The term “women’s health” covers a wide range of experiences and needs across a person’s lifespan. In adolescence, many girls suffer with PMS and period pain.
Later there may be problems with conception, pregnancy and then managing the demands of parenthood. In midlife years, perimenopause and then menopause can cause symptoms such as declining libido, fatigue, and mood changes. This means half the global population will possibly encounter women’s health concerns at some point in their lives.
Just as the topic of women’s health is now more widely acknowledged and openly talked about, the market is also responding. According to market analysis, the women’s health supplements market was valued at $163.5bn in 2025, and is projected to reach $316bn by 2035 – a CAGR of 7.5%.1 As demand grows, consumers will increasingly look towards quality, evidence-based natural solutions that adhere to regulatory standards.
The Ayurvedic answer: Shatavari
For thousands of years, Ayurvedic medicine has advocated the use of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), also known as the queen of herbs, to support women through various life stages and health concerns. Today, women are increasingly looking for holistic ways to improve both hormonal harmony and emotional resilience and this ancient solution is gaining traction.
Shatavari’s broad benefits are derived from the plant compounds it contains. Most notable are the phytochemicals steroidal saponins, Shatavarins I-IV, which help regulate hormones, balance estrogen, and support reproductive health. It also contains flavonoids – such as quercetin and rutin – which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties helping to combat stress and reduce inflammation.
Other components include alkaloids, tannins, polysaccharides, and plant fibers, all of which contribute to gut comfort and immune support and offer anti-microbial effects. Together, these elements create an adaptogenic foundation that helps women keep steady under physical and emotional strain.
Hormonal balance is recognized by scientists as central to overall wellbeing. Indeed at certain points in life, a woman’s hormonal health not only affects her wellbeing but can also impact others. For example, during post-partum breast feeding, some women cite stress and exhaustion as having an impact on their ability to breast feed.
Evidence shows that shatavari root extract may support breastfeeding, offering a safe, effective, natural option to new mothers who want to increase breast milk volume. In a 2025 study, researchers observed changes in milk supply volume, the time it took for the mothers to feel their breasts were full decreased, and mothers felt increased satisfaction levels about their breastfeeding versus the placebo group.2
And it’s not just in early motherhood that shatavari can help women regain balance and emotional wellbeing. Whereas a 20-year-old woman may take the herb for improved PMS symptoms, it is also relevant for those in their 30s and 40s to support fertility and reproductive health, and for women over 50 it can help with sexual vitality, energy and even bone health. It is one of the few botanicals that can offer benefits across the entire female lifespan.
Science uncovers traditional secrets
Ixoreal Biomed, a leading provider of shatavari (SRI-81), advocates the use of the traditional herb from adolescence through to older age. With five published clinical research studies undertaken, four completed and nine ongoing, the organization is committed to advancing scientific understanding of the benefits of shatavari and developing an authentic, traceable, and consistent ingredient to support female health.
Expanding clinical research across key women’s health stages:
Lactation: Evaluating the effect of shatavari on the time to evident breast fullness and the total breast milk volume expressed at 72 hours postpartum
Female sexual function in adult women: Evaluating the efficacy of shatavari in improving female sexual function in adult women
Perimenopause: Evaluating the efficacy of shatavari root extract in improving perimenopausal symptoms, as assessed by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)
Menopause: Evaluating the efficacy of shatavari root extract in improving menopausal symptoms as assessed by the MRS and hot flashes
PCOS: Efficacy of shatavari root extract on serum hormone levels, including estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA-S as well as the impact of shatavari on perceived stress in women with PCOS
These studies are uncovering where and when shatavari can improve women’s health outcomes and underscore Ixoreal Biomed’s commitment to evidence-backed ingredients.
Join our event
Register to ‘Shatavari: The botanic for balance across women’s life stages’ to find out more about this traditional herb that has so much to offer modern women across the lifespan
In this Spotlight on shatavari, Ixoreal Biomed experts will showcase how the natural ingredient can unlock hormonal and emotional health. Find out:
- How shatavari can help women at every life stage
- Exclusive insights from clinical trials that will shape its future use (five published, four completed and nine ongoing)
- How science-backed botanicals are reshaping women’s wellness.
Join us for ‘Shatavari: The trailblazing botanical redefining women’s health’ on 18 March at 11:00 CDT to discover shatavari’ s potential in supporting women’s health throughout life stages.
References
- Future Market Insights. Women’s Health Supplement Market.
- Ajgaonkar, A.; et al. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) root extract for postpartum lactation: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2025; 45:1, 2564168.