Punarnava - healthy herbs

 

                                          Shatavar / Shatavari / Asparagus racemosus

          Shatavari  is perennial climbing plant with straight and hooked thin spines  , striated leaves , slender stems and it found in many parts of tropical India and Asia countries , grow up to 1-2.5 meter height , sweet and bitter herbs . Its flowers having fragrance , white in colour with small spikes . Shatavari  is a powerful therapeutic agent , which is of great importance in Ayurveda . It promote overall well-being and good health .The roots white tuberous , radish shaped , tapered at the end and found in clusters , which having many medicinal properties are light ash coloured on the out side and milky white inside .Its fruits are round berries , which are purple to black colour  . It grows in well-drained and fertile clay-loamy and also in rocky , gravelly soils .Shatavari is used as a rejuvenating  tonic for all age group .

   

 

Vernacular name of Shatavari – Family – Asparagaceae

        Hindi ( Shatavar , shatavari ) , English ( Buttermilk root , Climbing asparagus , Wild Asparagus ) , Bengali ( Satamuli , Satmooli shatavar , Dogri ), Gujrati ( Shatavari ) , Oriya ( Vari , Pali ) , Kannad ( Majjige gadde ) , Marathi ( Satavari ), Malayala ( Sathavari ) , Punjabi ( Chhotta kelu ) ,  Botanical name ( Asparagus racemosus ).

Properties of Shatavari  -

1.      Ayurvedic properties of Shatavari are ; Rasa / Taste – Sweet /Bitter ; Guna / Quality – Heaviness / unctuous ; Vipaka – Sweet  / Undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion ; Veerya / Potency – Cold Potency ; Effect of dosha – Balance Vata  and Pitta  . The roots are bitter, cooling , appetizer and are useful in dysentery , tumours , inflammation etc .

2.     Improving hormone regularisation  -Shatavari is known for its influence on the adrenal glands , which include the phytoestrogenic bio-active component , which are  crucial in the keeping the hormonal balance and providing relief from mood swing , depression , insomnia etc . It also facilitates hormone regularisation especially in women.

3.     Other properties – Shatavari roots possess many properties such as  ;  Immunomodulatory activity , Anti-ulcerogenic ,anti-oxidants , anti-cancer ,anti-fungal , anti-tumour , anti-diabetic , anti-candida , anti-inflammatory , anti-diarrheal ,  Shatavari is a anti-microbial , anti-microbial , aphrodisiac , adaptogenic , diuretic activity . It is healer and it possesses a wide range of biological activities include Anti-fungal , Anti-tumour . Such , beneficial effects of Shatavari is attributed to presence of saponins , amino acids , sulphur containing acids , flavonoids and oligosaccharides etc. .

4.     Improving digestion and gut problems – Gastric ulcer – Gastric ulcers are formed on the inner lining of the stomach .Shatavari may be beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcers . Shatavari minimize the exposure of these ulcer to acid by reducing the total volume of gastric secretion and total acidity . increase the gastric mucus secretion and strengthen the innermost layer of gastrointestinal tract layer , due to its hepato-protective activity , cold and healing properties .It also increase antioxidant enzymes that protect against the harmful action of free radicals(free radical attack the inner lining of gastric region and thus cause formation of ulcers ) .

Hyperacidity and gut cleaning  - It also minimize the hyperacidity in the stomach .Shatavari roots is very beneficial in cleansing the gut , which improve digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzyme Lipase( help in fat digestion ) and Amylase ( help in carbohydrates digestion ) . Shatavari root have Anti-flatulent property , which minimize the formation of flatulence , bloating and abdominal distension . It also minimize the indigestion , increase appetite , and promote better absorption of nutrients in the body

5.     Controlling diabetes and its complication - Shatavari contain a rich amount of hypoglycaemic property that play an important role in reducing blood sugar level . Shatavari root powder may be stimulating the secretion of  insulin production from pancreas , pancreatic beta-cell , it also may help to reducing breakdown of starch to glucose , and it also reduce the intestinal absorption of glucose ,which lead to minimize blood sugar level . It possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help mitigate damage caused by high blood sugar to various body tissues . It may be helping the risk of diabetes related complication.

