SHATAVARI (ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS): TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Introduction: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) is a revered Rasayana herb in Ayurveda, traditionally used for women’s health, vitality, and rejuvenation. Its classical references describe it as a galactagogue, aphrodisiac, and adaptogen. Recent pharmacological investigations provide scientific validation, but a consolidated review bridging Ayurveda and modern findings is required. Methods: Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, along with classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu). Studies from 1950–2024 were included, covering phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical trials. Excluded were anecdotal reports, duplicates, and low-quality studies. Results: Ayurveda describes Shatavari as balya (strengthening), stanya-janana (galactagogue), rasayana (rejuvenative), and vrishya (aphrodisiac). Its phytoconstituents include steroidal saponins (shatavarins I–IV), flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids. Pharmacological studies demonstrate adaptogenic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, and estrogenic activities. Clinical studies support its role in lactation insufficiency, menopausal symptoms, stress disorders, and peptic ulcers. However, sample sizes remain small, and methodological variability limits generalizability. Discussion: Ayurveda’s holistic approach to Shatavari resonates with its multidimensional pharmacological profile. Standardization, dose optimization, and large-scale randomized controlled trials are essential to establish its place in integrative medicine. Conclusion: Shatavari exemplifies successful integration of traditional wisdom and biomedical validation. It holds promise for women’s health, adaptogenic therapy, and gastrointestinal protection, provided future research addresses gaps in quality, safety, and clinical efficacy.
KEYWORDS: Adaptogen, Ayurveda, Immunomodulation, Shatavari, Women’s health