✓ No active regulatory warningsFDA MedWatch, EMA EudraVigilance, WHO VigiBase, WADA Prohibited List · 2026-05-29
⚠ ER+ breast cancer patient using Shatavari — phytoestrogenic isoflavones [1]
⚠ Patient confusing Shatavari with common asparagus — different species [1]
⚠ Patient expecting Cochrane-level evidence — evidence is mainly Ayurvedic traditional + preclinical [1]
⚠ Lactating mother asking about Shatavari — traditional galactagogue; low-quality but positive RCTs [1]
🥗 Food first — build your daily Typical 500–1,000 mg
Check the foods you regularly eat — the bar fills toward your daily target.
Fresh Asparagus racemosus root (cooked)500 mg saponins (approximate)
Shatavari churna (1 tsp)300 mg saponins (approximate)
Check your regular foods above
🔬 Lab interpreter
Recommended test
No routine monitoring
No routine monitoring
Reference range / target
N/A
N/A
When to test
N/A
N/A
Traditional herb [1].
Full lab monitoring ↓⚕ For professionals — confirm ranges against your local laboratory.
Clinical verdict
Shatavari is Ayurveda's premier women's Rasayana with traditional galactagogue and reproductive tonic reputation. Modern evidence is limited to small RCTs and animal studies. The phytoestrogenic isoflavone content is clinically relevant for ER-sensitive conditions. Different species from dietary asparagus (A. racemosus ≠ A. officinalis). Traditional milk+ghee vehicle enhances saponin absorption [1].
1 How much do I need?
👤 Adults: Specific dosage data under clinical review
👴 Elderly: Specific dosage data under clinical review
🤰 Pregnancy: Specific dosage data under clinical review
👦 Pediatric: See guidance
Traditional Ayurvedic use in children (Balya — strength-promoting). No formal pediatric studies [1].
🏃 Athletes: Standard dose
⚖️ Obesity: Standard dose
Fat-soluble compounds may require dose adjustment in obesity.
🩺 Renal: Consult specialist
Dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment.
🌱 Vegan: Standard dose
How to take
🍽 Timing: BID. Traditional: in warm milk before bed [1].
💊 With food: Traditionally taken in warm milk with ghee (fat enhances saponin absorption) [1].
🚫 Avoid: In ER+ breast cancer without oncologist guidance. As sole treatment for any medical condition [1].
2 Which form?
| Form | Bioavailability | Vegan | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ['Shatavari root extract (standardized)', 'preferred', 'Standardized to 40–50% saponins. 500 mg BID [1].'] | Standard | Check label | |
| ['Shatavari churna (root powder)', 'traditional', '3–6 g/day in warm milk with ghee (traditional Ayurvedic vehicle). Bitter taste [1].'] | Standard | Check label | |
| ['Shatavari Kalpa (traditional preparation)', 'Ayurvedic', 'Shatavari processed with sugar/ghee. Traditional Indian lactation support [1].'] | Standard | Check label |
3 Common questions
Is Shatavari the female equivalent of Ashwagandha? ▼
In Ayurvedic classification, yes — Ashwagandha is the premier male Rasayana ('strength of a stallion') and Shatavari is the premier female Rasayana ('possessing a hundred husbands'). However, both are used in both sexes. Shatavari has more specific affinity for reproductive/hormonal support and galactagogue activity; Ashwagandha for stress/testosterone/strength [1].
Can Shatavari increase breast milk? ▼
Two small RCTs and extensive traditional use support Shatavari as a galactagogue. The mechanism is thought to involve prolactin modulation and mammary tissue support from steroidal saponins. Evidence quality is low but traditional evidence is strong. Many Indian hospitals recommend Shatavari Kalpa for lactation support [1].
Is Shatavari the same as asparagus? ▼
No. Shatavari is Asparagus racemosus, a wild species native to India. Common dietary asparagus is Asparagus officinalis. They are in the same genus but different species with different phytochemistry. A. racemosus has the steroidal saponins; A. officinalis does not [1].
