Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Shatavari Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women Improves Handgrip Strength and Increases Vastus lateralis Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation but Does Not Alter Markers of Bone Turnover.

  • 2021-11-27
  • Nutrients 13(12)
    • Mary F O'Leary
    • Sarah R Jackman
    • Vlad R Sabou
    • Matthew I Campbell
    • Jonathan C Y Tang
    • John Dutton
    • Joanna L Bowtell

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
20 postmenopausal women (68.5 ± 6 years)
Methods
randomised double-blind trial, 6 weeks of 1000 mg/d shatavari (equivalent to 26,500 mg/d fresh weight shatavari) or placebo
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
6 weeks
  • Rigorous Journal
Shatavari has long been used as an Ayurvedic herb for women's health, but empirical evidence for its effectiveness has been lacking. Shatavari contains phytoestrogenic compounds that bind to the estradiol receptor. Postmenopausal estradiol deficiency contributes to sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In a randomised double-blind trial, 20 postmenopausal women (68.5 ± 6 years) ingested either placebo (N = 10) or shatavari (N = 10; 1000 mg/d, equivalent to 26,500 mg/d fresh weight shatavari) for 6 weeks. Handgrip and knee extensor strength were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks. Vastus lateralis (VL) biopsy samples were obtained. Data are presented as difference scores (Week 6-baseline, median ± interquartile range). Handgrip (but not knee extensor) strength was improved by shatavari supplementation (shatavari +0.7 ± 1.1 kg, placebo -0.4 ± 1.3 kg; p = 0.04). Myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation, a known marker of improved myosin contractile function, was increased in VL following shatavari supplementation (immunoblotting; placebo -0.08 ± 0.5 a.u., shatavari +0.3 ± 1 arbitrary units (a.u.); p = 0.03). Shatavari increased the phosphorylation of Aktser473 (Aktser473 (placebo -0.6 ± 0.6 a.u., shatavari +0.2 ± 1.3 a.u.; p = 0.03) in VL. Shatavari supplementation did not alter plasma markers of bone turnover (P1NP, β-CTX) and stimulation of human osteoblasts with pooled sera (N = 8 per condition) from placebo and shatavari supplementation conditions did not alter cytokine or metabolic markers of osteoblast activity. Shatavari may improve muscle function and contractility via myosin conformational change and further investigation of its utility in conserving and enhancing musculoskeletal function, in larger and more diverse cohorts, is warranted.

Research Insights

  • Shatavari→Improved Handgrip Strength

    Handgrip (but not knee extensor) strength was improved by shatavari supplementation (shatavari +0.7 ± 1.1 kg, placebo -0.4 ± 1.3 kg; p = 0.04)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    1000 mg/day
  • Shatavari→Improved Knee Extensor Strength

    Handgrip (but not knee extensor) strength was improved by shatavari supplementation

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    1000 mg/day
  • Shatavari→Reduced Beta-CrossLap

    Shatavari supplementation did not alter plasma markers of bone turnover (P1NP, β-CTX)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    1000 mg/day
  • Shatavari→Reduced P1NP Level

    Shatavari supplementation did not alter plasma markers of bone turnover (P1NP, β-CTX)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    1000 mg/day
Back to top