Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

What is Shatavari?

Shatavari is a herb that has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic and aboriginal Australian medicine for thousands of years. It is referred to as the 'queen of herbs' and holds a special place in Ayurvedic classics as a 'Rasayana' herb, traditionally used particularly by women.

It is a source of phytoestrogens and contains a wide range of bioactive constituents. Shatavari root has a long tradition of use by both women and men, and it is particularly well known among women at every life stage, including during and after the menopause. Shatavari is described as an adaptogenic herb. 'Adaptogenic' is the name given to plants, herbs and fungi that are studied for how the body responds to stress.

What does the research say about Shatavari?

Researchers continue to study shatavari's bioactive constituents, and clinical studies are still being undertaken. A review has looked at the adaptogenic properties of shatavari, including research relating to the monthly cycle and to how women respond to physical and emotional stress.

In a study in postmenopausal women, researchers measured handgrip strength and markers in muscle and bone after shatavari supplementation.

The monthly cycle can affect much more than mood and the occasional tummy ache. You may enjoy reading 'The surprising life impacts of PMS', 'Nutrition for PMS' and 'Which PMS type are you?'.

Why it's in PMS Hero®

Shatavari can be particularly beneficial for PMS, as its phytoestrogenic properties help regulate hormonal fluctuations that contribute to symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and bloating. Known for its adaptogenic effects, Shatavari may also reduce stress and support emotional balance, helping to alleviate PMS-related anxiety and fatigue.

Hormonal modulation: Shatavari contains phytoestrogenic saponins that help stabilise oestrogen levels during the menstrual cycle. The main biochemical pathway involves the modulation of oestrogen signalling through the oestrogen receptor (ER) pathway, thereby influencing gene expression related to menstrual health.¹

Adaptogenic properties: The adaptogenic nature of Shatavari helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the body’s response to stress.² In this way, Shatavari can help reduce stress-induced PMS symptoms and improve mood and emotional regulation. The molecular mechanism includes the upregulation of HSP70 (heat shock protein 70), which aids in cellular protection under stress.

Serotogenic properties: An increased concentration of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP, TNF-a) shifted the tryptophan route from serotonin synthesis to neurotoxic quinolinic acid.³ Research shows that shatavari extract exhibits considerable antidepressant-like effects, which are mediated by the inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes (MAO-A and MAO-B), increasing serotonin availability in the body.⁴ A placebo-controlled clinical study found Shatavari to have a 100% PMS cure rate when taken consistently for 3 months. This was statistically significant against the placebo.⁵

Why it's in PeriMenoFriend®

Shatavari contains saponins and flavonoids, which exhibit phytoestrogenic activity.

Stress response: Shatavari modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helps balance cortisol and improves resilience to stress.⁶

Mood and cognitive support: Shatavari possess anxiolytic effects which help alleviate anxiety and mood swings. By modulating neurotransmitter activity, Shatavari improves mood stability and enhances cognition.⁷ Studies show a positive and significant effect over the placebo for reduction in hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido.⁷