The herbal research for perimenopause and menopause women and their symptoms continues to expand. This recent published report was the second study that I am aware of, on Shatavari in menopausal women.
This randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical study investigated the use of a full spectrum Shatavari root for menopausal symptoms. It was conducted in India where both pre and postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 65 who had typical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia and mood swings.
The women were given one 250 mg capsule containing either Shatavari root extract or placebo twice daily for 60 days. Researchers measured the changes using the Utian quality of life (UQoL) scores on day 30 and day 60 and compared them to baseline. For secondary outcomes, the researchers evaluated the changes on individual domains of menopause-related symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia, using a five point scale and satisfaction.
Results showed that women taking the Shatavari extract saw an increase in total UQoL scores by 23.19% and 35.13% on day 30 and 60, respectively. These scores were statistically significant when compared with placebo.
Women taking the extract also saw significantly greater change in occupational UQoL score, health UQoL score, emotional UQoL score, and sexual UQoL score at the end of the study compared to baseline. Additionally, women taking the extract saw significant improvements in stress scores and significant improvements in sleep quality and sleep depth.
The number of women (12.12%) in the Shatavari group that experienced hot flashes was significantly less compared with the placebo group (57.57%). Women taking the Shatavari extract also saw significantly less night sweats, hot flashes, anxiousness, fatigue, sleeplessness, mood swings, and urinary incontinence.
Commentary: While this is a small study, I would assert that Shatavari should be added to the list of viable botanical options for perimenopause and menopause symptoms including hot flashes/night sweats, sleep issues, mood issues and stress resilience in particular.
Reference:
Guidise, V.S.; Dasari, M.P.; Kuricheti, S.S.K. Efficacy and safety of shatavari root extract for the management of menopausal symptoms: A double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Cureus. 2024
