The Potential of Shatavari in Augmenting Lung Health

Asparagus racemosus Wild. (commonly known as Shatavari, which holds the literary meaning “curer of a hundred diseases”) belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is a well-documented medicinal plant cited in numerous Ayurvedic, Greek, and Chinese medicine texts. In Ayurvedic literature, Shatavari has been symbolized as “Queen of Herbs” due to its rejuvenating properties, which enhances overall well-being and assist in alleviating the effects of different diseases. It has been an epitome of love and devotion, signifying its potential to facilitate fertility and vitality in women. This whole plant holds several therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, antitussive, and neuroprotective effects, without showing any notable side effects and promoting general well-being. Different parts of A. racemosus are a rich source of sapogenins and saponins. This plant is rich in steroidal saponins such as Shatavarins VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, I, IV, and V; schidigerasaponin D5; and racemofuran. Methanolic and saponin concentrated extracts of A. racemosus roots show significant antitussive activity by producing NO, COX2, intracellular ROS, and free radical scavenging activity. A. racemosus administration in an asthmatic mice model exhibits lung remodeling properties by mucus hypersecretion inhibition, obstruction reversal, overexpression of Th2-mediated cytokines, and reduction in infiltration of inflammatory cells (macrophages, eosinophils) in the peribronchiolar region, ultimately leading to a reduction in hyperresponsiveness and cough inhibition by more than 50% compared to standard marketed codeine-based drugs.