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

Q: 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.

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

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

Q: 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.

Q: Were there any side effects reported?

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

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).

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100

Human RCT★★☆☆☆

Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆

Mechanism★★★★★

Safety★★★★☆

Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 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.

observational

Ademola J, Mahajan S, Srivathsan M, Langade D · International journal of women's health (2026)

Participants: N/A

Duration: 8 weeks

Intervention: Standardized Shatavari root extract (SHT) alone or in combination with Ashwagandha root extract (SHT-ARE) versus placebo.

Outcome: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Satisfying Sexual Events (SSEs), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Effect Size: N/A (specific effect sizes not reported in abstract)

Population: 135 women with sexual health concerns, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial.

Result:

PubMed: 41710148 DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S561213

Mechanism Graph

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.

Limitations

⚠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.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

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 content is 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.