Article written by the Ômara team · Last updated: August 2026 · Scientific sources consulted up to August 8, 2026
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a plant whose root holds a major place in Ayurvedic tradition. Often presented as "the women's plant," it is now available in powder or extract form, alone or combined with other ingredients.
However, its reputation exceeds the actual level of available evidence. Several clinical trials published between 2024 and 2026 have studied specific Shatavari root extracts, primarily during perimenopause and menopause. Some results are encouraging, but studies remain heterogeneous, often short, and sometimes funded by the manufacturers of the tested extracts.
To understand what can reasonably be expected from Shatavari, it is therefore necessary to distinguish three things: its traditional uses, the results observed in human trials, and the benefits that still need to be demonstrated.
Key points
Shatavari is a climbing plant native to the Indian subcontinent and other regions of Asia. Its botanical name is Asparagus racemosus. It belongs to the same botanical family as common asparagus, although its appearance and use are different.
The most commonly used part is its tuberous root. It can be dried and then ground into powder, or used to produce more concentrated extracts. This distinction is important: a root powder, a concentrated extract, and a standardized extract do not necessarily have the same composition.
The Sanskrit term Shatavari is often translated as "she who possesses a hundred husbands." This traditional expression illustrates the plant's historical association with femininity, fertility, and reproductive vitality. However, it does not constitute clinical proof of action on fertility or hormones.
In Ayurvedic tradition, Shatavari is classified among the rasayana. This term refers to a set of plants and preparations traditionally associated with maintaining vitality and supporting the body over time.
Ayurvedic texts and practitioners generally describe its root as:
These concepts belong to Ayurveda's own system of understanding. They should not be automatically translated into modern medical indications. Saying that a plant "calms Pitta," for example, does not prove that it treats hot flashes, inflammation, or a hormonal disorder.
Tradition and science are not interchangeable. An ancient use may warrant a research question, but only a clinical trial can evaluate a specific extract in humans. Even when a result is positive, it does not automatically validate all traditional uses of the plant.
The root of Asparagus racemosus contains several families of plant compounds:
Shatavarins are often used as standardization markers. However, their presence alone is not enough to predict the effect of a product. To compare two extracts, it is also necessary to know the part of the plant used, the quantity consumed, the extraction ratio, the standardized percentage, the analysis method, and the controls performed on contaminants.
An extract standardized to 5% shatavarins, an extract advertised as more than 10% shatavarins, and a simple root powder are therefore not interchangeable.
Clinical research on Shatavari has developed rapidly since 2024. This progress is interesting, but it requires careful reading: trials use different proprietary extracts, doses ranging from 100 to 500 mg per day, and populations that do not always correspond to the same stage of menopausal transition.
| Study | Protocol | Observed results | Important limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gudise et al., 2024 | 70 women, 500 mg/day of a standardized extract, 60 days, vs. placebo. | Favorable evolution of several quality of life scores and reported symptoms, including some vasomotor symptoms. | Small sample size, short duration, and specific proprietary extract. |
| Pingali et al., 2025 | 127 participants divided into six groups; 123 completed 24 weeks. Shatavari at 250 or 500 mg/day, Ashwagandha, combination, or placebo. | Dose-dependent improvement of certain quality of life scores and several exploratory markers in the Shatavari groups. | Approximately 20 participants per group, homogeneous population, and study funded by the extract manufacturer. |
| Mahajan et al., 2025 | 80 randomized women; 73 completed the study. Root extract at 300 mg/day for 8 weeks. | Favorable differences in the MRS score, perceived stress, and hot flashes compared to placebo. | Short trial, limited sample size, and results linked to a defined extract. |
| Ademola et al., 2025 | 135 women divided between Shatavari 300 mg/day, Shatavari + Ashwagandha, and placebo for 8 weeks. | Reduction in certain MRS scores and stress. Total MENQOL score, hot flashes, and hormonal changes were not significantly different between groups. | Menopausal stage imperfectly characterized, short follow-up, and no difference on several secondary endpoints. |
| Ademola et al., 2026 | 135 women, three groups, 8 weeks; Shatavari alone, Shatavari + Ashwagandha, or placebo. | With Shatavari alone, favorable differences in total FSFI score, satisfaction, and sexual distress. The combination showed differences in more sub-domains. | Mostly self-reported results, short follow-up, and need for independent replication. |
| Chattopadhyay et al., 2026 | 60 women, SheVari4® extract at 100 mg/day or placebo for 8 weeks. | Favorable differences in MENQOL score and several measured hormonal parameters. | Small sample size, proprietary extract, and study funded by the ingredient's owner. |
Taken together, these trials suggest that certain standardized extracts of Shatavari may improve scores related to perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Several studies have notably observed differences on questionnaires such as the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), or the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
However, it would be excessive to conclude that any Shatavari reduces hot flashes, corrects a hormonal imbalance, or replaces menopause management. The trials do not all test the same preparation, some results are not consistent, and the majority of follow-ups last only eight weeks.
