3 English name: Asparagus Sanskrit name: Shatavari Morphology and Habitat Asparagus racemosus is awoody climber that grows to a height of 1 to 2 m. The plant has pine needle–shaped leaves; small, white flowers arranged in spikes; and tuberous and succulent roots.1 A racemosus is a perennial plant growing in the tropical and subtropical regions of India and the Himalayas. It is also found in Australia, Sri Lanka, tropical Africa, and Indonesia.2 Medicinal Uses A racemosus is a popular Rasayana herb in Ayurveda. It is known to increase longevity, enhance immunity, and improve mental health. The root extract has antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, galactagogue, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory properties. It is most commonly used for its phytoestrogenic property that is rendered by steroidal saponins and isoflavones.3,4 Myometrium relaxants help in alleviating dysmenorrhea. A study investigated the effects of ethanolic extracts of A racemosus roots on the myometrium of pregnant and nonpregnant rat uteri. The effects of the extract on spontaneous, high-K-depolarization–induced, and oxytocin-induced contraction in the uteri were examined by measuring the isometric force. The results showed that the A racemosus root extract significantly decreased the force produced by all the 3 mechanisms, in a dose-dependent manner, with more potency in pregnant rats compared with that in nonpregnant rats. Thus, these results prove that A racemosus acts as a potent uterine relaxant by decreasing the force produced by both Ca-dependent and Ca-independent pathways. A racemosus is useful in the management of dysmenorrhea.5 Astudy done on immature female rats reports that administration of A racemosus root extract caused a significant rise in the serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels.4 References 1. Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863. 2. Chughtai MFJ, et al. Sch J Food Nutr. 2020;3(3):364–367. 3. Jain PK, Agrawal RK. J Res Educ Indian Med. 2009;15(1):15–18. 4. Kushwah P, et al. Res J Pharm Tech. 2018;11(1):418–420. 5. Suwannachat A, et al. Proc Physiol Soc. 2012;PC365. https://www.physoc.org/abstracts/shatavariasparagus-racemosus-extract-can-relax-the-myometrium/ Asparagus racemosus Inte r v iew Doctor, does lifestyle play a role in the development of menstrual irregularities (MIs)? Yes, changes in food and eating habits, such as untimely intake of food, skipping breakfast, and consumption of junk food, can significantly affect the functioning of the female reproductive system. The excessive saturated fatty acids in junk foods affect the metabolism of progesterone. Also, stress is another important factor that can cause a delay in ovulation. Besides, reduced physical activity increases the risk of developing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help keep these menstrual problems at bay. Who is at a higher risk of developing dysmenorrhea? Any woman can develop dysmenorrhea, but the risk is higher in women who consume excessive alcohol and/or smoke, obese women, and women with early menarche (before 11 y of age). Genetic factors are also known to cause dysmenorrhea. Do menstrual cycles affect psychologic health? Menstrual cycles can affect mood at various junctures from ovulation to menstruation. PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopausal depression (PMDD) are some menstruation-related mood disorders. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, helps regulate mood, the sleep cycle, and appetite. With the changes in the serotonin level during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, feelings of sadness and irritability are triggered. Unusual food cravings and insomnia are also experienced by some women. When should one seek medical attention for menstrual problems? Any woman (16 y or older) who has not had a menstrual period; has missed at least 3 consecutive menstrual periods (without being pregnant); experiences spotting between periods or after menopause; or has menorrhagia with large clots should consult a gynecologist. How can one deal with MIs? A few lifestyle modifications such as following a healthy diet, exercising, and adopting a regular sleep pattern can help regulate MIs. Reducing refined sugars, salt, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol in the diet and exercising regularly for 30 minutes, 5 days a week or for at least 20 to 30 minutes thrice a week, can help in regularizing menstrual cycles. Establishing a bedtime routine with consistent sleeping hours can also help in managing MIs. Doctor, do you prescribe any herbal formulation for treating menstrual problems? I prescribe Evecare, a polyherbal formulation from Himalaya Wellness Company, for the management of uterine disorders. Evecare has phytoestrogenic, gonadotropin-agonist, antihemorrhagic, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. It has a stimulatory effect on the ovarian tissue and as a result helps regularize endogenous hormonal secretion, enhance the repair of the endometrium, and thus, control abnormal uterine bleeding. Evecare normalizes the cyclical rhythm and offers relief from symptoms of dysfunctional uterine bleeding and PMS. Dr Hemangi Umesh Dalal, MBBS, DGO Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr Dalal Hospital Opposite CIDCO Colony Boisar-Tarapur Road, Boisar Thane 401510, Maharashtra India Evecare In common uterine disorders… Ensures complete uterine care • Restores regular menstrual cycles by vir tue of its uterinestimulant action • Stimulates the ovarian tissue, which helps regularize endogenous hormonal secretion • Has potent estrogenic action due to phytoestrogens, which regulate estrogen levels and help heal the inflamed endometrium during menstruation • Exhibits antispasmodic action • Possesses adaptogenic activity, which reduces psychological stress and the incidence of dysmenorrhea (CAPSULE, SYRUP) ® Indications • Irregular menstruation • Dysmenorrhea Dosage Capsule: 1 capsule twice daily. Syrup: 10–15 ml twice daily. In severe cases, 2 capsules twice daily. Treatment should be continued for a minimum of 3 months. Evecare Ensures complete uterine care Asparagus racemosus is an ingredient of Evecare Capsule and Syrup.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU3ODk=