Ayurvedic

Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is one of the oldest systems of healing in the world, dating back more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda aims to heal by rebalancing the 'whole' person - addressing the mind, body and emotions. This involves a combined treatment approach that includes specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations alongside the use of herbal remedies.

In the West, Ayurveda has become a popular form of therapy - you'll probably already be familiar with a number of Ayurvedic herbs, which we've reported on in past issues of HSI.

Now, following mounting research, another common Ayurvedic herb is finally starting to gain recognition in the West - Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Shatavari, also known as Indian Asparagus, is a woody climbing plant that grows at low altitudes in shady areas of tropical climates such as India, Asia, Africa, Australia and southern parts of China.

Traditionally both the root and leaves of the plant have been used as treatments for a wide range of medical conditions. The boiled leaves can be applied externally to provide relief from skin disorders like boils; while the root has been utilised for the relief of diarrhoea, chronic colic, gastric problems, piles, fever, rheumatism, coughs, diabetes, headaches and to increase milk yield in lactating women.

It is the root that has been the main focus of research by Western scientists, who have found that it contains numerous therapeutic properties - such as mucilage (soluble fibre), isoflavones and polysaccharides (complex sugars).
Shatavari helps fight inflammation and aids digestion - making it effective against colitis and heartburn

According to Ayurvedic practitioners, shatavari produces a cooling effect in the body and for this reason it is particularly beneficial for ailments that are associated with excessive heat, such as fever and inflammatory conditions.

For example, this soothing and cooling action in the body is thought to be why it is so effective in easing inflammation of the mucous membranes, which is present in conditions such as colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers.
The herb has also been found to help digestive complaints. In Ayurvedic medicine it is commonly administered to alleviate heartburn, and has been shown to enhance digestion by increasing the levels of digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase.
In 1993, a study involving 139 patients suffering from acid dyspepsia was undertaken. Participants' symptoms included a burning sensation in the stomach and oesophagus, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, flatulence, indigestion and general weakness. The patients were split into three groups - A, B and C. Group A was given shatavari powder alone, Group B was given shatavari plus three other herbs, and Group C was given shatavari plus minerals.

After six weeks the results showed that there was a reduction in discomfort of 73 per cent, 69 per cent and 68 per cent of cases in Groups A, B and C respectively. As the statistical differences among the results for the three groups were not significant, it was concluded that all three treatments were equal in their effectiveness and that the addition of other herbs and/or minerals to shatavari does not appear to improve its efficacy.1

Shatavari can help when you're under pressure
Several animal studies have confirmed shatavari's effectiveness against stress. It is what is known as an adaptogenic herb - meaning that it helps the body cope with stress more effectively by enhancing the body/mind's capacity to adapt more appropriately to changes in the environment, such as stressful situations. It is also thought to exert an immuno-stimulating mechanism, thereby strengthening the immune system to the effects of stress.2, 3

Shatavari is also able to help regulate hormone levels, and is of particular benefit in the treatment of female reproductive problems, such as menstrual irregularities, due to its rejuvenating and restorative properties.

Dr Mary Jo Cravatta, a chiropractor who specialises in Ayurveda, from San Rafael, California, in the US, says: 'Balancing to a woman's hormonal system, shatavari may be used for regulating menstruation and ovulation, decreasing morning sickness, for infertility, menopause, inflammation of the sexual organs and general sexual debility.'

Considering Shatavari's wide array of medicinal actions it is hardly surprising that it is the main Ayurvedic tonic prescribed for women. This hormone balancing action may be due to the presence of steroidal saponins, which exert hormone-like actions in the body. Shatavari also contains isoflavones - compounds that have mild oestrogenic activity and help balance oestrogen levels.

However, the effects of the herb are not limited to the female reproductive system as it has also been found to help overcome infertility problems in men, particularly in cases of low sperm count.

Shatavari's therapeutic benefits don't stop there...
Shatavari appears to be able to remove excess fluid from the body - acting as a mild diuretic and making it beneficial for relieving fluid retention. It is thought that this action is due to the inhibition of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which is produced by the posterior pituitary gland (located deep in the cranium at the base of the brain), and causes an increase in the re-absorption of water by the kidneys so that less urine is excreted.

Another area where shatavari is showing a great deal of promise is as an anti-bacterial agent. Laboratory studies have shown that shatavari root helps fight Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, and Staphylococcus aureus - bacteria associated with gastroenteritis, which can cause unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Shatavari root was also found to be effective against Vibrio cholerae (responsible for Asiatic or epidemic cholera), and Salmonella typhi (responsible for Typhoid fever).4

Some researchers believe that the active constituent 9, 10-dihydrophenanthrene, is responsible for exerting this anti-microbial activity.

What to take for best results
The recommended dosage is one 333mg Shatavari capsule taken twice a day after food.

No side effects have been observed when taken at this dosage amount.

1. Pande TN, SS Rajagopalan. Comparative study of three regimen containing shatavari on amlapitta (acid dyspepsia with or without ulcer). JRAS 1993;XV(1-2):23-34.
2. Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA. Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Phytother Res 1999;13:275-91.
3. Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Chakrabarti A. Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:119-28.
4. Boger DL, Mitscher LA, Mullican MD, Drake SD, Kitos P. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of 9, 10-dihydrophenanthrenes: structure-activity studies on juncusol. Journal of Medicine Chemistry 1985;28:1543-7.