Asparagus Racemosus, also known as Sharavari, belongs to the family of Liliaceae. It’s dried roots are used as drug for the treatment of nervous disorder, inflammation and certain infectious diseases. As a herbal supplement, it improves digestion, has anti-ulcer effects and aids immune system. It also has aphrodisiac, antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects.

In Ayurvedic medicine system, Shatavari is the main rejuvenative tonic for the female, which is considered at par with Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera for males. In Sanskrit, Shatavari means, “hundred spouses”, implying it’s ability to increase vitality and fertility. Traditionally it has been used as general tonic for female reproductive health and is believed to promote love and devotion.

Background

Asparagus Racemosus is commonly found at low altitude regions in tropical climates throughout Asia (Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas), Australia and Africa. It was botanically described first in 1799. It grows up to one-two meters in gravelly, rocky soils, high up in piedmont plains, at around 1300-1400 m elevation. Its leaves look like pine needles, small and uniform with white flowers, having small spikes.

 

Asparagus Racemosus Shatavari

Asparagus Racemosus – Shatavari

 

Due to its various uses as a potent drug and herbal supplement, its demand is constantly on the rise. But, due to unsustainable harvesting, large scale destruction of habitat and deforestation, this plant is now considered endangered in its natural habitat.

Chemical Composition

Shatvari possesses numerous photochemical constituents which are given below:

  • Steroidal saponins, also known as shatvarins
  • Oligospirostanoside, referred as Immunoside
  • Polycyclic alkaloid – Aspargamine A
  • Isoflavones-8-methoxy-5, 6, 4-trihydroxy isoflavone-7-0-beta-D-glucopyranoside
  • Cyclic hydrocarbon-racemosol and dihydrophenantherene
  • Furan compound – Racemofuran
  • Carbohydrates – Polysacharides, mucilage
  • Flavanoids-Glycosides of quercitin, rutin and hyperoside (in flower and fruits)
  • Sterols-Roots also contain sitosterol
  • Trace minerals are found in roots, zinc (53.15), manganese (19.98 mg/g), copper (5.29 mg/g), cobalt (22.00 mg/g) along with calcium, magnesium, potassium zinc and selenium
  • Kaepfrol-Kaepfrol, along with Sarsapogenin from woody portions of tuberous roots
  • Miscellaneous-Essential fatty acids e.g. Gamma linoleinic acids, vitamin A, diosgenin, quercetin 3-glucourbnides

 

General Health Benefits

Classical Uses of Asparagus Racemosus in Ayurveda

  • Asparagus Racemosus is one of the well known herbs in Ayurveda, effectively treating chronic fever and internal heat.
  • It is highly effective in ailments related to female reproductive system and has been used traditionally as part of numerous formulas to treat women specific health disorders.
  • Asparagus Racemosus has been used for centuries to prevent aging, increase longevity, boost immunity, improve cognitive abilities, and to improve vigor and vitality.
  • It is also used in nervous disorders, neuropathy, dyspepsia, inflammation, tumors, and hepatopathy.
  • Clinical investigations have indicated that Asparagus Racemosus root extract has antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory properties.
  • Ayurveda recommends the roots of Asparagus Racemosus for its therapeutic effects in cases of threatened abortion and to increase lactation in lactating mothers.
  • It’s beneficial effects have been suggested in dyspepsia, dysentry, diarrhoea, tumors, inflammations, hyperdipsia, hepatopathy, neuropathy, bronchitis, cough, hyperacidity and certain infectious diseases.