The trial published in 2026 on 135 women used several validated questionnaires. After eight weeks, the group receiving only Shatavari showed favorable differences in the overall sexual function score, satisfaction, and sexual distress compared to placebo. Other sub-domains evolved mainly in the group combining Shatavari and Ashwagandha.
These results deserve further study, but they do not allow Shatavari to be presented as a treatment for decreased libido, intimate dryness, or a sexual disorder. The measurements largely relied on questionnaires and the study still needs to be replicated by independent teams.
Shatavari has a long history of use as a galactagogue in Ayurvedic tradition. A smaller, older trial studied prolactin in breastfeeding mothers, but these data are not sufficient to establish a general recommendation.
Breastfeeding is a particular period: the product used, the dose, the mother's health, the infant's health, and other ingredients in a formula must be taken into account. Professional advice is therefore preferable before any supplementation, and this caution is reinforced when a product combines Shatavari with Shilajit.
A study on 300 mg of a 13:1 extract standardized to more than 10% shatavarins does not demonstrate the efficacy of a powder, an unstandardized extract, or a combined formula. The dose in milligrams is not sufficient: the actual concentration and composition of the extract must be known.
This distinction is essential for honestly interpreting research and avoiding turning a study on a proprietary ingredient into a promise applicable to all products on the market.
Human data available in August 2026 do not allow us to affirm that Shatavari:
Some of these uses come from tradition, animal studies, cell experiments, or exploratory human trials. They may constitute research avenues, but not confirmed clinical benefits.
Powder contains dried and ground root. It is closer to traditional use, but its compound content naturally varies depending on origin, harvest, storage, and batch.
An extract is obtained by separating and concentrating a portion of the root's constituents. To evaluate it, its extraction ratio must be known. A 10:1 ratio, for example, means that ten units of plant were used to produce one unit of extract, without, however, indicating the shatavarin content.
A standardized extract guarantees a defined content of one or more markers, such as shatavarins or total saponins. This standardization improves consistency between batches, but does not automatically mean that the product is clinically validated.
A transparent presentation should specify:
Terms like "premium," "powerful," or "concentrated" do not replace this information.
There is no universal dosage applicable to all powders and extracts. The trials presented above used different preparations, at doses between 100 and 500 mg per day. Therefore, copying the dosage from a study without having the same extract is not relevant.
In practice, it is advisable to:
The duration of a clinical trial does not correspond to a guaranteed time frame before experiencing an effect. Schedules promising improvement after 7, 10, or 30 days are not sufficiently substantiated. Recent major trials lasted from 8 to 24 weeks, but this does not predict individual response or the safety of prolonged use.
To remember: safety data mainly covers a few weeks or months. It is not enough to establish the harmlessness of all forms of Shatavari, for all profiles, and in the long term.
Recent trials mainly reported mild side effects, including nausea, looser stools, bloating, headaches, or dizziness. Their low frequency in small trials does not rule out rarer reactions.
Professional advice is particularly recommended in the following situations:
Estrogenic-like activity is suggested for some compounds or extracts, but its clinical significance remains imperfectly understood. Interactions with contraceptives and hormonal treatments are not sufficiently documented to conclude their presence or absence. Caution is therefore preferable.
