What Is Shatavari and How Is It Used?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC,
CHT — Written by Annette McDermott — Updated on July 24, 2020

Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Immunity Cough Diarrhea

Diuretic Ulcers Kidney stones Blood sugar Anti-aging
Depression Use Side effects and risks Takeaway

What is it?
Shatavari is also known as Asparagus racemosus. It’s a member of the
asparagus family. It’s also an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic herbs are
said to help your body cope with physical and emotional stress.

Shatavari is considered a general health tonic to improve vitality, making

it a staple in ayurvedic medicine. Keep reading to learn more about the
other health benefits it may offer. SUBSCRIBE

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1. It has antioxidant properties 

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Antioxidants help prevent free-radical cell damage. They also battle
oxidative stress, which causes disease. Shatavari is high in saponins.
Saponins are compounds with antioxidant abilities.

According to a 2004 study  , a new antioxidant called racemofuran was

identified within shatavari root. Two known antioxidants — asparagamine
A and racemosol — were also found.

2. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Racemofuran, which is found in shatavari, also has significant anti-
inflammatory capabilities. According to the book Medicinal Cookery: How
You Can Benefit from Nature’s Pharmacy, racemofuran acts similarly in
the body as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2
inhibitors. These types of drugs are thought to reduce inflammation
without serious digestive side effects.

3. It may help boost your immune system

Shatavari is used in ayurveda as an immunity booster. According to a
2004 study, animals treated with shatavari root extract had increased
antibodies to a strain of whooping cough when compared to untreated
animals. The treated animals recovered faster and had improved health
overall. This suggested an improved immune response.
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4. It may help relieve cough

According to a 2000 study on mice, shatavari root juice is a natural cough
remedy in West Bengal, India. Researchers evaluated its cough-relieving
abilities in coughing mice. They found shatavari root extract stopped
cough as well as the prescription cough medicine codeine phosphate.
More studies are needed to determine how shatavari works to relive
coughs.

5. It may help treat diarrhea

Shatavari is used as a folk remedy for diarrhea. Diarrhea may cause
serious problems, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

According to a 2005 study  , shatavari helped stop castor oil–induced

diarrhea in rats. More study is needed to see if shatavari has comparable
results in humans.

6. It may act as a diuretic

Diuretics help your body get rid of excess fluid. They’re often prescribed
for people who have congestive heart failure to remove excess fluid from
around the heart. Prescription diuretics may cause serious side effects.

According to a 2010 study on rats, shatavari is used as a diuretic in

ayurveda. The study found that 3,200 milligrams of shatavari had diuretic
activity without causing acute side effects. More study is needed on
humans before shatavari can be safely recommended as a diuretic.

7. It may help treat ulcers

Ulcers are sores in your stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. They may
be very painful. They can cause serious complications, such as bleeding
or perforation.

According to a 2005 study  on rats, shatavari was effective at treating


medication-induced gastric ulcers.
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8. It may help treat kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys. As they pass
through your urinary tract, they may cause excruciating pain.

Most kidney stones are made of oxalates. Oxalates are compounds found
in some foods, such as spinach, beets, and french fries.

In a 2005 study  , shatavari root extract helped prevent the formation of

oxalate stones in rats. It also increased magnesium concentration in the
urine. Proper levels of magnesium in the body are thought to help prevent
the development of crystals in the urine that form kidney stones.

9. It may help maintain blood sugar

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, as is the need for safer, more effective
treatments. According to a 2007 study, shatavari may help maintain blood
sugar levels. It’s thought compounds within the herb stimulate insulin
production, although it’s unclear exactly how.

More study is needed, but researchers suggest understanding how

shatavari impacts blood sugar may hold the key to the development of
new diabetes treatments.

10. It may be anti-aging

Shatavari may be one of nature’s best kept anti-aging secrets. According
to a 2015 study, the saponins in shatavari root helped reduce the free-
radical skin damage that leads to wrinkles. Shatavari also helped prevent
collagen breakdown. Collagen helps maintain your skin’s elasticity.

More study is needed before topical shatavari products hit the market.
But some researchers believe they may be the future of safe, anti-aging
skin care.

11. It may help treat depression

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
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, major
depressive disorder affects over 16.1 million American adults yearly. Yet
many people can’t take prescription depression medications due to
negative side effects.

Shatavari is used in ayurveda to treat depression. A 2009 study on

rodents found the antioxidants in shatavari have strong antidepressant
abilities. They also impacted neurotransmitters in the brain.
Neurotransmitters communicate information throughout our brain. Some
are associated with depression.

How to use
Shatavari isn’t well studied in humans. No standardized dose has been
established.

According to an article published in the Journal of the American

Herbalists Guild, these doses may prevent kidney stones:

4-5 milliliters of shatavari root tincture, three times daily

a tea made from 1 teaspoon powdered shatavari root and 8 ounces

water, twice daily

Shatavari is available in powder, tablet, and liquid forms. A typical dose of

shatavari tablets is 500 milligrams, up to twice daily. A typical dose of
shatavari extract is 30 drops in water or juice, up to three times daily.

Talk to your doctor or a natural health practitioner before incorporating

shatavari in your routine, especially if you take medications or have health
problems. They can help you determine the right dose for you.

The FDA does not monitor herbs and supplements. The quality, purity,
and strength of supplements varies. Only buy shatavari from a brand you
trust.

Possible side effects and risks

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According to 2003 research, ayurvedic medicine considers shatavari
“absolutely safe for long term use, even during pregnancy and lactation.”
Still, there’s not much scientific research on the side effects of shatavari
supplementation. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t
use it until more studies are done and it’s proven safe.

There are reports of allergic reaction in some people who take shatavari.
If you’re allergic to asparagus, avoid this supplement. Seek medical
attention if you experience worsening asthma or allergic reaction
symptoms.

This includes:

rash

fast heart rate

itchy eyes
itchy skin

difficulty breathing
dizziness

Shatavari may have a diuretic effect. You shouldn’t take it with other
diuretic herbs or drugs such as furosemide (Lasix).

Shatavari may lower your blood sugar. You shouldn’t take it with other
drugs or herbs that lower blood sugar.

The bottom line

Shatavari has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries. However,
not enough scientific studies on humans have been done to recommend
it for any medical condition. That said, it’s safe to eat it in small amounts,
and doing so will allow you to reap its antioxidant and immune-boosting
benefits.

If you wish to take a higher dose of shatavari, talk to your doctor before 
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adding it to your routine. They can go over your individual risks and
potential benefits, as well as answer any questions you may have.
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