Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari)
Introduction: Satavari, botanically known as Asparagus racemosus Linn, possesses a nunber of valuable medicinal properties. Some of which include its therapeutic efficacy in intrinsic haemorrhage, diarrhoea, piles, cough, biliary colic etc. Shatavri means ‘she who possesses a hundred husbands’, referring to the rejuvenative effect of the herb on the female reproductive organs. Well-established pharmacological properties of Asparagus racemosus include immunostimulation, uterine relaxation, anticancer, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial etc. It is an extensively scandent, much-branched, spinous under-shrub, with tuberous roots, widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical India. Major Chemical Constituents: Alkoloids, saponins, flavanoids, steroidal, glycosides and aglycones are major chemical constituents of Asparagus racemosus. Pharmacological Actions Hormone regulator: 1,2 Phytoestrogens derived from Asparagus racemosus are known to affect the hormones in female and male. Many studies show that it works as a great hormone modulator or a regulator. It regulates ovarian cycles and oestrous in female mammals and the promotion of growth, differentiation and physiological functions of the female genital tract, pituitary, breast. Immunomodulatory activity: 3,4 Effect of Asparagus racemosus, an herb with immunostimulant properties, was evaluated in an animal model of intraperitoneal adhesions induced by caecal rubbing. These findings provided a novel approach of the use of Asparagus racemosus for the prevention and management of post-operative adhesions. A study investigated the effect of Asparagus racemosus against the myelosuppressive effects of single and multiple doses of cyclophosphamide in mice. The results showed that Asparagus racemosus is a   potent immunostimulant, with effects comparable to lithium and glucan. Galactogouge activity: 5,6,7 As traditional medicine, Asparagus racemosus has been used for pregnancy and lactation. Now many studies have also proved that Asparagus racemosus exhibits a galactogogue action. Antioxidant activity: 2,8 The possible antioxidant effects of crude extract and a purified aqueous fraction of Asparagus racemosus against membrane damage induced by the free radicals generated during gamma-radiation were examined in rat liver mitochondria. Results indicate that extracts from Asparagus racemosus have potent antioxidant properties in vitro in mitochondrial membranes of rat liver.4 Herbal-Drug interactions: There are no known herbal-drug intereactions. Safety: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. The plant has a low sensitization potential through skin contact. Reference 1 Mayo, J.L., 1998. Black cohosh and chasteberry: herbs valued by women for centuries. Clinical Nutrition Insights 6, 1–4 2 Bopana N., Saxena S., Asparagus racemosus—Ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 110 (2007) 1–15 3 Rege NN, Nazareth HM, Isaac A, Karandikar SM, Dahanukar SA. Immunotherapeutic modulation of intraperitoneal adhesions by Asparagus racemosus. J Postgrad Med 1989 Oct; 35(4): 199-203. 4 Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA. Comparative study of immunomodulating activity of Indian medicinal plants, lithium carbonate and glucan.  Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1988 Oct; 10(10): 639-644. 5 Bingel A, Farnsworth N. Higher plants as potential sources of galactogogues. Economic and Medicinal Plant Research. 1994;6(1-54). 6 Patel AB, Kanitkar UK. Asparagus racemosus willd--form bordi, as a galactogogue, in buffaloes. Indian Vet J. Aug 1969; 46(8):718-721. 7 Sharma S, Ramji S, Kumari S, Bapna JS. Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy. Indian Pediatr. Aug 1996; 33(8):675-677 8 Kamat JP, Boloor KK, Devasagayam TP, Venkatachalam SR. Antioxidant properties of Asparagus racemosus against damage induced by gamma-radiation in rat liver mitochondria. J Ethnopharmacol 2000 Aug 1;71(3):425-435