Wild Asparagus

Scientific Name(s): Asparagus racemosus (Willd.)
Common Name(s): Abhiru, Satavari, Shatavari

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Limited clinical data exist regarding use of A. racemosus as a galactogogue and for use in gastric emptying. A. racemosus is often used in polyherbal formulations, making observed effects in studies difficult to attribute to a single product. Clinical studies are lacking to support any use.

Dosing

There are no quality clinical trials to provide dosage recommendations.

Contraindications

Information is lacking.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information is lacking. Shatavari is regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and lactation by Ayurvedic practitioners, but the plant is not listed as having "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Limited studies have been conducted evaluating the galactogogue effect of A. racemosus

Interactions

A. racemosus may interact with drugs dependent on cytochrome P450 (CYP-450) 3A4 enzymes for metabolism.

Adverse Reactions

Clinical studies and case reports are lacking to provide information regarding adverse effects. The plant is considered safe by Ayurvedic practitioners. At higher than recommended dosages, adverse cardiovascular effects may occur (based on limited animal studies).

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Liliaceae (lily)

Botany

The climbing A. racemosus plant grows wild, reaching 2 m in height, and is cultivated in India and other tropical and subtropical Asian and African countries. It has also been found in the Himalayan Mountains. It is extensively branched with needle-like leaves, and bears fragrant small white flowers and berries. The tuberous roots and rootstock are of primary interest, and the plant is sometimes eaten as a vegetable.Singh 2016, Williamson 2002

A. racemosus should not be confused with Stemona plants that have similarly shaped tuberous roots.Kumeta 2013 See also the related Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) monograph.

History

Shatavari is considered one of the more important Ayurvedic medicines, and is included in several multi-ingredient preparations or "rasayanas." It is used in reproductive health; as a galactogogue; in GI conditions (ulcers, dehydration, and diarrhea); for cough, fever, and infections among other conditions; and to promote general wellbeing by increasing cellular vitality and immunity.Dhar 2016, Pandey 2018, Singh 2016, Williamson 2002

Chemistry

More than 50 organic compounds have been described.Pandey 2018 Major chemical constituents identified include steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids (including quercetin and rutin). Characterization of the steroidal saponins (such as shatavarin and asparanin) have been described based on spectroscopic and spectrometric methods.Sharma 2011, Sharma 2009, Singh 2016

Presence of the alkaloid asparagamine A in the roots has been debated; previous isolation of asaparagamine A from materials suggested to have originated from A. racemosus was possibly due to misidentification of the plant species.Kumeta 2013, Williamson 2002

Uses and Pharmacology

A. racemosus is often used in polyherbal formulations, making observed effects in studies difficult to attribute to a single product....