In Ayurvedic tradition, Shilajit is sometimes described as a yogavahi, meaning a substance traditionally associated with other ingredients in a formula.
The Ômara formula provides, for two capsules:
To date, no published clinical trial has evaluated this specific combination, at this dosage, and with these two ingredients. Therefore, it should not be stated that Shilajit amplifies the effect of Shatavari, increases the absorption of its shatavarins, or strengthens its results in humans.
The combination can be presented as a formulation choice inspired by Ayurvedic tradition. Its evaluation must be based on the composition, traceability, analyses, and precautions specific to each of the two ingredients, and not on a clinical synergy already demonstrated.
Consult the formula with transparency
Composition per dose, usage advice, precautions, and batch analyses are gathered on the product sheet.
See the composition of Shatavari & Shilajit capsulesThe most recent human research focuses mainly on certain symptoms and quality of life scores during perimenopause or menopause, as well as on some aspects of female sexual well-being. The results are encouraging for specific extracts, but do not confirm all the benefits generally attributed to Shatavari.
No. Its traditional history and the majority of recent studies mainly concern women's health, but the plant is not botanically exclusive to women. Its benefits in men are much less studied.
Estrogenic-like activity has been proposed for some compounds and extracts. However, the mechanism and its clinical scope are not fully established. Shatavari should not be presented as a source of estrogens or a demonstrated hormonal regulator.
Several recent trials have focused on perimenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal women. This does not mean that Shatavari is suitable for all situations. Significant, unusual, or persistent symptoms require professional evaluation.
Interactions with contraceptives and hormonal treatments are not sufficiently studied. It is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional before combining them.
Shatavari is traditionally associated with fertility, but human clinical data remains insufficient to confirm this effect. It should not delay a medical check-up in case of difficulty conceiving.
This use is often mentioned, but human trials specifically dedicated to premenstrual syndrome are insufficient. Therefore, it is not possible to promise an effect on PMS or cycle regularity.
Short-term trials mainly reported mild effects, including nausea, looser stools, bloating, headaches, or dizziness. Long-term safety and drug interactions remain less well documented.
Powder contains the entire dried and ground root. An extract concentrates a part of its constituents. To compare two extracts, one must look at the extraction ratio, the daily quantity, and the possible standardization in shatavarins or saponins.
There is no reliable timeframe. Recent major trials lasted between 8 and 24 weeks, but their duration does not constitute a promise of individual results. A precise timeline of effects cannot be established from current data.
The combination exists in formulas inspired by Ayurveda. However, no clinical trial has demonstrated a specific effect of the Shatavari–Shilajit duo. It is essential to check the composition, quantities, quality, and specific precautions for each ingredient.
Shatavari is an important root in Ayurvedic tradition, and clinical research has significantly progressed since 2024. Several controlled trials have observed favorable results with standardized extracts in certain contexts related to perimenopause, menopause, and female well-being.
However, these works are not sufficient to validate all the promises associated with the plant. Studies often remain short, use different extracts, and are sometimes funded by the manufacturers of the evaluated ingredients. The results of a proprietary extract cannot be automatically applied to a powder, an unstandardized extract, or a combined formula.
A serious approach therefore consists of clearly separating tradition and clinical evidence, examining the form used, the dosage, the extraction ratio, standardization, analyses, and precautions, and then seeking advice when a medical situation or treatment requires it.
To place Shatavari among other plants in this family, also consult our guide to adaptogenic plants.
This content is provided for informational purposes only. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or the advice of a healthcare professional. A dietary supplement is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
Magnifiquement bon ✨
Bonne résine bonne qualité avec des certificats de laboratoire pour la traçabilité
Diminution importante des douleurs d'arthrose, amélioration de la digestion et de l'énergie dès quelques semaines et confirmées après plusieurs mois
Je prenais déjà du Shilajit d'une autre marque mais j'ai choisi celui-ci pour sa pureté et son éthique.
Je dois dire que ça m'aide beaucoup durant cette période de changement hormonal (bouffées de chaleur, sommeil). Une très belle trouvaille.
