Shatavari and muscular strength in postmenopausal women

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for woman’s health. Certain constituents within Shatavari are capable of binding to oestradiol (E2) receptors, promoting an oestrogen-like effect upon muscle and bone health. Observational data has suggested that in women, postmenopausal oestrogenic deficits may promote the agerelated associated decline in muscle strength and function, with the decline occurring rapidly in the middle of their sixth decade. Oestrodial improves muscle force production and may promote muscle protein synthesis. The researchers of this trial sought to determine whether Shatavari supplementation promotes muscle strength and function as well as bone health in postmenopausal women.

This small, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 20 postmenopausal women who were randomised to receive either placebo or Shatavari (500mg powder per capsule taken twice per day) for a six-week treatment period.

Prior to the beginning and at the completion of the trial, the participants handgrip strength (HGS) was tested via a handgrip dynamometer, while a biopsy was performed on their skeletal muscle (Vastus lateralis) along with a blood test to measure bone turnover markers and a measure of myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation (pMLC). That means the triggers regarding the shortening or force developed in smooth muscle.

The participants also completed an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as part of the screening process, and it is worth noting that all women were classified as having ‘high’ levels of physical activity.

Results:

Six weeks of Shatavari supplementation improved HGS and increased pMLC within skeletal muscle. These improvements are congruent with the known effect Shatavari’s saponins have upon oestrodiol and therefore muscle strength and function.

The researchers concluded that the reduction in oestradiol production that potentiates sarcopenia (decline of muscle mass) in women after menopause may be alleviated with the supplementation of Shatavari.