Shatavarins are a group of steroidal saponins primarily found in the roots of Asparagus racemosus, a plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and also known as Shatavari. Recent research has found them to be present in other Asparagus species; specifically, A. adscendens, but generally present at lower or more variable amounts. These compounds are characterized by their large molecular structures and structurally, they consist of a steroidal backbone (sarsapogenin) linked to multiple sugar moieties, such as glucose and rhamnose, which contribute to their biological activity and solubility.
Among their possible health benefits:
· Antioxidant
· Antiinflammatory
· Neuroprotective
· Immunomodulatory
· Hormonal Modulation
A 2024 molecular docking study investigated the binding affinities of various Shatavarins (including Shatavarin I, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X) with female hormonal receptors such as estrogen alpha, beta, and gamma, progesterone, FSH, and LH receptors. The study found that Shatavarin IV showed the highest binding affinity for the estrogen gamma receptor, followed by the progesterone receptor, while Shatavarin VIII demonstrated the strongest affinity for both the estrogen gamma and FSH receptors. These findings suggest that different Shatavarins may have selective effects on specific hormonal pathways, providing a mechanistic basis for their traditional use in female reproductive health and menopausal symptom management.
A recent comprehensive clinical study evaluated Xeya Modern Shatavari by NXT-USA, a highly standardized extract of Asparagus racemosus containing 15 shatavarins, for its effects on perimenopausal women. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 75 women aged 40–50 with mild-to-moderate vasomotor symptoms and followed them for 120 days. Participants receiving 50–100 mg of the supplement daily experienced significant improvements in hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and menstrual discomfort compared to placebo. Objective measures, such as Menopause Rating Scale scores and hormone levels (FSH, LH, AMH, estradiol), showed marked, dose-dependent improvements. Additionally, researchers observed increased ovarian follicle counts, improved menstrual symptom scores, and enhanced skin and hair quality. The study demonstrated both safety and efficacy of Xeya Modern Shatavari, reinforcing shatavari’s adaptogenic and hormone-balancing effects and supporting its integration into supplements for women’s health and menopause support.
Shatavarins- Important Bioactives From Plants!
