SHATAVAR

INTRODUCTION

Shatavar is actually considered to be the most helpful herb for women as it helps in balancing the female hormonal system. It is the main herbal rejuvenative for women. Shatavari totally nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs, enhancing female fertility. It nourishes the womb and ovum and almost prepares the female organs for pregnancy and prevents threatened miscarriage. It also improves super lactation. Shatavari contains the phyto-estrogens, the precursors of estrogen and is really very useful for women who suffer from low natural estrogen levels as a result of menopause, hysterectomies or oophorectomies. Shatavari has been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like the Charak Samhita and Susruta Samhita, and Astanga Samgraa.It is stated that Shatavari promotes maternal health and its meticulous use as a galactagogue (enhances breast milk secretion in lactating mothers). Shatavari actually literally means "having a 100 spouses" and Ayurvedic texts accurately claim that Shatavari strengthens a woman to the point where she is being capable of producing thousands of healthy ova. Ayurveda has called Shatavari the Queen of herbs and is the primary herb recommended for female health. Among the three Ayurvedic Doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, Shatavari efficiently helps in balancing Pitta Dosha. Shatavari's juice is sweet (madhur) and also in nature bitter (tikta). It is a natural coolant. Charaka has categorized it as balya promoting strength or a tonic, vaya sthapana – promotes longevity, sukra janana (spermatogenic). Also, he has cited it as a rejuvenative to rasa and mamsa dhatus and mamsavaha srotasa. Susruta has mentioned it as sukra sodhana – purifies the sperms or semen. Whereas, it is quoted as vajikara – augments the sexual vigour and quantity of semen (Sarngandhara Samhita). It is also classified as samsamana – neither it aggravates nor it eliminates the doshas from the body, but simply pacifies the aggravated doshas especially, pitta.

MEDICINAL BIODIVERSITY

 

IMPORTANT FOCUS ON PAST

Herbs are staging a comeback and herbal ‘renaissance’ is happening all over the globe. The herbal products today symbolise safety in contrast to the synthetics that are regarded as unsafe to human and environment. Although herbs had been priced for their medicinal, flavouring and aromatic qualities for centuries, the synthetic products of the modern age surpassed their importance, for a while. However, the blind dependence on synthetics is over and people are returning to the naturals with hope of safety and security. Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care.  More than 30% of the entire plant species, at one time or other, were used for medicinal purposes. It is estimated that world market for plant derived drugs may account for about Rs.2,00,000 crores.

