Introduction
It belongs to the family of Liliaceae. Shatawari means ‚who
possesses a hundred husbands™. It is considered both a
general tonic and a female reproductive tonic. Shatawari is
the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative tonic for the female, as is
Withania for the male. Shatawari is however, used for sexual
debility and infertility in both sexes. It is also used for
menopausal symptoms and to increase lactation.
Origin
This is found in the jungles around 8,000 feet altitude throughout
India, especially Northern India.
Chemical
composition / key active constituents
Steroidal saponins, known as shatavarins I-IV.
Shatawarin I is the major glycoside with 3 glucose and rhamnose
moieties attached to sarsasapogenin, whereas shatavarin-IV contains
| Alkaloids,
proteins, starch and tannin. |
| Isoflavones
including 8-methoxy-5,6,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. |
| Asparagamine,
a polycyclic alkaloid. |
| Racemosol,
a cyclic hydrocarbon (9,10-dihydrophenanthrene). |
| Polysaccharides,
mucilage is present in the roots. |
Pharmacology
It is found to have lmmunostimulant property.
It prevents post operative adhesions. Protective effect of Asparagus
racemosus against myleosupressions induced by single and multiple
doses of cyclophosphamide has also been studied in mice. It was
found to have activity comparable to Lithium and Glucan. Galactogogue
activity of Asparagus racemosus has been studied. Saponin mixture
from total alcoholic extract of Shatavari was found to show uterine
blocking activity, both spontaneous and induced by acetylcholine
and Oxytocine. It is used in pregnancy for threatened abortion.
Remedies
For
Galactagogue [Production of Milk], Immunomodulator,
Aphrodisiac [Sexual Tonic], Mucilaginous, Refrigerant, Diuretic,
Ant dysenteric, Nutritive Tonic, Demulcent, Antispasmodic, Adaptogen,
Anti tussive, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cytoprotective, Anti-Oxytocic,
Anti diarrhoeal.
Dosage
Decoction,
powder, ghee, oil; for serious diseases like cancer, use one or
more ounces daily.
1:2 root extract in 25% alcohol: 30-60 ml per week.
| References: |
| 1. |
Bhavmishra: Sartha Bhavprakash, (Ed.) Y. G. Dixt, Yervada
Press, Poona. |
| 2. |
Charaka
Samhita, Nirnaya Sagar Press, Poona, (1941). |
| 3. |
Vagbhatta:
Sartha Vagbhatta, 4th Edn., G. K. Aryabhushana Mudranalaya,
Poona, (1956). |
| 4. |
Kirtikar,
K. R. and B. D. Basu: Indian Medicinal Plants, Bishen Singh
Mahendrapal Singh,Dehradun, |
|
(1985). |
| 5. |
Chopra, R. N.: Indigenous Drugs of India, Academic Publishers,
Calcutta. |
| 6. |
Wealth
of India, Vol. 1, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
New Delhi, (1948). |
|
