Shatavari root extract may minimize the symptoms of menopause: Study

Indian researchers conducted a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled, clinical study and investigated the use of aspurūs, a full-spectrum Shatavari from Waleria Health, on women undergoing the emotional and physiological changes associated with menopause.

“The findings demonstrate compelling evidence of the efficacy of aspurūs in supporting menopausal symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life,” said Danielle Greenberg, research consultant at Waleria Health in statement. “The significant reductions in hot flashes and night sweats coupled with the notable improvements in [quality of life] scores show the potential of aspurūs to offer meaningful relief for women experiencing menopausal transition.”

Degree of symptoms

The United Nations estimates that the number of postmenopausal women is increasing and currently comprises 26% of all females under the age of 50. The researchers noted that there is a 21% increase in early-age menopause. By 2025, approximately 1.1 billion women will be menopausal worldwide, scientists predict​.

Women undergoing menopause can have hot flashes, vaginal dryness, disturbed sleep, insomnia, urogenital infections, osteoporosis, early onset of coronary heart disease, anxiety, depression, diabetes and cognitive difficulties, the researchers described.

“Menopausal symptoms may be mitigated to a certain degree through the use of local or systemic exogenous estrogen administration via hormone replacement therapy (HRT),” they wrote. “However, the utilization of HRT is linked with increased risks of complications, such as breast cancer, heart disease and thromboembolism, as well as other potential side effects. Hence, an alternative therapy devoid of such risks or reduced risks is warranted to manage menopausal symptoms.”

Study details

The researchers conducted the study for two months in Andhra Pradesh, India at a hospital and a nursing home. Patients were randomized to two groups: the test group and the placebo group, with 35 participants in each segment.

The study included pre and postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 65 who had menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia and mood swings. It did not include pregnant or lactating women, individuals trying to get pregnant, women who had undergone a hysterectomy, or those participants on HRT or other herbal remedies to manage symptoms of menopause.

The women were given one 250 mg capsule containing either Shatavari root extract or placebo twice a day for 60 days. Participants’ occupational, emotional and sexual health were measured to determine scores for depression, anxiety and stress. Those taking the extract had better therapeutic responses.

“The main ingredient in test product formulation has phytoestrogenic properties which can effectively balance hormonal fluctuations and act on stressors, thereby improving the quality of life,” the researchers wrote.

When it came to hot flashes, night sweats, loss of libido and vaginal dryness, participants taking aspurūs had improved symptoms based on the five-point Likert scale.

“This decrease in hot flashes in the active group may be attributed to the hormone-balancing effect of the formulation and the presence of phytoestrogens,” the researchers added.

The experimental group had an 85% reduction in hot flashes in as few as four weeks, a 90% reduction in night sweats in as few as eight weeks. Participants also experienced a 60% greater reduction of reported sleeplessness compared to placebo.

The researchers cited another reason for better response in the experimental group: the adaptogenic nature of the ingredient may help better stress responses. Stress triggers vasomotor symptoms, and stressed women are more likely to have hot flashes.

“Our study shows the potential of aspurūs in providing relief from major menopausal symptoms without the accompanying side effects often associated with conventional therapies,” said Komal Baldwa, founder of Waleria. “This offers hope for women seeking effective and safe alternatives during this transformative phase of life. Additionally, it gives manufacturers an opportunity to formulate with a clinically studied lower dose ingredient efficacious in reducing major menopausal symptoms.”

Source: Cureus​
doi: 10.7759/cureus.57879​
“Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial”
Authors: Vani S. Gudise et al.