6.     Improve breast milk production - Shatavari have Galactagogue activity , and presence of steroidal saponins , which may help to beneficial in improving breast milk production . Shatavari may be also helps to increase the level of prolactin hormone , thus , help to improve breast milk production.

7.     Liver protective properties- Shatavari play a important role in protecting liver ,against damage caused by drugs , toxins and free radicals .It  inhibit the formation of lipid peroxides (product formed by degradation of lipids). Its roots also increased Anti-oxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase, and improved the overall health of Liver.

8.     Reducing cholesterol and triglyceride - Shatavari roots powder is beneficial role in lowering high cholesterol level is due to presence of various health promoting compound such as Phytosterol, Saponins, Flavonoids, Polyphenols, and Ascorbic acid that increase the excretion of cholesterol and increase the level of Anti-oxidant in the body. Thus, this powder may be very useful for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

9.     Cardio protective - Shatavari roots is a natural Anti-oxidant and Cardio-protective herb , which positive effect on the heart ,and relax the cardiac system .It also beneficial in strengthening the heart muscles , and preventing lipid accumulation , which in turn reduce the risk of atherosclerosis , heart block , blood clot etc .

10.  Stimulate immune system – Shatavari stimulate the cells that fight infection and thus , minimize the overall population of infection causing cells . Shatavari stimulate the immune system , help the body to fight against disease  due to presence of Sapogenin compound which is a potent immune stimulator . It also enhance the body’s resistance. Shatavari is useful for treat of respiratory problems, due to its antibiotic , anti-inflammatory and anti- asthmatic properties . This roots  provides a powerful treatment for a cough , cold problems . It loosen the rheum deposit in our nasal cavities and chest so it makes it easy to breath and helps our body to get relief from mucus .

11.  Protect skin and prevent ageing - Shatavari may be help to control wrinkles on the face , which are due to aging , dry skin and lack of moisture , due to an aggravated Vata dosha  . Shatavari may be help to control wrinkles by balancing Vata . It also removes dead skin and gives clear skin due to Rejuvenated property.

12.  Management of Stress and Depression – Shatavari is adaptogen, a substance that improves the body’s ability to adapt to stress. Oxidative stress and overload of free radicals is a common cause of stress and depression. Shatavari improved the production of chemicals in the brain that have anti-anxiety , anti-stress and anti-depressant effect  due to the presence of flavonoids , polyphenols and saponins in Shatavari  root , which control mental depression and stress .

13.  Shatavari has Diuretic activity – Shatavari roots possess diuretic activity , in which it increase the excretion of urine , and reduced the accumulation of fluid in the body .It means Shatavari can help the body eliminate excess and toxic fluid by increasing urine production . Which can be useful for managing condition like bloating , water retention. Shatavari may be help maintain a healthy urinary tract UTI by promoting urine flow and potential fighting UTI infection .

14.  Shatavari green shoot is one of the most nutritional well balanced vegetable – high in folic acid and good source of Potassium , Fibre , Thiamine , Vitamins A , B6 ,and C  . Potassium is good for blood pressure and Asparagus also contain a compound Asparaptin , which may help improve blood flow and helps minimizing blood pressure. Trace mineral and Good Anti-oxidant activities in Asparagus that enhance the insulin for controlling blood sugar level .

Chemical properties of Shatavari –

1.     Shatavari is a good source of Phytochemicals , which promote good health with strengthening immune system and fighting oxidative stress . Such phytochemicals are ; Steroidal Saponins / Shatavarins ( I to IV ) , Alkaloids , Oligosaccharides , Mucilage , Isoflavones , Flavonoids ( Quercetin and Rutin ) , The Glycosides of Sara sapogenin , Asparagamine , Tyrosine , Resin , Tannins ,Racemosol , Polysaccharides ,  Stigmasterol , their Glycosides , Spirostanolic acid ,  and Sterols ( Sitosterol ) .

2.     Presence of rich amount of Saponins in Shatavari possess a variety of biological properties, such as Antioxidant , Immunostimulant , Anti-bacterial , Anti-carcinogenic ,Anti-microbial ,  Anti-ulcer genic and reproductive agent .

