari due to potential interactions and contraindications.
3Health benefits of Asparagus racemosusSystematic ReviewCited 1×2025
Shatavarin IV, a sarsapogenin enriched in the roots of Shatavari, is especially beneficial for women's reproductive health and also acts as an effective stressbuster.
Banerjee P et al. · Journal of the American Nutrition Association (2025)
In this regard, a novel Asparagus root formulation, Shevari4T®, has been developed, with Shatavarin IV content exceeding 7.4%, which promises to deliver the goodness of Shatavari, especially for women.
Shatavarin IV, a sarsapogenin enriched in the roots of Shatavari, is especially beneficial for women's reproductive health and also acts as an effective stressbuster.
These compounds are frequently used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including dysentery, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, anxiety disorders, inflammation, tumors, mental disorders, hyperacidity, viral diseases, spasms, chronic fever, and rheumatism.
4Breast milk volumeMeta-AnalysisCited 62×n=20 · very small study2020
Due to extremely limited, very low certainty evidence, we do not know whether galactagogues have any effect on proportion of mothers who continued breastfeeding at 3, 4 and 6 months.
Foong SC et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Only one study (metoclopramide) reported on the outcome of infant weight, finding little or no difference (mean difference (MD) 23.0 grams, 95% confidence interval (CI) -47.71 to 93.71; 1 study, 20 participants; low-certainty evidence).
Three studies (metoclopramide, domperidone, sulpiride) reported on milk volume, finding pharmacological galactagogues may increase milk volume (MD 63.82 mL, 95% CI 25.91 to 101.72; I² = 34%; 3 studies, 151 participants; low-certainty evidence).
Three studies (fennel, fenugreek, moringa, mixed botanical tea) reported infant weight but could not be meta-analysed due to substantial clinical and statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 60%, 275 participants, very low-certainty evidence).
Well-designed and well-conducted clinical trials that address the above limitations are necessary to generate a body of evidence as a basis for recommendations regarding herbal galactogogues.
Mortel M et al. · Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association (2013)
Five trials found an increase in breast milk production.
Several limitations exist that affect the validity of the trial results, including small sample size, insufficient randomization methods, poorly defined eligibility criteria, use of poly-herbal interventions, and variable breastfeeding practices among enrolled subjects.
Given the insufficiency of evidence from these trials, no recommendation is made for the use of herbs as galactogogues.
6Effects of shatavari on female reproductive health disordersSystematic ReviewCited 55×2018
Although shatavari is one of the major health tonics and most popular rasayana drugs to treat reproductive ailments of women, underlying mechanism of shatavari action at the level of ovary remains ...
Pandey AK et al. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2018)
Although shatavari is one of the major health tonics and most popular rasayana drugs to treat reproductive ailments of women, underlying mechanism of shatavari action at the level of ovary remains poorly understood.
Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of shatavari actions at the level of ovary and oocyte that directly impacts the reproductive health of women.
7Use of galactogogues in breastfeeding mothersSystematic ReviewCited 56×2012
Nonpharmacologic recommendations should be exhausted before adding therapy.
Forinash AB et al. · The Annals of pharmacotherapy (2012)
Nonpharmacologic recommendations should be exhausted before adding therapy.
Although anecdotal evidence encourages the use of metoclopramide, fenugreek, asparagus, and milk thistle for their galactogogue properties, efficacy and safety data in the literature are lacking.
Oxytocin and domperidone are potentially available for compounding purposes, but safety data are limited.
9Vasomotor symptoms and menstrual healthRCTn=50 · small study2025
CL22205 effectively reduces VMS, menstrual discomfort, and hormonal imbalances while improving skin and hair health, offering a safe and natural alternative for perimenopausal symptoms management.
Yadav P et al. · Journal of the American Nutrition Association (2025)
Huge benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
CL22205 significantly reduced (p < 0.001) total MRS scores and HFWWS vs. placebo and baseline after 120 days of treatment, menstrual symptoms (congestive and spasmodic dysmenorrhea) were improved (p < 0.001).
CL22205 decreased serum FSH (56.3%), LH (34.3%), and increased AMH (188.1%, p < 0.001) levels.
