Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) root extract for postpartum lactation: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Inadequate milk production during the immediate postpartum period is a common problem. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), a revered herb in Ayurveda, is traditionally used as a galactagogue. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of Shatavari root extract (SHT) on lactation in post-partum women.

This prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled post-partum women (≥37 weeks' gestation, aged 20-40 years) with uncomplicated vaginal or caesarean deliveries who intended to breastfeed. Participants received either Shatavari root extract (SHT; 300 mg) or placebo (PL) capsules twice daily for 72 h postpartum. The primary outcomes included time to evident breast fullness after the last feeding and the total milk volume expressed at 72 h. The secondary outcomes were maternal and investigator-rated satisfaction (e.g. noticeable breast fullness, maternal/infant wellbeing), assessed by a five-point Likert scale. Safety was assessed through adverse event reports.

From the 120 enrolled participants, seven participants (3 SHT, 4 PL) did not complete the study, yielding a per-protocol dataset of 113 women (57 SHT and 56 PL). The baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. The time to evident breast fullness after the last feeding was significantly shorter in the SHT group (p = 0.002), and milk volume at 72 h was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Maternal satisfaction with lactation was higher in the SHT group (52.63% vs. 25.00%, p = 0.008). SHT participants also reported greater satisfaction with infant well-being. Investigators rated maternal and infant well-being higher for SHT than placebo (80.70% vs. 64.29%). No adverse events occurred, and treatment compliance was high.

Shatavari root extract improved the milk volume and maternal satisfaction about lactation, indicating its potential as a safe, effective galactagogue.