Health Benefits of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari)

This book explores the therapeutic benefits of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari). Known as the “Queen of Herbs”, it has for centuries been used in India as a phytomedicine for the alleviation of symptoms found in various conditions and diseases in humans. Shatavari is rich in steroidal saponins and phytoestrogens and plays an important role in areas of women’s reproductive health including infertility, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome, post-menopause musculoskeletal health, mental fatigue, anti-anxiety, and depression. It also acts as a galactagogue to enhance post-delivery nutrition and fitness of both mother and child. Ayurvedic literature also demonstrates its potential application for the treatment of gastric ulcers, dyspepsia, diuretic and nervous disorders, immunomodulatory and neuromuscular dysfunction, inflammation, liver diseases, and infectious diseases.

This vast edited collection details the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, and therapeutic benefits of Shatavari. It comprehensively details various therapeutic potential applications of Shatavari including antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-aging properties, women’s health, gastrointestinal health, immune competency enhancement, neurological conditions, and depression. The book also presents information on the herb's dosage, safety, and toxicity aspects.

Highlights of Shatavari that play an etiological and regulatory role in the pathophysiology of human health and well-being include:

• Elixir of female reproductive and sexual health
• Regulation of endocrine function
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• Adaptogenic activity
• Maintaining healthy blood sugar level and blood pressure
• Insulin sensitization
• Neuroprotective activity
• Anti-aging elixir
• Immunomodulatory activity
• Attenuates depression
• Antibacterial and antifungal activity

Designed for scientists in natural product research, complementary and alternative medicine, dietitians and nutritionists, food scientists, and other health professionals, this book offers a wide spectrum of the therapeutic benefits of Shatavari.