Shatavari, also known as asparagus root extract, has a long-standing reputation as a valuable tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, used to treat dyspepsia and gastric ulcers and to increase breast milk production, according to physician and writer Ray Sahelian. Despite its long history, little research on humans exists to support Shatavari use. Scientists have, however, identified several shatavari effects. Always check with a health care practitioner before adding supplements like shatavari to your regimen.
Immune Booster
Most scientific studies focus on shatavari's immune-supporting effects, according to "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook." Shatavari may boost macrophages, white blood cells that digest cancer cells and other potentially harmful organisms in your body. It also may help your immune system recover faster after exposure to toxic chemicals, reduce development of scar tissue after surgery and protect blood-producing cells in bone marrow. However, more research is needed to determine if such laboratory findings are applicable to humans.
Gastric Emptying
One human study compared shatavari with the drug metoclopramide, used by people who suffer dyspepsia to reduce time for gastric emptying. A 2005 study published in the "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine" found that the effects of shatavari were not significantly different from the effects of the modern drug.
Anti-Ulcer
A study on rats that examined shatavari's anti-ulcer activity found that the plant has properties that are effective against ulcers. Shatavari had the effect of inhibiting the release of gastric hydrochloric acid and protecting gastric mucosal damage, according to the 2006 study published in the "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy." The effect is comparable to that of ranitidine hydrochloride, a drug commonly used to reduce stomach acid and treat ulcers, the study found.
Increased Milk Production
Another study on rats found that shatavari has an estrogenic effect on female mammary glands and genital organs. The study was published in the 2005 edition of "Phylotherapy Research." However, while studies on rats and buffalo suggest that shatavari may increase breast milk production in these animals, a controlled study on lactating women found no difference between those who took a placebo and those who took the asparagus root extract, advises "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook."
References
- "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook"; Deepak Chopra and David Simon; 2000
- Ray Sahelian: Shatavari - Asparagus Root Extract
- "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy"; Antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd. against indomethacin plus phyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats; M. Bhatnagar and S.S. Sisodia; 2006
- "Phylotherapy Research"; Effect of Asparagus racemosus rhizome (Shatavari) on mammary gland and genital organs of pregnant rat; S.K. Pandey, et al.; 2005
- "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine;" Effect of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) on gastric emptying time in normal healthy volunteers; S.S. Dalvi; 2005
