Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari)
Ayurvedic adaptogen traditionally used for women's hormonal health, fertility, and lactation support.
Shatavari, meaning 'she who possesses 100 husbands,' is the premier women's tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. This adaptogenic root supports female reproductive health, hormonal balance, and lactation. Also has general adaptogenic, digestive, and immune-supporting properties. The female counterpart to Ashwagandha.
Mechanisms of Action
Phytoestrogenic Activity
Contains plant compounds that gently support estrogen balance
Adaptogenic Effects
Supports stress adaptation and resilience
Galactagogue
Supports breast milk production
Recommended Dose
500-1000mg root extract, 1-2x daily
Optimal Timing
- With meals
- Morning and evening
Take with food
Best Form
Root extract standardized to saponins
Alternatives: Root powder, Liquid extract
Traditional preparation in warm milk. Modern extracts are convenient.
Duration
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 16 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Traditionally taken with warm milk or ghee. Can be taken any time with food.
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Hormonal Balance
Supported reproductive health
Stress Resilience
Better adaptation to stress
Lactation Support
Improved milk production
Traditional use but consult practitioner
Traditional galactagogue; generally considered safe
Who Should NOT Take This
- Estrogen-sensitive conditions (use with caution)
Drug Interactions
May have additive diuretic effects
Phytoestrogenic — discuss with doctor
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Warnings
- Consult doctor if you have estrogen-sensitive conditions
- May support lactation — be aware if not desired
Top studies from 17+ peer-reviewed papers
Foong SC et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)
“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.”
Key Findings:
- 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).
Kurmi A et al. • Chemistry & biodiversity (2026)
“The uses of this plant in some of the marketed traditional products, nano-formulations and clinical trial aspects have also been included.© 2025 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.”
Key Findings:
- 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.
- The uses of this plant in some of the marketed traditional products, nano-formulations and clinical trial aspects have also been included.© 2025 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.
Ajgaonkar A et al. • Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2025)
“Shatavari root extract improved the milk volume and maternal satisfaction about lactation, indicating its potential as a safe, effective galactagogue.”
Key Findings:
- Maternal satisfaction with lactation was higher in the SHT group (52.63% vs. 25.00%, p = 0.008).
- Investigators rated maternal and infant well-being higher for SHT than placebo (80.70% vs. 64.29%).
- Shatavari root extract improved the milk volume and maternal satisfaction about lactation, indicating its potential as a safe, effective galactagogue.
Oyovwi MO et al. • Current nutrition reports (2025)
“It is also crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consult healthcare professionals before using Shatavari due to potential interactions and contraindications.”
Key Findings:
- Systematic review examining Shatavari efficacy
- Published in Current nutrition reports (2025)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Banerjee P et al. • Journal of the American Nutrition Association (2025)
“This systematic-review examined the effects of Shatavari.”
Key Findings:
- 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.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.