Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus
Other names: Shatavari (शतावरी), wild asparagus, Shatavari
Photo credit: Neha.Vindhya (Wikimedia Commons)
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Mild; generally well tolerated. Possible allergy (Asparagus family).
Contraindications: Asparagus allergy; estrogen-sensitive conditions (phytoestrogenic steroidal saponins — caution); insufficient pregnancy data for high doses; edema/heart-kidney conditions (traditional diuretic action).
Interactions: Diuretics (traditional diuretic action), lithium, antidiabetics; possible additive with estrogenic agents.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Insufficient data for high doses.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
powder/decoction · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: female reproductive/Rasayana tonic, galactagogue (lactation), digestive soothing
Proposed mechanism: Steroidal saponins (shatavarins) and mucilage — galactagogue (possibly via prolactin), adaptogenic, antioxidant, gastroprotective, phytoestrogenic (preclinical); human galactagogue evidence weak
Dosage note (descriptive only): Root powder (gram-scale) or medicated milk/ghee/syrup; clinical galactagogue data too sparse to define a dose
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Roots contain saponins (shatavarins), mucilage; not a staple food.
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- Kurmi 2026, Chem Biodivers (PMID 41370308)
- Forinash 2012, Ann Pharmacother (PMID 23012383)