Shatavari extract balances PCOS parameters

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 named Xeya Modern Shatavari, sold by NXT-USA. The developer of the extract stated that its high concentration allows for a lower dosage (100 mg) compared to other Shatavari components.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa) is a herb native to Africa and Asia that has been an important part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Preparations from the roots of this plant are highly valued for their adaptogenic properties and are used for various purposes.

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The current study was conducted in a group of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects approximately 15% of women of childbearing age worldwide. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular and/or prolonged menstrual periods in women. The condition can lead to infertility as many immature eggs accumulate in the follicles of the ovaries, forming cyst-like structures. It is also associated with elevated levels of androgens, which can cause increased facial hair, worsened acne, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers recruited 60 women aged 20 to 35 who were diagnosed with PCOS. These women took 100 mg of the Shatavari component or a placebo daily 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.

This intervention measure also achieved significant results in balancing the hormone levels that are considered to play an important role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) significantly increased, both compared to the placebo group and compared to the baseline level, while the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased. Insulin sensitivity was also improved.

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 “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.