Proprietary shatavari root extract significantly reduced symptoms of menopause in recently published study

A recent study¹ found that a proprietary shatavari root extract, aspurūs from Waleria Healthtech Private Limited, helped alleviate symptoms of menopause. In the study, 70 women were randomized to receive either the shatavari root extract (250 mg twice daily) or placebo for eight weeks. For the primary outcome, researchers measured the changes in the total Utian quality of life (UQoL) scores on day 30 and day 60, then compared them to baseline. For secondary outcomes, researchers evaluated the changes in specific parameters such as the individual domain scores or UQoL, all three domains of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), the total score of Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS) along with RIS sub-scales, menopausal symptoms using a five-point Likert scale, serum estradiol and progesterone, as well as a Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results showed that women taking the shatavari extract saw an increase in total UQoL scores by 23.19% and 35.13% on day 30 and 60, respectively. When compared with placebo, the changes in UQoL were statistically different. It was also observed that women taking the extract also saw significantly greater change in occupational UQoL score, health UQoL score, emotional UQoL score, and sexual UQoL score at the end of the study compared to baseline. Changes in mean score of all individual UQoL domains were significantly different when compared with placebo. Additionally, women taking the extract saw significant improvements in DASS-21 and RIS scores, with significant improvements in sleep quality, sleep depth, fearful focus on sleep and hypnotics, and poor daytime functioning.

When it came to menopause symptoms, the number of women (12.12%) in the extract group that experienced hot flashes by the final visit was significantly less compared with the placebo group (57.57%). Women taking the extract also saw significantly less night sweats, night flashes, anxiousness, fatigue, sleeplessness, mood swings, and urinary incontinence.

While the sample size is small, the results of this study are encouraging, and the extract warrants further investigation. “Our study shows the potential of aspurūs in providing relief from major menopausal symptoms without the accompanying side effects often associated with conventional therapies,” said Komal Baldwa, founder of Waleria, in a press release. “This offers hope for women seeking effective and safe alternatives during this transformative phase of life. Additionally, it gives manufacturers an opportunity to formulate with a clinically studied lower dose ingredient efficacious in reducing major menopausal symptoms.”

“The findings demonstrate compelling evidence of the efficacy of aspurūs in supporting menopausal symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life,” added Danielle Greenberg, research consultant at Waleria Health. “The significant reductions in hot flashes and night sweats coupled with the notable improvements in Utian Quality of Life scores show the potential of aspurūs to offer meaningful relief for women experiencing menopausal transition.”

Reference

1. Guidise, V.S.; Dasari, M.P.; Kuricheti, S.S.K. Efficacy and safety of shatavari root extract for the management of menopausal symptoms: A double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Cureus. 2024. 16 (4), e57879. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57879