3.     Oligosaccharides is a saccharides polymer containing a small amount number of monosaccharides , which are known as prebiotics , meaning they serve as nutrition for microbes residing in our gut so they can be help keeping healthy body .

4.     Isoflavones is a natural occurring iso-flavonoids , which include the protection against age related disease including cardiovascular , hormone dependent problem , and loss of cognitive function . Sarasapogenin is a steroidal sapogenin , that has antitumor and antidepressant activities . Stigmasterol is a plant sterol , which included among sterol compound in the diet having potential to reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease . Sitosterol or beta –sitosterol is steroid ( phytosterol ) ,which are generally used for minimizing cholesterol level  and minimize the risk of some cancers problem .It also are very useful in allergy , asthma , arthritis and heart problem .

5.     Shatavari root contain Sapogenin ( Lipophilic Triterpene derivatives ), which is potent as immune-stimulator . It enhance the body resistance during normal and immune-suppressed condition , and help the body to fight against disease and finally speeds up the recovery . Thus Shatavari root play important role in stimulating immune cells .

6.     Nutritional value of Shatavari ;as per 100 gm ;  Carbohydrates 3.3 gm , Protein 2.2 gm , Total Fat 0.10 gm , Dietary Fibre 2.10 gm , Minerals ( Calcium , Magnesium , Selenium , Potassium , Zinc, Manganese ,Copper, Iron  ) , Vitamins ( A, Ascorbic acid , Folates , Niacin , Pantothenic acid  , Pyridoxine , Riboflavin , Thiamine , E , k ) , Electrolyte ( sodium 2 mg , Potassium 200 mg) ,Fatty acid ( Gamma Linolenic acid = very useful for treatment of arthritis , diabetes , high cholesterol and depression problem ), Amino acids ,  Flavonoids ( Kaempferol , Quercetin , Rutin ).

7.      Phytonutrients ( Beta-carotene, Alpha carotene , Lutein zeaxanthin ) . Beta – carotene is a provitamin, . The body convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A , which known as a vital nutrient for vision , play a important role in cell growth , and maintaining healthy organs like the heart , lungs and kidney . Alpha carotene also has Anti-oxidant and Anti-carcinogenic properties and it may enhance immune system . Its also minimize the risk of cardio vascular disease . Lutein zeaxanthin is widely used to prevent visual loss or eye problems .

8.     Amino acid - Arginine  is used may treat heart and blood vessels condition including heart failure , chest pain and high blood pressure . Tyrosine – It may helps the body produce enzyme , thyroid hormone , and the skin pigments melanin . It particularly important in the production of epinephrine , norepinephrine , and dopamine .

9.     Shatavari shoot also contain Thiophene  derivatives shows antimicrobial , analgesic , and anti inflammatory , antihypertensive ) , Thiazole ( is the non steroidal and anti inflammatory activities ) , Aldehyde ,Ketone vanillin , Asparagusic acid , and its methyl and ethyl esters used as flavours .

10.  Shatavari herbs rich in B vitamin that help in maintaining healthy level of Homocysteine ( deficiency of B vitamin can elevate the level of homocysteine and increase the risk of damage blood vessels ) , which produced in the blood when Amino acid ( Methionine ) break down in the body .

Side Effect of Shatavari –

1.     Shatavari take times to digest and may be produce gas and increase the risk of constipation if have any digestive problems . This is because Shatavari is heavy in nature

2.     If people suffering cold , cough , so please avoid consuming of Shatavari otherwise , it will also increase runny nose , cough and sore throat problem .

3.     Shatavari may be impair the kidney functioning . So it is better to consult a doctor before taking   Shatavari  if have any kidney problems .

4.     Shatavari should be avoided or taken only under medical supervision, during pregnancy.

5.     People having an allergic reaction by Shatavari  roots , should avoid consuming Shatavari formulation .  These allergic reaction may be in the form of rashes , itchy eyes and skin.

Disclaimer –

  This content about Shatavari is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be constructed as medical advice. Please use Shatavari  as medicine , consult doctor before using Shatavari .