New Study Links Shatavari's Health Effects to Gut Microbiome Changes - Video

Shatavari may influence pathways linked to brain and gut health, but current evidence is not strong enough to establish it as a treatment for cognitive or neurological disorders.

A review published in Nutrients examined research on Asparagus racemosus, commonly known as Shatavari, including laboratory, animal and human studies. Researchers focused on how its compounds may interact with the microbiota-gut-brain axis, connecting the gut and brain.

One important compound is Shatavarin IV, a steroidal saponin that partly resembles estrogen. The review found that it can influence estrogen receptor signalling, although it is much weaker than estradiol. Laboratory and preclinical research also linked it with BDNF, a protein involved in brain cell health, synaptic plasticity, inflammation.

Shatavari also contains fructooligosaccharides, or FOS, which act as prebiotic fibres. These compounds can support beneficial gut bacteria and increase short-chain fatty acids. The review suggests these changes could help maintain the intestinal barrier and indirectly influence brain signalling through inflammation, microbial metabolites and tryptophan metabolism.

Laboratory studies found that Shatavari extracts affected inflammatory and oxidative pathways in human nerve cells in early laboratory studies. Other enzyme studies suggested possible effects on acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase, enzymes involved in neurotransmitter breakdown. However, these findings do not demonstrate improved brain function in people.

A small eight-week clinical trial involving 80 perimenopausal women found that 300 mg of Shatavari extract daily improved menopause-related symptoms and perceived stress compared with placebo. Estradiol levels also increased.

The researchers emphasise that much of the evidence remains preclinical. It is not yet known whether Shatavarin IV reaches the human brain at active levels or what long-term safety may be.

Larger clinical studies are needed to establish effective doses, safety, brain exposure and whether Shatavari can produce meaningful cognitive or neurological benefits.

REFERENCE: Das, D., Dasgupta, S. B., Banik, S. P., & Bagchi, D. (2025). Unraveling the Mechanistic Insights of Asparagus Bioactives to Promote Cognitive Health: Insights from the Gut–Brain Axis. Nutrients, 18(18), 3016. DOI: 10.3390/nu18183016