CL22205 effectively reduces VMS, menstrual discomfort, and hormonal imbalances while improving skin and hair health, offering a safe and natural alternative for perimenopausal symptoms management.
12Handgrip strength and myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylationRCTCited 13×n=10 · very small study2021
Shatavari may improve muscle function and contractility via myosin conformational change and further investigation of its utility in conserving and enhancing musculoskeletal function, in larger and more diverse cohorts, is warranted.
O'Leary MF et al. · Nutrients (2021)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Handgrip (but not knee extensor) strength was improved by shatavari supplementation (shatavari +0.7 ± 1.1 kg, placebo -0.4 ± 1.3 kg; p = 0.04).
Myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation, a known marker of improved myosin contractile function, was increased in VL following shatavari supplementation (immunoblotting; placebo -0.08 ± 0.5 a.u., shatavari +0.3 ± 1 arbitrary units (a.u.); p = 0.03).
Shatavari increased the phosphorylation of Aktser473 (Aktser473 (placebo -0.6 ± 0.6 a.u., shatavari +0.2 ± 1.3 a.u.; p = 0.03) in VL.
It highlights its potential as a botanical psychobiotic and proposes directions for future clinical validation within the context of postpartum mental health frameworks.
D D, Krishnarajabhatt HS, Unnikrishnan P. · Frontiers in nutrition (2025)
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analyses have demonstrated that dry Shatavari contains a significantly richer concentration of bioactive phytoconstituents, such as steroidal saponins and flavonoids, compared to its wet form.
These compounds exhibit prebiotic activity, influence microbial composition, and support the modulation of neurotransmitters.
This mini review examines the intersection of phytochemical richness in dry A. racemosus and its emerging role in microbiota-mediated mood regulation.
Integrating these botanicals into modern therapeutic protocols could offer a holistic and cost-effective strategy for PE management, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Wazib S, Ambardar Y, Quasimi H, Alam S, Afghan S, Alam MI. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine (2025)
Among these medicinal plants, Asparagus racemosus willd. (AR) (Shatavari) has gained significant attention due to its rich composition of saponins, flavonoids, and antioxidants.
These bioactive compounds play a crucial role in enhancing NO production, reducing oxidative stress, and improving endothelial function in PE.
While traditional use supports their benefits, rigorous research is needed to confirm efficacy, safety and dosage.
By addressing these issues, Asparagus racemosus may be positioned as a viable alternative or adjuvant in the treatment of AD.
Nadeem M, Khan MA, Ahmad FJ, Parvez S, Akhtar M, Najmi AK. · 3 Biotech (2025)
Moreover, thorough mechanistic research is required to elucidate its therapeutic targets and interactions due to the intricacy of its phytochemical makeup.
To improve effectiveness and bioavailability, future studies should focus on creating standardized formulations, including cutting-edge delivery methods like nanoformulations.
To confirm its therapeutic potential and safety profile in AD patients, extensive, rigorous clinical studies are necessary.
16Psychological stress (PSS score)RCTn=35 · small study2026
Shatavari root extract oral administration can be a safe and effective potential intervention for women with PCOS.
Mhatre Y et al. · Frontiers in endocrinology (2026)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
At 12 weeks, Ovarian volume did not differ significantly between groups (p= 0.254).
SHT significantly reduced psychological stress (PSS score: -6.64 ± 3.99; p < 0.0001), decreased follicular count (p < 0.0001), and increased endometrial thickness (p = 0.028) compared to PL.
No serious adverse events occurred; mild to moderate events were reported in 11.4% (SHT) and 8.5% (PL) of participants, all manageable with standard therapy and not related to the intervention.
Ademola J, Ajgaonkar A, Debnath T, Debnath K, Langade J. · Frontiers in reproductive health (2025)
Significant improvements in MRS scores were observed in the ARE-SHT group compared to SHT [Week 4 and 8 ( p < 0.0001)] and PL [weeks 4 ( p = 0.01) and 8 ( p < 0.0001)], respectively.
Esteem-related affect ( p = 0.025) and mood improvement ( p = 0.008) showed significant changes between the groups.
Mild adverse events were reported by four participants (loose stools and dizziness in the ARE-SHT group, nausea in the SHT monotherapy group, and headache in the PL group).