The dried leaves and roots of shatavari is said to be a general tonic, diuretic, and is used as a supplement to increase lactation in breast feeding mothers. Several studies have found that the supplement may have an ulcer healing effect by strengthening the mucosal resistance. Latest researches show that the shatavari supplements have the ability to control the symptoms of AIDS. Shatavari soothes sore throats and dry coughs and is used for treating irritated conditions of the respiratory system. Immunomodulatory effects of shatavari root supplements have been widely acknowledged by scientists. Its immunomodulatory properties combined with its ability to enhance growth and development are particularly applicable to children. Shatavari supplements enhance the macrophage function, which is measurable, accentuating their ability to prevent fungal infections. Shatavari supplements increase the production of messenger molecules in the natural immune system thereby accentuating the total immunity of the individual. Shatavari root supplements protect the blood producing cells in the bone marrow.
Shatavari supplements have demonstrated anti-bacterial activity against a range of bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas.
In addition to being nourishing it its effects, shatavari supplements have detoxifying effects as well. Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners utilize shatavari supplements and combination drugs to treat Herpes and chronic fevers. Shatavari supplements promote the clarity of mind. Active researches are being done in the use of shatavari for the use of conditions such as ADHD. Shatavari has a calming effect and helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Main action of shatavari is on the female reproductive system. It strengthens and nourishes the female reproductive system effectively curing a wide range of conditions related to infertility, menopause, and hormonal imbalances. In addition, shatavari supplements effectively increase the lactation in breast-feeding mothers.
The plant extract of shatavari is also used in the treatment of alcohol-abstinence related withdrawal syndromes. Supplements made from the powdered root of shatavari is an excellent remedy for chronic and recurrent pains in the stomach associated with dyspepsia. In addition, oral administration of shatavari supplements promote gastric emptying more effectively and cure ulcerative disorders of the stomach. Antidopaminergic activity exhibited by shatavari is responsible for the improved gastric emptying. The gastric emptying effects of shatavari is comparable with that of well-known dopamine antagonist metoclopramide. Preserved juice supplements of undried roots of shatavari has been reported to have successfully reduced the effects of duodenal ulcers. Ulcer indices associated with pentagastrin and carbachol associated ulcers can be lowered with the use of shatavari as it protects the gastric mucosa effectively from further ulcerations. Shatavari increases the production of mucus in the gastric mucosa, which has a cytoprotective effect. Shatavari effectively and transiently relieves burning sensations and pains associated with ulcers. Shatavari is known to increase the life span of gastric mucosal cells thereby increasing the secretions, wThich protects the nearby cells from acidic effects of HC1 in the stomach. Accentuated levels of mucus in the stomach prevent further deterioration of already existing ulcerative lesions.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the root extract of shatavari as supplement to increase lactation in breast feeding mothers. Supplement forms such as Ricalex tablets are available in the market that increase the milk production, which should only be taken under an expert ayurvedic practitioner’s supervision. Scientific experiments conducted in rats have demonstrated an increase in breast weight following shatavari supplementation. Lactare is another combination supplement of shatavari, which is known to increase breast production in females.
Shatavari is known to effectively prevent spasmodial motions of uterine muscles. Shatavari supplements manufactured as alcoholic extracts of shatavari alone has exhibited this activity. Oxytocin-induced uterine spasms are decreased by shatavarin A a compound present in shatavari roots.
Experiments conducted with rats have revealed the antihepatotoxic effects of shatavari supplements. During liver damage conditions, the liver may host increased levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. Components of the shatavari supplements effectively reduces the level of these enzymes helping the liver to settle toxicity’.
Shatavari has been used traditionally for effective treatment against tumors. Shatavari render the mammary epithelium resistant to carcinogens by which it prevents tumors in the region. In this way, shatavari effectively reduce the rate of incidence of mammary-associated carcinomas.
In addition, shatavari extracts display ionotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Shatavari including medications has been traditionally used to lower the high blood pressure. Studies conducted in frogs confirm the observations as alcoholic extract of shatavari have a hypotensive effect of these animals. In additional, shatavari causes bronchial dilation, which is quite advantageous to people suffering from bronchial spasm disorders; however, it failed to reverse dopamine induced bronchial spasms. Shatavari slightly increases the bleeding time in individuals but it has no significant effect on clotting time. A decreased respiratory rate may be observed after prolonged use of shatavari supplements.
Shatavari does not produce any stimulatory effects on the central nervous system. The medical significance of Phytoestrogenic plants went on a steep rise after hormone treatments started developing prolonged side effects. Herbal root supplements of shatavari contain herbal saponins and Shatavarins I-IV7, which are potent phytoestrogens. A root supplement of shatavari, known as rak-sam-sip in Thailand, is one of the most popular aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory medication in those parts of the world. In addition, studies conducted in rats have demonstrated significant level of antioxidant properties, in the level of action of established anti-oxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid.
Shatavari is classified as a rasayana (adaptogens) drug in Ayurveda. Rasayana drugs are expected to promote mental health, enhance longevity, and improve the defense mechanisms in the body. Studies conducted in laboratory animals have demonstrated appropriate adaptogenic activities of shatavari against different kind of stressors.
Shatavari is used externally to relieve painfully swollen joints and muscle lesions. Shatavari also reduces development of scar tissues after injuries and surgeries.