Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), or asparagus extract, is a herb frequently used in Ayurvedic preparations for the treatment of dyspepsia, gastric ulcers and as a galactogogue (promoting lactation).[1] The herb should, however, not be confused with the vegetable asparagus, which is Asparagus officinalis.
Shatavari improves cognition by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine) activity, that prevents the blocking of the nerve impulse. It can also relieve depression and reduce stress.[2,3,4,5]
Laboratory and animal studies show that shatavari can reduce glucose absorption in the intestine and increase serum insulin levels by stimulating pancreatic β (beta)-cells.[6,7] This could prove beneficial for people with diabetes.
Shatavari For Male Sexual Health
While shatavari is commonly regarded as a herb that’s excellent for women, many aren’t aware of its potent sexual health benefits for men.
Contrary to popular belief, shatavari does not directly affect the gonads (sex organs) but rather the master gland (anterior pituitary gland) by supporting the secretion of the luteinizing hormone. While in women this hormone supports factors requisite for a successful pregnancy, in men LH promotes the production of testosterone.
Animal studies have shown that shatavari caused an increase in testicular size by 6.8 percent that possibly followed an increase in spermatogenesis (the process of producing sperms).[8] There was also an increase in attraction towards members of the opposite sex. Penile erection index (used to measure penile erection) increased by 143 percent and is attributable to the testosterone-like effects of shatavari.[9]
How To Take It
1. Add a tablespoon of shatavari root powder to a glass of warm milk. Add 2tsp honey for taste. Drink this twice daily to improve your sexual health. To buy shatavari root powder, click here.
2. Alternatively, you can take a capsule of shatavari twice daily to boost your sexual health. Buy them online here.
For more interesting stories, visit our Health page and read about other Natural Remedies here.
Read More:
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References:
1. Goyal RK, Singh J, Lal H. Asparagus racemosus–an update. Indian J Med Sci. 2003 Sep;57(9):408-14. Review. PubMed PMID: 14515032.
2. Singh GK, Garabadu D, Muruganandam AV, Joshi VK, Krishnamurthy S. Antidepressant activity of Asparagus racemosus in rodent models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2009 Jan;91(3):283-90. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.07.010. Epub 2008 Jul 20. PubMed PMID: 18692086.
3. Meena J, Ojha R, Muruganandam AV, Krishnamurthy S. Asparagus racemosus competitively inhibits in vitro the acetylcholine and monoamine metabolizing enzymes. Neurosci Lett. 2011 Sep 26;503(1):6-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.07.051. Epub 2011 Aug 6. PubMed PMID: 21843599.
4. Joshi T, Sah SP, Singh A. Antistress activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd roots in mice. Indian J Exp Biol. 2012
Jun;50(6):419-24. PubMed PMID: 22734253.
5. Ojha R, Sahu AN, Muruganandam AV, Singh GK, Krishnamurthy S. Asparagus recemosus enhances memory and protects against amnesia in rodent models. Brain Cogn. 2010 Oct;74(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bandc.2010.05.009. Epub 2010 Jul 1. PubMed PMID: 20594636.
6. Hannan JM, Ali L, Khaleque J, Akhter M, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YH. Antihyperglycaemic activity of Asparagus racemosus roots is partly mediated by inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancement of cellular insulin action. Br J Nutr. 2012 May;107(9):1316-23. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511004284. Epub 2011 Sep 8. PubMed PMID: 21899804.
7. Hannan JM, Marenah L, Ali L, Rokeya B, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YH. Insulin secretory actions of extracts of Asparagus racemosus root in perfused pancreas, isolated islets and clonal pancreatic beta-cells. J Endocrinol. 2007 Jan;192(1):159-68. PubMed PMID: 17210753.
8. Thakur M, Thompson D, Connellan P, Deseo MA, Morris C, Dixit VK. Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs. Andrologia. 2011 Aug;43(4):273-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2010.01068.x. Epub 2011 Mar 28. PubMed PMID: 21486409.
9. Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Bhargava S, Dixit VK. A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats. Arch Sex Behav. 2009 Dec;38(6):1009-15. doi: 10.1007/s10508-008-9444-8. Epub 2009 Jan 13. PubMed PMID: 19139984.
