What do five clinical studies show regarding menopause, sexual wellness, lactation, and PCOS?
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) has a long tradition in Ayurvedic herbalism, particularly in connection with women’s health. Today, clinical studies are investigating which of these traditional applications can be scientifically verified.
SRI-81™ is a standardized Shatavari root extract. Its characteristic plant substances include shatavarins, a group of saponins. The extract used in the studies contains over 10% total shatavarins, determined by HPLC—a process for the precise analysis of ingredients. Description of the study extract
Five published clinical studies examined the extract in different life stages and areas of application. All were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled: participants were assigned at random; during the study, neither they nor the supervising study team knew who received which preparation.
Here we look at the design of the studies, their key findings, and their significance.
STUDY 1 – Sexual Wellness
Ademola J. et al. (2026), Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract on Sexual Wellness in Women: Findings from a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Three-Arm, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study, International Journal of Women’s Health, 18:561213.
How was the study conducted?
135 women were divided into three groups for eight weeks:
- 300 mg Shatavari root extract daily.
- 300 mg Shatavari plus 250 mg Ashwagandha root extract daily.
- A placebo.
127 participants completed the study and were included in the per-protocol analysis.
Which effects were investigated?
The focus was on the Female Sexual Function Index, or FSFI. This questionnaire records sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. In addition, sexuality-related distress, mood, and sleep quality were examined, among other factors.
What was found?
Improved sexual function and satisfaction
After eight weeks, Shatavari alone significantly improved the total FSFI score compared to placebo (p = 0.025). The difference was particularly clear in sexual satisfaction (p < 0.0001).
Less sexuality-related distress
The corresponding distress scale also improved compared to placebo (p = 0.008).
The results suggest potential for sexual wellness. However, not all individual areas were significantly improved under Shatavari alone compared to placebo. Further results from the combination with Ashwagandha cannot be attributed to the Shatavari extract alone. To the original study
STUDY 2 – Milk production in early lactation
Ajgaonkar A. et al. (2025), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) root extract for postpartum lactation: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 45(1):2564168.
How was the study conducted?
120 women aged 20 to 40 were enrolled following an uncomplicated vaginal birth or C-section. They received either Shatavari root extract or a placebo over 72 hours.
The publication specifies 300 mg twice daily, corresponding to 600 mg per day. 113 women completed the study: 57 in the Shatavari group and 56 in the placebo group.
Which effects were investigated?
The amount of milk pumped after 72 hours, the time until perceptible breast fullness after the last feeding, and the mothers’ satisfaction with lactation were recorded.
What was found?
Higher milk volume
After 72 hours, the measured milk volume in the Shatavari group was significantly higher than under placebo (p < 0.001).
Earlier perceptible breast fullness
The time until perceptible breast fullness after breastfeeding was shorter (p = 0.002).
Higher satisfaction
The reported proportion of satisfied mothers was 52.63% compared to 25.00% under placebo (p = 0.008).
No adverse events were reported during the study. However, the results only concern the first three days after birth; long-term effects were not tested. To the original publication
STUDY 3 – Symptoms in perimenopause
Mahajan S. et al. (2025), Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract for Perimenopause: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, International Journal of Women’s Health, 17:4057–4073.
How was the study conducted?
80 women with perimenopausal symptoms were divided into two groups. They took either 300 mg of Shatavari root extract or a placebo daily for eight weeks.
73 women completed the study according to the protocol: 37 in the Shatavari group and 36 in the placebo group.
Which effects were investigated?
Standardized questionnaires recorded menopausal symptoms, quality of life, mood, and perceived stress. In addition, hormone levels and laboratory parameters for tolerability were examined.
What was found?
Improvements in menopausal symptoms
The researchers reported significant improvements on the Menopause Rating Scale, which records physical, psychological, and urogenital symptoms.
Less stress and hot flashes
Stress scores improved significantly after eight weeks (p < 0.0001). The improvement in hot flashes was also greater under Shatavari than under placebo (p = 0.002).
Improvement in fatigue
After eight weeks, there was also a significant advantage in the fatigue score examined (p = 0.019).
The results provide evidence of possible support during perimenopause. However, observed changes in individual hormone levels do not prove a general “normalization of the hormonal balance.” To the original publication
STUDY 4 – Menopausal symptoms and hot flashes
Ademola J. et al. (2025), Efficacy and safety of Shatavari root extract (Asparagus racemosus) for menopausal symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled study, Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 7:1654503.
How was the study conducted?
135 women aged 45 to 65 received either 300 mg of Shatavari, a combination of 300 mg Shatavari and 250 mg Ashwagandha, or a placebo daily for eight weeks. 125 participants completed the study according to the protocol.
Which effects were investigated?
The main goal was the change in menopausal symptoms on the Menopause Rating Scale, or MRS. In addition, hot flashes, stress, mood, and hormone levels were recorded, among other things.
What was found?
Significant decrease in symptom score
Under Shatavari alone, the total MRS score fell by an average of 13.07 points, compared to 3.26 points under placebo. The difference was significant (p < 0.0001).
The decrease under Shatavari corresponded to approximately 45% compared to the baseline value. This percentage does not indicate a 45% improvement compared to placebo.
Improvement in hot flashes
The recorded hot flash score also improved more under Shatavari than under placebo (p = 0.002).
The findings suggest potential for menopausal symptoms. In contrast, Shatavari alone showed no significant advantage over placebo for stress and the total score of the mood questionnaire. Original study
STUDY 5 – Investigation in women with PCOS
Mhatre Y. et al. (2026), Efficacy and safety of Shatavari root extract in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 17:1769773.
How was the study conducted?
70 women aged 20 to 40 with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, received 300 mg of Shatavari root extract or a placebo daily for twelve weeks. 66 participants completed the study.
Which effects were investigated?
Ovarian volume, follicle count, and endometrial thickness were examined via ultrasound. In addition, the researchers recorded stress, body weight, and hormonal and metabolic values.
What was found?
Changes in selected ultrasound findings
Under Shatavari, the follicle count decreased more than under placebo (p < 0.0001). Endometrial thickness increased more (p = 0.028).
Less perceived stress
The stress score also improved significantly compared to placebo (p < 0.0001).
In contrast, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding ovarian volume, hormone levels, and the metabolic parameters examined.
The study provides initial evidence of changes in individual PCOS-related measurements. No proven improvement in fertility or confirmed treatment for PCOS can be derived from this. To the original study
What do these results mean for the classification of SRI-81™?
The five publications make it clear in which areas SRI-81™ was clinically investigated and where advantages over placebo were shown. It is particularly relevant that a defined, standardized extract, SRI-81 Shatavari®, was tested: results for this extract cannot automatically be transferred to every Shatavari powder or any other preparation.
Equally decisive are the target group studied, the dosage, and the duration of intake. The studies provide promising evidence but have limited participant numbers and short observation periods. They do not prove a guaranteed effect for every woman.
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