Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Menopausal symptoms^{1, 2} Perimenopausal symptoms^1–7 Postpartum lactation^{8, 9} Women's sexual function^{10, 11} Stress in polycystic ovary syndrome¹² Handgrip strength¹³	Pregnancy¹⁴

Shatavari is the root of Asparagus racemosus, an Ayurvedic herb whose saponins are described as phytoestrogens that bind the estradiol receptor. That estrogen-like activity underlies its use for menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms³. It is also taken for lactation support after delivery^{8, 9} and for women's sexual function¹¹. Typical patients are perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and postpartum mothers who intend to breastfeed.

Randomized trials of root extract in menopausal and perimenopausal women reported better symptom scores than placebo, with mild adverse events^1–3. For lactation, a Cochrane review rated the evidence for natural galactagogues, shatavari among them, as low to very low certainty¹⁵. A 2013 systematic review likewise made no recommendation for herbal galactogogues¹⁶. Products listing shatavari come mainly as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders; see Form comparison.

Health Canada lists a practitioner consultation before use in pregnancy on its licensed products¹⁷. Some US labels ask users of sedative medication to consult a health care professional first¹⁴.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

50 sources, 36 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources