Asparagus; Shatavari

Constituents of interest

Shatavari root contains shatavarins (I to X), which are saponins (steroidal glycosides). The most studied of these saponins, shatavarin IV (also known as asparanin B) is a spirostan which consists of sarasapogenin and a sugar molecule.

Shatavari root also contains the saponin phytoprogestins: diosgenin and sarsasapogenin.

Asparagus racemosus root contains 3βsterols: beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol.

Spirostans and sitosterols are Cholestanes.

Shatavari also contains kaempferol, a flavanol which is a phytoestrogen.

Asparagus species typically contain vitamins: A, B1, B2, B9, C and E. This genus contains the minerals: magnesium, calcium and iron.

Published studies

One study showed an ethanol extract of Shatavari to increase prolactin, which is consistent with its effects on the breast. Another study theorized if the antioxidant content of Asparagus racemosus root had a positive effect on reproductive health, including follicle development.

A study on Asparagus officinalis found that a water extract of its roots increased luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), progesterone, and estrogen.

Additional health benefit

A benefit of asparagus, is that its constituents, Shatavarins, have anti-cancerous properties.

Discussion

Shatavari seems to have a balanced effect on raising hormones. Asparagus' hormonal effects are likely circumstantial (as most herbs are) depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. Through literature, Satawar (asparagus) has similarities to suma. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Shatavari lacks estrogenic phytohormones which work directly on ERα which fenugreek has. These collections of both estrogenic and phytoprogestogenic herbs likely have these positive effects on increasing bodily hormones during luteal phase.

Asparagus for breast enhancement

For purposes of breast enhancement, the root from many species of asparagus may substitute Shatavari. Asparagus has a small effect on breast tissue by itself. However, with the right combination of other herbs with varying properties, the potential for breast enlargement can be maximized.

The part of Asparagus that is used for herbal medicine is its tubers. Asparagus is better taken in solid form, either fresh, ground or dried, than through extracts. The reason for this is because un-extracted plants, contain fiber that is beneficial for health.

Taking asparagus root by itself during mid to late proliferative phase is typically counter-productive to breast enhancement. In comparison, hops is a proven effective herb, that also is not effective during proliferative phase.

Asparagus root has successfully been used in place of fenugreek in the herb schedule on a few occasions for hip growth. Their use may be fitting for luteal phase when there's no swelling. Shatavari is better off as a supplement to fenugreek. Shatavari could indirectly cause breast growth, but through influencing the body's natural hormones.

shatavari01 is an obsolete specific herbal program that was based around shatavari (Asparagus) in theory for potential use. Use the herb program for luteal phase, where asparagus would be use in addition to fenugreek.

Asparagus or herbs with similar properties are in herb programs based on menstrual phases. There must be balance throughout phases, and combinations of herbs help the body acheive balance for health, breast growth and hip growth. It's important that menses is light and short. Also, preventing an excess of negative symptoms for menses helps set the balance for proliferative phase. Luteal phase uses a different combination of herbs than proliferative phase for symptoms. For a simplified herb schedule, where there's commonality of herb recommendations for symptoms such as swelling and signs of excess estrogen, use nonmenses. BCP01 is a composite page of pieces of different programs on birth control or IUD use.

Herb timing and combinations' success for breast enhancement relies on menstrual phases. Descriptions and pictures of results from herb combination use can be seen in programs. For more guidance, see guide, or hirsutism-topic.

Similar herbs

Shatavari (Asparagus), suma (Hebanthe), maca (Lepidium), Passionflower (Passiflora), kudzu (Pueraria) and fenugreek (Trigonella) contain both phyto-progestins and phyto-estrogens. Their properties likely vary, so they may require a different proportion or a different variation of companion herbs.

Fenugreek (Trigonella) has estrogenic compounds with effects on ERα, which Pueraria may also have. Other herbs which contain both phytoprogestins and phytoestrogens like Shatavari (asparagus) may lack this specific effect, as their estrogenic effect is limited to ERβ. These other herbs can supplement fenugreek or Pueraria.

Asparagus has similar hormone raising properties as fenugreek and suma. However, asparagus and possibly suma lack estrogenic phytohormones which are specific to the breasts. Shatavari appears to work directly on estrogen receptor ERβ instead of ERα

Precautions

There are different accounts on whether asparagus berries are edible, but it's better to avoid them. Berries of Asparagus curillus (and possibly of Asparagus berries in general) have abortifacient properties.

See precautions for more details of care to be taken with herb use. Proper nutrition is a consideration for health. Also, check for the latest blog updates about herb and hormone safety.

It is very important that menses be light and not prolonged.

If you have hirsutism, PCOS, hot-flashes, other signs of hormone imbalances, see estrogen-imbalance, and hirsutism program journals at hirusitism-topic before trying herbs.

Herb concentrates can be tens of times more potent by weight than herbs in solid form. This can easily lead to hormone imbalances. For this reason, concentrate extracts are not recommended for extended or excessive internal use, especially during fertility years. Concentrates shouldn't be used to overcome plateaus. Another issue with herbal extracts, is that they may not have the full range of properties of the herb. Essential oils are not recommended for breast enhancement. If opting to use herbal extracts, use food grade extracts, with no more than 1 drop at a time diluted in water.