Asparagus Extract

Asparagus extract can be a product derived from either Asparagus officinalis ( the green shoots we know and love to eat) or from Asparagus racemosus commonly known as shatavari, satavar or shatamull and which grows in Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas. Asparagus officinalis is a species of Asparagus (see our page on the scientific classification of asparagus to understand the classification system) and Asparagus Racemosus is another completely separate species within the genus Asparagus.

Asparagus extract can be bought as a dietry supplement in the form of capsules, liquid, a powder or tea bags. Careful reading of the label may (or may not) tell you where the particular extract you are using comes from including whether it is from the roots or shoots and leaves of either A Racemosus or A. Officinalis. 

Asparagus Extract from A. Racemosus

Shatavari or Aspargus Racemosus is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. This is an ancient form of medicine practised in India which began between 3000 and 5000 years ago. Ayur means life and veda means knowledge. There is no scientific proof that ayurvedic medicine can treat or cure diseases but this is the case with many "alternative" therapies and does not necessarily mean that they cannot be of benefit.

Treatments are holistic in nature and can include advice on diet, special diets, medications, including herbal medicine, massage, yoga, meditation and breathing and relaxation routines. Many of these treatments are seen as nenficial with little risk of hamr whilst  some treatments that are not recommended by Western medics include forced vomitting and blood letting.

In terms of the herbal medicines it is the preparation of the medicines or extracts that is the cause of some concern with some unlicensed medicines found to contain illegal substances and toxic herbs.  

Shatavari is considered to be one of the most powerful rejuvenating herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and is commonly used in India for conditions including mood swings associated with PMS and hot flushes associated with the menopause. Shatavari is sometimes translated as "she who posseses 100 husbands". It is also reported to have a positive effect on libido and feritily in both men and women. 

Asparagus Extract from A. Officinalis

Extracts of Asparagus Officinalis are claimed by their manufacturers to strengthen immunity, benefit the kidney, urinary tract and digestive functions, aid detoxification from sulphur compounds in the body, reduce acidic pH and reduce homocysteine levels. They variously claim to contain high quantities of the antioxidant Selenium, asparagosides and folic acid.

Summary

As has already been stated there is little or no scientific evidence to support the benefits of either of these extracts.

We have no reason to have any less belief in Ayurvedic medicine than any other alternative medicines and there may therefore be benefits. However the whole philosophy is to treat the whole body so just popping a few shatavari pills without consulting an Aurvedic physician is probably not really getting the point of this treatment.

High doses of asparagus via an extract of asparagus officinalis seems again to deny the body the benefits of eating fresh vegetables. We'll be sticking with fresh asparagus to reap the health benefits of our favourite vegetable for the forseeable future.

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