Ashwagandha and Shatavari Extracts Dose-Dependently Reduce Menopause Symptoms, Vascular Dysfunction, and Bone...

In this study, we investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with standardized aqueous extracts of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus, Ar), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Ws), or their combination on menopausal symptoms, vascular dysfunction, bone turnover, and serum concentrations of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal women aged 40-55 were enrolled in a double-blind randomized study to receive one of six treatments: placebo, Ar 250 mg/500 mg, Ws 250 mg/500 mg, or 500 mg extract combining Ar 250 mg and Ws 250 mg. Primary outcomes were changes in the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire, bone mineral density/bone turnover markers (BTMs), and reflection index (RI) after 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in serum inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and evaluation of supplement safety and tolerability.

Supplemented groups showed significant dose-dependent decrease MENQOL and RI compared with placebo (P < 0.0001). Women supplemented with Ws or Ar extracts had significantly decreased levels of the BTMs C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, bone alkaline phosphatase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, and increased osteoprotegerin levels (P < 0.0001). Significantly decreased levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, and increased glutathione and nitric oxide levels (P < 0.0001) were also observed.

Daily supplementation with Ws or Ar extracts dose-dependently reduces menopausal symptoms, vascular dysfunction, bone turnover/resorption, and estrogen deficiency-related inflammation and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.