Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari)

Asparagus racemosus (commonly known as Shatavari) is a well-established medicinal herb widely used in traditional systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily known for its role in supporting female reproductive health and enhancing prolactin production in lactating mothers. Benefiting from centuries of traditional use, Shatavari has earned a reputation for being generally safe and well tolerated. Beyond its ethnomedicinal significance across Asia and Africa, its broad pharmacological potential has garnered increasing attention in Western markets, contributing to the growing global demand for Shatavari-based nutraceuticals and herbal products. Despite its historical use, much of Shatavari’s acclaimed therapeutic value remains grounded in empirical tradition, with limited robust scientific validation. This chapter critically reviews existing preclinical and clinical evidence on its efficacy and safety, including both acute and long-term effects. While the plant’s traditional usage suggests a favorable safety profile, particularly in women’s health, there remains a dearth of studies assessing potential adverse outcomes from prolonged use. Moreover, with Shatavari being increasingly incorporated into polyherbal formulations and the rising risk of adulteration or substitution with related species, there is a growing need to examine its toxicity profile in more complex product matrices. These factors may significantly influence both efficacy and safety outcomes. This chapter highlights the necessity for multicentric, longitudinal research and calls for stronger regulatory oversight to ensure quality, authenticity, and consumer safety of Shatavari products.