Scientific Studies on General Health Benefits of Shatavari

  • Improves Lactation – The root extract of Asparagus Racemosus is prescribed in Ayurveda to increases milk secretion during laction. In other study, the aqueous fraction of the alcoholic extract of the roots led to increase in the weight of mammary gland and increased the milk yield. These effects have been attributed to the action of released corticoteroids and/or an increase in prolactin.
  • Aids anti-secretory and anti-ulcer activity – Asparagus Racemosus has been found to have antisecretory and antiulcer activity. It works by strengthening mucosal resistance, prolonging the lifespan of mucosal cells, increasing secretion and viscosity of mucous and by reducing H+ ion back diffusion. As Asparagus Racemosus heals duodenal ulcers without inhibiting acid secretion, it may have cytoprotective action as well.
  • Adaptogenic activity – Asparagus Racemosus has been found to alleviate the negative effects of biological, physical and chemical stressors. Its aqueous extract reversed the effects of cisplatin on gastric emptying and also normalized cisplatin-induced intestinal hyper motility.
  • Antibacterial activity – Methanolic extract of Asparagus Racemosus roots have shown significant antibacterial efficacy against Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Shegella sonnei, Salmonella typhi, Vibriocholerae, Pseudomonas pectida, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Improves Digestion System – Powder of the dried roots of Asparagus Racemosus is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of indigestion related issues. It has been found to be particularly effective in gastric disorders with equal efficacy as that of the synthetic dopamine antagonist metoclopromide. In Ayurveda, Asparagus Racemosus is also recommended for the treatment of stomach ulcers. The juice of fresh root of Asparagus Racemosus has been found to alleviate duodenal ulcers.
  • Protects Liver and improves its functioning – Alcoholic extract of the root of Asparagus Racemosus has been found to significantly reduce the enhanced levels of alanine transakinase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphate in CCl4 induced damage to liver cells, indicating its antihepatotoxic potential. Other studies have shown that the aqueous extract of the roots of Asparagus Racemosus has the potential to prevent growth of cancerous cells in liver.
  • Stimulates Immune System – Clinical studies have found Asparagus Racemosus very effective in modulating and stimulating immune system by significantly increasing antibody titre.
  • Antioxidant effects – Clinical investigations have found Asparagus Racemosus with antioxidant properties, which works by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation.
  • Protects from Stone formation in Kidney – Clinical studies have found Asparagus Racemosus particularly effective in inhibiting kidney stone formation. It has been found that ethanolic extract of Asparagus Racemosus significantly reduced the elevated level of ions in urine, while, simultaneously elevating the urinary concentration of magnesium, which is considered as one of the inhibitor of crystallization. In another study, ethanolic extract of Asparagus Racemosus significantly reduced the serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, urea and creatinine.
  • Stimulates Insulin secretion – Ethanol extract of Asparagus Racemosus has been found to increase secretion of insulin thus helpful in controlling the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
  • Enhances memory and protects against amnesia – Clinical studies have found Asparagus Racemosus helpful in enhancing memory and protection against amnesia. Hippocampal regions associated with the learning and memory functions has shown dose dependent increase in activity which is essential for memory formation. The underlying mechanism of these actions of Asparagus Racemosus is believed to be due to their antioxidant, neuroprotective and cholinergic properties.

 

Asparagus Racemosus for Sexual Health

Asparagus Racemosus Shatavari for Sexual Health

Amazing Herb for Female Reproductive Health

Great sex comes with great reproductive health! In Ayurveda, it is considered an important herb for females’ sexual and reproductive well-being. Apart from being a rejuvenating herb, it is very effective in female infertility, as it enhances libido, cures inflammation of sexual organs, aids lubrication of genitals, improves folliculogenesis and ovulation, prepares womb for conception, prevents miscarriages, increases lactation, normalizes uterus and maintains hormonal balance. It is also helpful in the treatment of leucorrhoea and menorrhagia1.

Great Aphrodisiac for Men

Supplementation of Asparagus Racemosus has shown to improve sexual desire, sperm count, erection strength, and ejaculation latency. Studies have attributed these effects to the testosterone-like effects of the extracts. Nitric oxide based intervention has also been suggested, as observable from the improved penile erection. These findings, therefore, support the traditional uses of Asparagus Racemosus as aphrodisiac2.

Mood Enhancer

Being able to anticipate pleasure works as trigger for sexual arousal. Depression takes away one’s ability to do so. Drugs that treat depression, help release sexual function from the grips of depression. Clinical studies have found Asparagus Racemosus with significant antidepressant activity, which is believed to mediate through the serotonergic, noradrenergic systems and augmentation of antioxidant defense mechanisms3.

 

Recommended Dosage of Asparagus Racemosus

Recommended dosage of the root of Asparagus Racemosus for an optimal result is 16-32 mg/kg of bodyweight, or 1,100-2,200 mg for an average adult.

Asparagus Racemosus should not be supplemented for a prolonged period during pregnancy as clinical investigations have found its exposure may develop abnormalities in the fetus.

 

Conclusion

Asparagus Racemosus is considered one of the most important tonic for females but it has been found to be equally beneficial for males as well. Apart from being a rejuvenating herb with diverse health benefits, it is very effective in female infertility, enhances libido, increases sperm count, improves erection strength, boosts ejaculation latency and thus, improves overall functioning of reproductive health. Asparagus Racemosus is a must have supplement for an amazing sexual well-being.

 

Reference:

  1. Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011.
  2. A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats. Arch Sex Behav. 2009.
  3. Antidepressant activity of Asparagus racemosus in rodent models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2009.

 

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treatment of men’s and women’s sexual health and general health conditions without consulting the doctor. While we review and promote nutrients, herbs, Ayurvedic medicines, and alternative therapies for men’s and women’s sexual health and general health conditions, you must consult an authorized physician before taking any of the products.

 

Posted by Asmidev