A placebo-controlled trial has shown that a branded shatavari extract can benefit women with a common ovarian syndrome that has reproductive and metabolic implications.
The new research was published in the journal Food & Nutrition Research. The research was the work of a group of Indian researchers funded by the ingredient’s developer, Chemiloids Ltd., which is a division of the Laila group of companies.
The research material was identified as CL29909, a shatavari extract that is branded as Xeya Modern Shatavari, which is marketed by NXT-USA. The developer says the high concentration of the extract allows for a lower dose (100 mg) than competing shatavari ingredients.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa) is an herb native to Africa and Asia that has been an ayurvedic mainstay for centuries. Preparations from the root of the plant were prized for their adaptogenic properties and were used for many purposes.
The current research was conducted with a cohort of women diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which may affect as many as 15% of women of reproductive age globally. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that causes women to have irregular and/or long periods. The condition can lead to infertility, as many immature eggs build up in follicles of the ovaries that come to resemble cysts. It also is associated with elevated levels of the hormone androgen, which can lead to facial hair growth, increased acne, weight gain and heightened risk of type 2 diabetes.
The researchers recruited 60 women aged 20-35 who were diagnosed with PCOS. The women took 100 mg of the shatavari ingredient or a placebo for 12 weeks (84 days).
The primary endpoint was the size of the women’s ovaries (in PCOS, the ovaries tend to become enlarged). Secondary endpoints included ovarian cyst size, the number of follicles and menstrual cycle regularity. The researchers also assessed symptoms related to androgen, measured general hormone levels and looked at insulin sensitivity.
The researchers found that mean ovarian volume decreased by more than 20% in the treatment group. Cyst size decreased by more than 40% and follicle number decreased by more than 20% as well.
The intervention also showed significant results in the balancing of hormone levels that are postulated to be significant drivers in the development of PCOS. Levels of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) increased significantly, both versus placebo and against baseline, while levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) fell. Insulin sensitivity also improved.
“Xeya Modern Shatavari helps revive ovarian Sex Binding Hormone Globulin (SBHG function, as evidenced by reduced ovarian volume, follicle count, cyst size, and a shift toward normal menstruation,” said Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT-USA.
“Xeya Modern Shatavari also improves the visible symptoms of PCOS, like acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth), that drive many of the negative psychological effects associated with the disorder,” Anderson added.
Anderson said the new publication was designed and conducted along NXT-USA’s established four-pillar research paradigm, which includes patient responses, physician assessments, biomarker analysis and physical measurements.
“This approach provides a degree of validation unmatched among shatavari suppliers,” Anderson said.
The study, taken along with earlier research done on the ingredient with perimenopausal women, bolsters the brand’s emerging concept of Xeya Modern Shatavari as a “hormonal adaptogen,” said NXT-USA’s “Chief Storyteller” Todd Runestad.
“In perimenopause, Xeya supports declining hormone levels. In PCOS, Xeya lowers hormone levels that are too high,” he said.
“In each case, Xeya doesn’t force the body; it helps balance the body toward the optimal. Just like you would expect from an adaptogen,” he added.
