The Study
CL22209, a standardized Asparagus racemosus root extract, demonstrates improved ovarian morphology, menstrual regularity, and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in a randomized, controlled trial
This study is like a fair test where one group of women gets a special plant medicine and another group gets a pretend pill (sugar pill). Neither the women nor the doctors knew who got the real medicine. Because it was a fair test, we can say the medicine probably caused the improvements we saw in some measurements, like the size of the ovaries. But the test was small and lasted only about 3 months, so we can't be absolutely sure it works for everyone or for all symptoms.
Analysis score
Maximum 90 for a randomized controlled trial.
Where the score came from
This study tested a supplement made from asparagus root (called Shatavari) in women with PCOS. For 12 weeks, half got the supplement and half got a fake pill. The supplement improved many PCOS signs like ovarian cysts, acne, extra hair, and hormone levels.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 568 / 100
Quality score
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1These are noticeable improvements for PCOS patients, but the study was small and short, so bigger and longer studies are needed.
- 2Women who took the supplement had smaller ovaries (about 21% smaller), smaller cysts (about 41% smaller), fewer follicles (about 21% fewer), lower testosterone, better insulin sensitivity, less acne and hair growth, and a little weight loss, compared to placebo.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Food & Nutrition Research
Year
2025
Authors
S. Kondamudi, Sravanthi Sadu, Sujatha Deva, Aishwarya Yalamanchi, Amulya Yalamanchi
Related Content
Claims (9)
The root of the plant must be used, and the extract must be standardized, or the desired effects will not occur. Other plant parts or non-standardized extracts will not produce the same outcome.
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, taking 100 mg of asparagus root extract daily for 84 days reduces body weight, waist, and hip measurements compared to a placebo, but the reductions are modest.
A 100 mg daily dose of Asparagus racemosus root extract taken for 84 days is safe and well-tolerated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. It does not cause meaningful changes in blood tests or other safety measures, and side effects are mild and temporary, similar to a placebo.
Taking 100 mg of a specific asparagus root extract every day for 84 days reduced the average ovarian volume by about 21% in women with PCOS compared to a placebo, which points to healthier ovarian structure.
A daily 100 mg supplement of Asparagus racemosus root extract taken for 84 days reduces ovarian cyst size by 41% and total follicle count by 21% in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, compared to a placebo.
A study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who took a daily 100 mg dose of an asparagus root extract for 84 days experienced changes in hormone levels: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone-binding globulin increased, while the ratio of luteinizing hormone to FSH decreased and total testosterone decreased. These changes suggest an improvement in hormonal balance compared to a placebo.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.