Shatavari (Asparagus): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Asparagus racemosus is a spiny undershrub with many branches and a short tuberous rootstock with several tuberous roots. This plant is widely grown in India’s tropical and subtropical regions and the Himalayas up to 1,500 metres above sea level. Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, and tropical Africa are also home to this species¹.  

Asparagus is commonly referred to as ‘Shatavari’, which means ‘who has a hundred husbands or is acceptable to many people’. This is because Asaparagus is a popular medicinal plant used in traditional therapy for several purposes. 

In this blog, we will discuss in detail about asparagus, its use in traditional medicine, its potential benefits for health, possible side effects and how it may interact with medicines.  

Nutritional Value of Shatavari

The nutritional value of Shatavari is as follows:  

• Protein: 7.8% ± 0.2 
• Carbohydrates: 37.2% ± 0.5 
• Total fat: < 1% 
•  Fiber: 28.9% ± 0.4 

The energy value of Shatavari is 180 kcal/100g².  

Uses of Shatavari in Traditional Medicine

Some of the  uses of Shatavari in ayurveda are listed below:  

• The plant has been utilised  primarily for its recuperative impact on female reproductive organs.   
• Ayurveda describes A. racemosus as a potent product that slows down ageing process, increases longevity, boosts immunity and mental performance.   
• The roots are used in Ayurveda as an aphrodisiac, tonic, and bowel astringent. 
• It is used to treat several conditions like dysentery, tumours, biliousness, blood and eye disorders, inflammation, rheumatism, and nervous system disorders. 
• According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India³, the tuberous roots are used in gout, lactic problems, puerperal ailments, haematuria, and other therapeutic applications. It’s used as a general and a female reproductive tonic.   
• This plant’s root extract is the principal element in the Ayurvedic formulation ‘Satavari mandur’, traditionally used to heal gastric ulcers¹.  

Potential Benefits of Shatavari (Asparagus)

Scientific research on the advantages of Asparagus for health has been done, and some potential benefits have been proposed. These include: 

1. Benefits for Female Reproductive Health

• Women are more likely to be exposed to psychological, physical, and physiological stressors during their reproductive years. 
• Along with being a rejuvenating herb, asparagus aids in dealing with female infertility by increasing libido, enhancing folliculogenesis and ovulation, improving egg quality and preparing the womb for conception⁴. 
• It’s also recommended for managing leucorrhoea and menorrhagia⁵.  

2. Neuroprotective Effects

• Asparagus may have protective effects on nerves, which can be beneficial in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disorders³. 
• Due to its ability to deal with oxidative stress and nerve inflammation, it has protective effects on nerve cells. 
• Also, its effect on hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis can help avoid stress-induced nerve damage⁶. 

3. Anti-microbial Activity

• Extracts of roots of Shatavari were found to fight against bacteria and fungi like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida utilis in-vitro⁷. 
• Thus, this herb can potentially help deal with diseases caused by these microogranisms.  

4. Anti-oxidant Activity

• Racemofuran, asparagamine A and racemosol are three anti-oxidants produced by the Shatavari root that protect your body from oxidative stress causing chronic disease and damage⁵. 
• It inhibits lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation hence protecting cells against apoptosis (cell death) and exhibiting anti-oxidant activity⁸.  

5. Anti-ulcer Benefits

• Asparagus has traditionally been used to manage gastric ulcers. The action of the A. racemosus extract on mucosal defence mechanisms may be responsible for this effect⁹. 
• Also, A. racemosus’ capacity to reduce gastric emptying time could explain its anti-ulcer activity in the duodenum¹.  

6. Benefits as an Adaptogenic Compound

• Adaptogenic compounds aid in dealing with any sort of stress, whether physical, chemical, or biological. 
• By exerting anti-oxidant effects and regulating neurotransmitters and molecular pathways, asparagus can help deal with behavioural changes, depression and cognitive decline¹⁰. 

7. Galactogogue Effect

• A galactogogue is a chemical that improves lactation in humans and animals. 
• According to animal studies¹¹, an aqueous extract of this plant’s root has been proven to improve the weight of mammary lobulo-alveolar tissue as well as milk production.  

8. Anti-diarrhoeal Effect

• According to animal studies¹, the roots’ extracts may have anti-diarrhoeal properties. 
• This extract works by inhibiting prostaglandin production, which restricts gastrointestinal motility and secretion.  

Though initial research has shown positive health effects of Shatavari (asparagus), further long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.  

How to Use Shatavari?

Shatavari powder is traditionally used by mixing it with room temperature water. Shatavari powder has a sweet and somewhat bitter flavour. If you don’t like the taste, you can dilute it with milk or juice. You can also use it to make a smoothie.  

There isn’t a scientifically determined dosing range. Instead, the dose is determined by your age, weight, health, and other considerations. So, it’s best to discuss with an ayurvedic specialist to know the right amount based on your needs. 

Side Effects of Shatavari

Ayurveda considers A. racemosus to be completely safe for long-term use. However, some possible side effects may include:  

• Gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating and gas. 
• Allergic reactions such as rashes and breathing issues. 
• Significant diuresis. 
• May effect heart function⁵. 

It’s best to consult a doctor before including Shatavari or asparagus in your everyday diet especially if you have any medical conditions.  

Precautions to Take With Shatavari

• Pregnancy & Breast-feeding: There is insufficient evidence to say whether Asparagus racemosus is safe to consume during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult a physician to be on the safer side before using it. 
• Allergy to onions, leeks, garlic and allied plants: People allergic to other Liliaceae family members like onions, leeks, garlic and chives may experience an allergic reaction to Asparagus racemosus. 

Interaction With Other Drugs

• Diuretics: Asparagus racemosus has been shown to reduce potassium levels. Diuretics also called ‘water pills’, can also lower potassium levels. When Asparagus racemosus is used with ‘water pills’, potassium levels may become dangerously low. 
• Lithium: Taking Asparagus racemosus may impair the body’s ability to eliminate lithium. This could cause significant side effects by increasing the amount of lithium in the body. 

Check with your doctor before consuming asparagus regularly if you are on any medications. You might need some adjustments. 

Conclusion

Shatavari (Asparagus) has been used for several therapeutic purposes in ayurveda. Some of its benefits are research backed such as positive effect on female health, nerve tissue protection, antioxidant and antimicrobial effect and some digestive benefits. However, further studies are needed to corroborate these. Also, some side effects and medicine interactions are possible. So, it’s best to consult a doctor before including it in your everyday diet. Also, remember to always use in moderation and consult an ayurvedic practitioner to know the right dose based on your needs.