What does Shatavari do?

Ayurvedic herb with clinical evidence for breast milk production, menopause symptoms, and women's sexual health.

Most trials are small (20–135 participants) and short-term (8–24 weeks), limiting confidence in long-term safety and efficacy

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Shatavari

Also known as: Asparagus racemosus, Shatavarin, Wild Asparagus Root, Satavar

Effective Dosage

200-600 mg daily based on study doses

What the Science Says

Shatavari is the root extract of Asparagus racemosus, a plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for women's health. Clinical trials show it can increase breast milk volume in postpartum women, reduce hot flashes and menopause-related symptoms, improve sexual function, and ease PCOS-related stress and irregular cycles. Studies used doses ranging from 200–600 mg daily, with effects typically seen within 8–12 weeks.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't balance hormones on its own — clinical trials found no significant changes in estrogen, LH, FSH, or testosterone levels. Won't fix PCOS completely — ovarian volume and BMI didn't improve in trials. Not a proven treatment for kidney disease, depression, or preeclampsia in humans — those claims come from animal or theoretical studies only. Not a replacement for medical treatment of any condition.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Shatavari root extract shows moderate clinical evidence as a galactagogue, with a small RCT (n=113) demonstrating significantly increased breast milk volume and shorter time to breast fullness at 72 hours postpartum compared to placebo (PMID: 41055223). In perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, it dose-dependently reduces vasomotor symptoms, menstrual discomfort, bone resorption markers, and vascular dysfunction (PMID: 40347163, PMID: 40434025). In women with PCOS, it significantly reduced psychological stress scores and follicular count while increasing endometrial thickness over 12 weeks, though ovarian volume and hormonal levels were unchanged (PMID: 41816216). It also shows modest improvements in female sexual function, particularly when combined with Ashwagandha (PMID: 41710148).

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 200-600 mg/day based on available studies; no universally established dose

Source: auto-research

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic studies were included in the provided papers. Active compounds (steroidal saponins like Shatavarin-IV) are identified, but human absorption data is not reported.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most trials are small (20–135 participants) and short-term (8–24 weeks), limiting confidence in long-term safety and efficacy
Several studies were conducted in India with proprietary extracts (e.g., CL22205), which may not match products sold in other markets
Mild adverse events reported in ~11% of users in one PCOS trial — always monitor for digestive or allergic reactions
Animal and lab studies (kidney protection, postpartum depression) are frequently cited in marketing but have no human clinical backing from the provided data
955 registered supplement products exist, but ingredient standardization varies widely — 'Shatavari' on a label doesn't guarantee the extract used in trials

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06