Evaluation of the effects of Asparagus racemosus extract (ARova5X) supplementation on postmenopausal discomfort
In brief
Asparagus extract improved vaginal lubrication 84% in a 90-day trial
In a 90-day randomized trial of 214 postmenopausal women, lubrication improved 84% with Asparagus racemosus extract, compared with 13% on placebo; several other sexual-function measures and menopausal symptoms also improved. The short trial also reported less obesity and oxidative stress, but longer-term benefits and safety need further study.
- Journal
- Avicenna journal of phytomedicine (Q1)
- Published
- 1 January 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Kumar Guru Mishra, Nabnita Patnaik, Adityananda Mohapatra, Nihar Ranjan Pradhan
- PMID
- 42769795
- DOI
- 10.22038/ajp.2025.26850
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (top studies of the week, 27 September 2026): Placebo-controlled trial of Asparagus extract for menopausal symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Menopause is a critical physiological transition often associated with a spectrum of health challenges such as sexual dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms, and increased oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of Asparagus racemosus root (ARova5X), standardized to contain 5% shatavarins, in improving health outcomes among postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, during January 2024-2025. A total of 214 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive either ARova5X (250 mg/day) or placebo for 90 days (n=107 per group). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using validated tools including the Sexual Quotient-Female (SQ-F) questionnaire, the Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI), oxidative stress markers, and anthropometric parameters. Primary endpoints included changes in sexual function, menopausal symptoms, oxidative stress, and weight-related measures. RESULTS: Participants receiving ARova5X showed significant improvements in multiple domains of sexual function including desire (p<0.001), foreplay (p=0.002), arousal (p<0.001), and satisfaction (p=0.004) compared to the placebo group. Vaginal lubrication improved by 84.11% in the intervention group compared to 13.08% in the placebo group. Oxidative stress levels were markedly reduced, with 39.25% of women in the ARova5X group reaching minimal stress levels. Clinical obesity prevalence decreased from 42.99% to 29.91%. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, and irritability were also significantly alleviated. CONCLUSION: ARova5X appears to be a safe, effective natural intervention for improving sexual health, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting weight management in postmenopausal women.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.