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
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Alkaloids,
proteins, starch and tannin. |
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Isoflavones
including 8-methoxy-5,6,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone
7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. |
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Asparagamine,
a polycyclic alkaloid. |
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Racemosol, a
cyclic hydrocarbon (9,10-dihydrophenanthrene). |
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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.
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References: |
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1. |
Bhavmishra:
Sartha Bhavprakash, (Ed.) Y. G. Dixt, Yervada Press, Poona. |
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2. |
Charaka
Samhita, Nirnaya Sagar Press, Poona, (1941). |
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3. |
Vagbhatta:
Sartha Vagbhatta, 4th Edn., G. K. Aryabhushana Mudranalaya,
Poona, (1956). |
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4. |
Kirtikar, K.
R. and B. D. Basu: Indian Medicinal Plants, Bishen Singh
Mahendrapal Singh,Dehradun, |
|
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(1985). |
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5. |
Chopra, R.
N.: Indigenous Drugs of India, Academic Publishers, Calcutta. |
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6. |
Wealth of
India, Vol. 1, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
New Delhi, (1948). |
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