Shatavari root extract combined with Ashwagandha root extract improves sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total Female Sexual Function Index scores in women.

Q: What is Shatavari and how does it affect women's sexual health?

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support female reproductive health. This study found that a standardized root extract, especially when combined with Ashwagandha, improved sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and overall sexual function in women over 8 weeks.

Q: Did the Shatavari supplement improve sleep quality?

The study measured sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Only sleep efficiency showed a significant improvement in the Shatavari plus Ashwagandha group compared to placebo; overall PSQI scores were not significantly different.

Q: Was the Shatavari supplement safe?

Yes, all reported adverse events were mild and resolved without intervention. The study monitored liver, thyroid, and renal function markers and found no safety concerns.

Q: How was sexual function measured in this study?

The primary outcome was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a validated questionnaire assessing desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Secondary measures included the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and number of satisfying sexual events.

In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 135 women, the combination of Shatavari and Ashwagandha root extracts (SHT-ARE) significantly improved FSFI Arousal (P = 0.041), Lubrication (P = 0.027), Orgasm (P = 0.031), and Total FSFI (P = 0.005) scores compared to placebo. The SHT-ARE group also showed reduced sexual distress (FSDS, P < 0.0001), increased happiness (OHQ, P < 0.0001), and improved mood (POMS, P < 0.0001) versus placebo.

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

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100

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 Ayurveda, traditionally used to promote reproductive health

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The combination may modulate stress and mood via Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties

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Improved mood and reduced distress may enhance sexual response and satisfaction

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Result: Improved sexual function, happiness, and mood in women

Limitations

⚠Only abstract data available; full study details on dosing, randomization, and blinding procedures are not provided
⚠No significant improvement in overall PSQI sleep quality was observed except for sleep efficiency, limiting conclusions about sleep effects
⚠The study duration was only 8 weeks, which may not capture long-term efficacy or safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shatavari and how does it affect women's sexual health?▼

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support female reproductive health. This study found that a standardized root extract, especially when combined with Ashwagandha, improved sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and overall sexual function in women over 8 weeks.

Did the Shatavari supplement improve sleep quality?▼

The study measured sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Only sleep efficiency showed a significant improvement in the Shatavari plus Ashwagandha group compared to placebo; overall PSQI scores were not significantly different.

Was the Shatavari supplement safe?▼

Yes, all reported adverse events were mild and resolved without intervention. The study monitored liver, thyroid, and renal function markers and found no safety concerns.

How was sexual function measured in this study?▼

The primary outcome was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a validated questionnaire assessing desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Secondary measures included the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and number of satisfying sexual events.

Products

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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.