Asparagus Racemosus: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Asparagus racemosus is a woody, climbing plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. It's found in India, Sri Lanka, Asia, and Australia. It's considered endangered.

Asparagus racemosus might have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. It might also stimulate the immune system.

People use Asparagus racemosus for athletic performance, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, lactation, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Asparagus racemosus with Asparagus officinalis, which is the type of asparagus that is commonly eaten as a vegetable.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Asparagus Racemosus overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Asparagus racemosus is possibly safe. Doses of 500 mg daily have been used safely for up to 8 weeks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Asparagus racemosus is possibly safe. Doses of 500 mg daily have been used safely for up to 8 weeks.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Asparagus racemosus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to onions, leeks, and related plants: Asparagus racemosus might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other members of the order Asparagales including onions, leeks, garlic, and chives.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Lithium interacts with Asparagus Racemosus
Asparagus racemosus might have an effect like a "water pill." Taking Asparagus racemosus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Asparagus Racemosus
Asparagus racemosus can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking Asparagus racemosus along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Asparagus racemosus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Mandal D, Banerjee S, Mondal NB, et al. Steroidal saponins from the fruits of Asparagus racemosus. Phytochemistry 2006;67:1316-21.

Bhatnagar M, Sisodia SS, Bhatnagar R. Antiulcer and antioxidant activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd and Withania somnifera Dunal in rats. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2005;1056:261-78.

Venkatesan N, Thiyagarajan V, Narayanan S, et al. Anti-diarrhoeal potential of Asparagus racemosus wild root extracts in laboratory animals. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2005;8:39-46.

Kamat JP, Boloor KK, Devasagayam TP, Venkatachalam SR. Antioxidant properties of Asparagus racemosus against damage induced by gamma-radiation in rat liver mitochondria. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;71:425-35.

Mandal SC, Kumar C K A, Mohana Lakshmi S, et al. Antitussive effect of Asparagus racemosus root against sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice. Fitoterapia 2000;71:686-9.

Saxena VK, Chourasia S. A new isoflavone from the roots of Asparagus racemosus. Fitoterapia 2001;72:307-9.

Parihar MS, Hemnani T. Experimental excitotoxicity provokes oxidative damage in mice brain and attenuation by extract of Asparagus racemosus. J Neural Transm 2004;111:1-12.

Gautam M, Diwanay S, Gairola S, et al. Immunoadjuvant potential of Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract in experimental system. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;91:251-5.

Hannan JM, Marenah L, Ali L, et al. Insulin secretory actions of extracts of Asparagus racemosus root in perfused pancreas, isolated islets and clonal pancreatic beta-cells. J Endocrinol 2007;192:159-68.

Tabar AI, Alvarez-Puebla MJ, Gomez B, et al. Diversity of asparagus allergy: clinical and immunological features. Clin Exp Allergy 2004;34:131-6.

Dalvi SS, Nadkarni PM, Gupta KC. Effect of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) on gastric emptying time in normal healthy volunteers. J Postgrad Med 1990;36(2):91-94.

Sharma S, Ramji S, Kumari S, et al. Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy. Indian Pediatr 1996;33(8):675-677.

Anders JPV, Keller JL, Smith CM, et al. The effects of Asparagus racemosus supplementation plus 8 weeks of resistance training on muscular strength and endurance. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020 Jan 17;5(1):4. doi: 10.3390/jfmk5010004.

Alok S, Jain SK, Verma A, Kumar M, Mahor A, Sabharwal M. Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a review. Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2013;3(3):242-51.

Satish Kumar MC, Udupa AL, Sammodavardhana K, Rathnakar UP, Shvetha U, Kodancha GP. Acute toxicity and diuretic studies of the roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd in rats. West Indian Med J. 2010;59(1):3-6.

O'Leary MF, Jackman SR, Sabou VR, et al. Shatavari Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women Improves Handgrip Strength and Increases Vastus lateralis Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation but Does Not Alter Markers of Bone Turnover. Nutrients 2021;13(12):4282.

Goyal RK, Singh J, Lal H. Asparagus racemosus--an update. Indian J Med Sci. 2003 Sep;57(9):408-14.

Birla A, Satia M, Shah R, Pai A, Srivastava S, Langade D. Postpartum Use of Shavari Bar® Improves Breast Milk Output: A Double-Blind, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Study. Cureus 2022;14(7):e26831.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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