Study of SRI-81 Shatavari Reports Sexual Function Gains Versus Placebo in Women

Ixoreal Biomed Inc. is highlighting results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of its SRI-81 Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root extract in women’s sexual wellness.¹ The study appeared in the International Journal of Women’s Health in February 2026, and the company’s release is dated October 22, 2026.^1,2 The paper reported greater improvements in overall sexual function, satisfaction, and sexual distress with the extract than with placebo.

How Was the Study Designed?

The trial enrolled 135 women ages 18 to 55 at two sites, 90 in India and 45 in the United States. Participants were assigned equally to 300 mg of SRI-81 daily, 300 mg of SRI-81 plus 250 mg of KSM-66 Ashwagandha, or a starch placebo. All took capsules once daily after breakfast for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was change in total Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score. Secondary measures included sexual distress, satisfying sexual events, mood, happiness, sleep, and safety markers. Efficacy was analyzed in the per-protocol group of 127 women, after 8 were lost to follow-up.

What Did the Researchers Find?

At week 8, the SRI-81 group improved more than placebo on total FSFI score (p=0.025), the FSFI satisfaction domain (p<0.0001), and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (p=0.008). Ixoreal reports that total FSFI rose 34.1% from baseline with SRI-81, versus 19.6% with placebo.

The combination arm improved total FSFI (p=0.005) and the arousal, lubrication, and orgasm domains. It also had more intercourse than placebo (p=0.001). Total FSFI did not differ significantly between the combination and SRI-81 alone (p=0.862). Adverse events were mild, occurred in all three groups, and resolved without intervention.

Kartikeya Baldwa, Ixoreal’s CEO, highlighted the contribution of this study to an overlooked area of research. “Sexual wellness is one of the most overlooked areas in women’s health, and it is rarely discussed as openly as sleep or stress,” he explained. “This study adds placebo-controlled data to an area where good evidence has been limited, and the results show meaningful improvements in sexual function, satisfaction and sexual distress over 8 weeks. The additional findings from the combination arm also broaden our understanding of how Shatavari and Ashwagandha may be studied together as part of women’s wellness formulations.”

What Limitations Do the Authors Note?

The authors describe the work as exploratory and cite its short duration, small sample, and reliance on self-reported outcomes. Menstrual status was not controlled, and no correction was applied for multiple secondary comparisons. They call for larger, longer trials. Ixoreal supplied the extracts, but the paper says the company had no role in the study’s design, analysis, or interpretation, and the authors report no conflicts of interest.

What Is SRI-81 Shatavari?

Ixoreal describes SRI-81 as a root-only shatavari extract standardized to more than 10% total shatavarins by HPLC and made without harsh solvents. A July 2026 Nutritional Outlook article reported that SRI-81 received a Health Canada Natural Product Number, confirmed by Canadian distributor CK Nutraceuticals.³ The number covers 5 women’s health claims, including support for healthy sexual arousal and satisfaction. That article described a 13:1 herb-to-extract ratio and said the studies used 300 mg daily.

“The Health Canada approval represents an important milestone for SRI-81 Shatavari and provides Canadian supplement brands with a compliant pathway to formulate innovative women’s health products backed by both clinical research and regulatory approval,” Colleen Madden, vice president of innovation at CK Nutraceuticals, had commented.

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. Int J Womens Health. 2026;18:561213. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S561213
2. Ixoreal Biomed Inc. SRI-81 Shatavari supports women’s sexual wellness in placebo-controlled clinical trial. News release. October 22, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026.
3. Krawiec S. SRI-81 Shatavari secures Health Canada NPN, along with five approved health claims. Nutritional Outlook. July 10, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/sri-81-shatavari-secures-health-canada-npn-along-with-five-approved-health-claims