Does Shatavari have estrogenic effects? ▼
Shatavari contains isoflavones with phytoestrogenic activity. The clinical significance is debated — it may be beneficial for menopausal women but should be used with caution in ER+ breast cancer patients. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have estrogen-sensitive conditions [1].
4 Clinical evidence
Strong
No RCTs meeting Cochrane standards for any indication [1]. HIGH
Moderate
Galactagogue: 2 small RCTs found Shatavari increased breast milk volume in lactating mothers, though study quality was low [1]. Adaptogenic/antioxidant: animal and in vitro studies demonstrate potent antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS assays) and HPA axis modulation [1]. Immunomodulatory: 1 small RCT showed improved immune markers [1]. MODERATE
Insufficient
PCOS: traditional use; 1 pilot study in combination formula [1]. Menopausal symptoms: traditional use; no RCTs of Shatavari alone [1]. Male fertility: some animal data; no human trials [1]. Gastric ulcer: mucilage content suggests gastroprotective potential; preclinical only [1]. Cervical dysplasia: no evidence [1]. LOW
5 Safety, toxicity & adverse events
Absolute contraindications
✕ Estrogen-sensitive conditions — possible estrogenic activity
Relative
⚠ Asparagus/Liliaceae allergy
⚠ Diuretics — additive effect
⚠ Lithium — may reduce clearance
⚠ Pregnancy — used traditionally but should be supervised
🚩 Red flags
● ER+ breast cancer patient — phytoestrogenic content [1]
● Patient expecting immediate galactagogue effect — allow 1–2 weeks [1]
6 Interactions
Drug interactions
Diuretics Moderate
Mechanism: Additive diuretic effect [1].
Effect: Increased fluid/electrolyte loss [1].
Action: Monitor hydration and electrolytes [1].
Supplement synergies
Ashwagandha · 500 mg each, standardized
Classic Ayurvedic combination: Shatavari (female Rasayana) + Ashwagandha (adaptogen). Complementary stress and hormonal support [1].
Classic Ayurvedic combination: Shatavari (female Rasayana) + Ashwagandha (adaptogen). Complementary stress and hormonal support [1].
Fenugreek · Standard doses of each
Dual galactagogue approach for lactation support [1].
Dual galactagogue approach for lactation support [1].
7 Regulatory
India (Ayush): Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Classified as Rasayana. Widely prescribed in Ayurvedic practice [1].
United States (FDA): Available as dietary supplement. No FDA-approved claims [1].
European Union: Available as food supplement. No EMA monograph [1].
8 References (4)
[1]Alok S, et al. Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a review. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2013;3(3):242-251. doi:10.1016/S2222-1808(13)60049-3 REVIEW Accessed: 2026-05-29
[2]Sharma K, et al. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855-863. REVIEW Accessed: 2026-05-29
[3]Pandey SK, et al. A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Asparagus racemosus. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2018;11(1):54-63. doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i1.21498 REVIEW Accessed: 2026-05-29
[4]Bopana N, Saxena S. Asparagus racemosus — ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007;110(1):1-15. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.01.001 REVIEW Accessed: 2026-05-29
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10 Cite this page
Vancouver: Pkhakadze G. Shatavari — safety profile [Internet]. Tbilisi: PHIG; 2026 [cited 2026 Jun 01]. Available from: https://supplement.ge/ingredients/shatavari/
APA 7th: Pkhakadze, G. (2026). Shatavari — Safety profile. Public Health Institute of Georgia. https://supplement.ge/ingredients/shatavari/
📋 Editorial information
Author: Prof. G. Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD
Institution: Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)
Affiliation: David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU)
First published: January 2026
Last reviewed: 2026-05-29
Next review: December 2026
References: 4 cited sources
COI: SupplementIndex receives no funding from supplement manufacturers. All content independently authored by PHIG.
Process: Systematic literature review
📄 License & reuse
Published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). You may share and adapt for any purpose with attribution.
Pkhakadze G. "Shatavari — Safety Profile." SupplementIndex, PHIG, 2026. https://supplement.ge/ingredients/shatavari/ CC BY 4.0.
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Educational and public health purposes. CC BY 4.0. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Corrections: info@accreditation.ge. Publisher: PHIG