Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosus, is a species of asparagus that grows in rocky soils in India and the Himalayas. Shatavari root is a popular herb in traditional medicine systems and has a broad range of purported benefits. Consult your doctor before using shatavari root to treat a health condition.
Immune System
Shatavari is used in the traditional Indian medicine system known as ayurveda to stimulate the immune system and for the treatment of ulcers and cancer. A study published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" showed shatavari to have significant immune-activating ability. In the study, 100 mg of Asparagus racemosus root extract increased white blood cells levels and activity. Laboratory animals treated with the extract showed increased levels of immune signaling molecules called cytokines, as well as increases in other immune system components, indicating shatavari exerts several different effects on the immune system.
Anti-Ulcer
Anti-ulcer benefits of shatavari were demonstrated in a study published in the 2006 "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy." In the study on laboratory animals, 100 mg/kg body weight of shatavari supplementation for 15 days significantly reduced ulcer severity and was as effective as a standard anti-ulcer drug known as ranitidine. The herb also reduced the secretion of stomach acid. The researchers concluded that shatavari may provide effective natural anti-ulcer therapy by inhibiting secretion of stomach acid and protecting the lining of the stomach.
Range of Effects
The "Indian Journal of Medical Sciences" published a study in its September 2003 issue listing proven effects of shatavari on as many as nine different body systems. Notably, shatavari has immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory and liver-supportive properties and is used to promote the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Shatavari may prolong the life span of cells lining the intestinal tract and lowers levels of liver enzymes, indicating an anti-stress effect on the liver. Shatavari has also been shown to have blood-thinning and blood pressure-lowering effects. The researchers add that shatavari's safety profile is good, with no known toxic side effects at doses as high as 64 gm per kilogram of body weight.
Antioxidant
Shatavari increases antioxidant status and decreases oxidation of lipids, according to a study published in the November 2005 issue of the "Annals of the New York Academy of Science." In the study on laboratory animals, shatavari outperformed the herb ashwagandha in treating one form of ulcers, while ashwagandha was more effective at treating another kind of ulcer. Both herbs showed comparable effectiveness to the standard drug ranitidine.
References
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Immunomodulatory Activity of Asparagus Racemosus on Systemic Th 1/Th Two Immunity: Implications for Immunoadjuvant Potential; M. Gautam; et al.; January 2009
- "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy"; Antisecretory and Antiulcer Activity of Asparagus Racemosus Willd. Against Indomethacin Plus Phyloric Ligation Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats; M. Bhatnagar; 2006
- "Indian Journal of Medical Sciences"; Asparagus Racemosus: An Update; R.K. Goyal; 2003
- "Annals of the New York Academy of Science"; Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of Asparagus Racemosus Willd. and Withania Somnifera Dunal in Rats; M. Bhatnagar; et al.; 2005
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