Herbs · Ashwagandha

Shatavari root extract combined with Ashwagandha improves sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total FSFI scores in women with sexual health concerns.

In an 8-week randomized controlled trial of 135 women, the combination of Shatavari and Ashwagandha root extracts (SHT-ARE) significantly improved Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores for arousal (P=0.041), lubrication (P=0.027), orgasm (P=0.031), and total FSFI (P=0.005) compared to placebo. Shatavari alone improved only total FSFI (P=0.025) and satisfaction (P<0.0001). The SHT-ARE group also showed reduced sexual distress (FSDS, P<0.0001) and increased happiness (OHQ, P<0.0001).

2 min readUpdated Jul 7, 20261 RCTsView structured evidence →
Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Shatavari root extract combined with Ashwagandha improves sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total FSFI scores in women with sexual health concerns. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).

The Claim

Shatavari root extract combined with Ashwagandha improves sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total FSFI scores in women with sexual health concerns.

This conclusion is most relevant to: 135 women with sexual health concerns, enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study..

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract on Sexual Wellness in Women: Findings from a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Three-Arm, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study. (International journal of women's health, 2026) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • Shatavari and Ashwagandha are classified as Rasayanas in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to promote reproductive health and overall well-being.
  • The combination may modulate stress and mood, as indicated by reduced POMS scores (tension, anger, depression, fatigue, confusion) in the SHT-ARE group.
  • Improved mood and reduced distress may enhance sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm.
  • Result: Significant improvements in multiple domains of female sexual function and well-being.

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • 135 women with sexual health concerns, enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study.

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • The abstract does not report effect sizes or confidence intervals, limiting quantitative interpretation.
  • No significant differences in PSQI scores were found except for sleep efficiency, suggesting limited impact on sleep quality.
  • The study duration was only 8 weeks; long-term efficacy and safety are unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of Shatavari for women's sexual health?

Shatavari root extract, especially when combined with Ashwagandha, improves sexual function domains like arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, as well as overall sexual satisfaction and reduces sexual distress.

How long did the study last and how many women participated?

The study was an 8-week randomized controlled trial with 135 women participants.

Did Shatavari alone show any benefits?

Yes, Shatavari alone improved total FSFI scores and sexual satisfaction compared to placebo, but the combination with Ashwagandha showed broader improvements across multiple sexual function domains.

Were there any side effects reported?

All reported adverse events were mild and resolved without intervention, indicating the treatment was well-tolerated.

References

  1. 1.Ademola J, Mahajan S, Srivathsan M, Langade D. “Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract on Sexual Wellness in Women: Findings from a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Three-Arm, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study..” International journal of women's health, 2026. PMID: 41710148 DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S561213
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.