Presently, Indian contribution is less than Rs.2000 crores. Indian export of raw drugs has steadily grown at 26% to Rs.165 crores in 1994-’95 from Rs.130 crores in 1991-’92. The annual production of medicinal and aromatic plant’s raw material is worth about Rs.200 crores. This is likely to touch US $1150 by the year 2000 and US $5 trillion by 2050. It has been estimated that in developed countries such as United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the total drugs, while in fast developing countries such as China and India, the contribution is as much as 80%. Thus, the economic importance of medicinal plants is much more to countries such as India than to rest of the world. These countries provide two third of the plants used in modern system of medicine and the health care system of rural population However, only 7000-7500 species are used for their medicinal values by traditional communities. In India, drugs of herbal origin have been used in traditional systems of medicines such as Unani and Ayurveda since ancient times.   The Ayurveda system of medicine uses about 700 species, Unani 700, Siddha 600, Amchi 600 and modern medicine around 30 species. The drugs are derived either from the whole plant or from different organs, like leaves, stem, bark, root, flower, seed, etc. Some drugs are prepared from excretory plant product such as gum, resins and latex.  Even the Allopathic system of medicine has adopted a number of plant-derived drugs which form an important segment of the modern pharmacopoeia. Some important chemical intermediates needed for manufacturing the modern drugs are also obtained from plants. Not only, that plant-derived drug offers a stable market worldwide, but also plants continue to be an important source for new drugs. Traditional systems of medicine continue to be widely practiced on many accounts. Population rise, inadequate supply of drugs, prohibitive cost of treatments, side effects of several allopathic drugs and development of resistance to currently used drugs for infectious diseases have led to increased emphasis on the use of plant materials as a source of medicines for a wide variety of human ailments. Global estimates indicate that 80% of about 4 billion population cannot afford the products of the Western Pharmaceutical Industry and have to rely upon the use of traditional medicines which are mainly derived from plant material.  This fact is well documented in the inventory of medicinal plants, listing over 20,000 species. In spite of the overwhelming influences and our dependence on modern medicine and tremendous advances in synthetic drugs, a large segment of the world population still likes drugs from plants. In many of the developing countries the use of plant drugs is increasing because modern life saving drugs are beyond the reach of three quarters of the third world’s population although many such countries spend 40-50% of their total wealth on drugs and health care. As a part of the strategy to reduce the financial burden on developing countries, it is obvious that an increased use of plant drugs will be followed in the future. Among ancient civilizations, India has been known to be rich repository of medicinal plants. The forest in India is the principal repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are largely collected as raw materials for manufacture of drugs and perfumery products.  About 8,000 herbal remedies have been codified in Ayurveda. The Rigveda (5000 BC) has recorded 67 medicinal plants, Yajurveda 81 species, Atharvaveda (4500-2500 BC) 290 species, Charak Samhita (700 BC) and Sushrut Samhita (200 BC) had described properties and uses of 1100 and 1270 species respectively, in compounding of drugs and these are still used in the classical formulations, in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.  Unfortunately, much of the ancient knowledge and many valuable plants are being lost at an alarming rate. With the rapid depletion of forests, impairing the availability of raw drugs, Ayurveda, like other systems of herbal medicines has reached a very critical phase. About 50% of the tropical forests, the treasure house of plant and animal diversity have already been destroyed. In India, forest cover is disappearing at an annual rate 1.5mha/yr. What is left at present is only 8% as against a mandatory 33% of the geographical area. Many valuable medicinal plants are under the verge of extinction. The Red Data Book of India has 427 entries of endangered species of which 28 are considered extinct, 124 endangered, 81 vulnerable, 100 rare and 34 insufficiently known species (Thomas, 1997). Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Folk (tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous medicines. Among widely practiced in India. Ayurveda dating back to 1500-800 BC has been an integral part of Indian culture. The term comes from the Sanskrit root Au (life) and Veda (knowledge). As the name implies it is not only the science of treatment of the ill but covers the whole gamut of happy human life involving the physical, metaphysical and the spiritual aspects. Ayurveda recognizes that besides a balance of body elements one has to have an enlightened state of consciousness, sense organs and mind if one has to be perfectly healthy. Ayurveda by and large is an experience with nature and unlike in Western medicine, many of the concepts elude scientific explanation. Ayurveda is gaining prominence as the natural system of health care all over the world. Today this system of medicine is being practiced in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while the traditional system of medicine in the other countries like Tibet, Mongolia and Thailand appear to be derived from Ayurveda. Phytomedicines are also being g used increasingly in Western Europe. Recently the US Government has established the “Office of Alternative Medicine” at the National Institute of Health at Bethesda and its support to alternative medicine includes  basic and applied research in traditional systems of medicines such as Chinese, Ayurvedic, etc. with a view to assess the possible integration of effective treatments with modern medicines. The development of systematic pharmacopoeias dates back to 3000 BC, when the Chinese were already using over 350 herbal remedies. Ayurveda, a system of herbal medicine in India, Sri Lanka and South-East Asia has more than 8000 plant remedies and using around 35,000-70,000 plant species. China has demonstrated the best use of traditional Medicine in providing the health care. China has pharmacologically validated and improved many traditional herbal medicines and eventually integrated them in formal health care system. Green plants synthesize and preserve a variety of biochemical products, many of which are extractable and used as chemical feed stocks or as raw material for various scientific investigations. Many secondary metabolites of plant are commercially important and find use in a number of pharmaceutical compounds. However, a sustained supply of the source material often becomes difficult due to the factors like environmental changes, cultural practices, diverse geographical distribution, labor cost, and selection of the superior plant stock and over exploitation by pharmaceutical industry.   

GLOBAL SCENARIO OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

The global demand for medicinal plants is ever increasing. There is less or negligible efforts on scientific farming of medicinal plants are made and extensions of technologies are lagging behind. Unprecedented economic growth since the industrial revolution has come at the huge cost of environmental degradation. Forests are degrading at an alarming rate and plants are losing their natural habit and habitat. According to the report of World Health Organization, a large population of the world relies on the Traditional systems of medicines, largely plant based to meet their primary health care needs. The International market of herbal products is estimated to be US $ 62 B, which is passed to grow to US $ 5 T by the year 2050. India's share in the global export market of medicinal plant related trade is less than 0.5%. In view of the innate Indian strengths, which include diverse ecosystems, technical & financial capacity and a strong manufacturing sector, the medicinal plant can become a huge export opportunity after fulfilling domestic needs.  In recent times, many medium and large-scale industries have come up in India and other developing countries manufacturing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical products etc from plant parts by using modern technology and quality control. A number of multinational companies are extracting phytochemicals viz., alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, etc. from plant parts for preparation of medicines. This new demand is generating considerable income at local and national levels.  Moreover, finished products from medicinal plants are not classified in the national or international product and economic systems for trade and exports. This has resulted in neglect and low budgetary support for development of this vital sector, especially of rural economy.

INDIAN SCENARIO OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

India has a rich heritage of traditional knowledge of medicine of plant origin that grows widely in forest and in hill region. Some of these medicinal plants and their derivatives have found their use and required by pharmaceutical industries. The rich past alone is no guaranty for prosperous future unless we make persistent effort to harness the opportunities which science and technology can offer for the use of mankind. The natural resource of plants however, large extensive and exhaustible. Due to ruthless exploitation of medicinal plants without adopting conservation measure some important medicinal plants fall under threatened, rare and endangered category and time has now come to bring this medicinal wealth on the farmer’s field and even in the kitchen gardens of people of rural and urban areas. So, that the medicinal plants can be preserved, multiplied and used for common human ailments. Looking to the usefulness of these plants, there is heavy demand in Ayurvedic /modern medicine industries. Developing the standards for quality and promoting them requires consensus and coordinated efforts. But most importantly in case of medicinal plants commitment would be required in all stages of cultivation, processing, packing and up to end use than only pressure on the natural forest would be reduced and conservation efforts will be fruitful to both mankind and nature. Taking into consideration these points following traditionally and commercially important

Medicinal plants can be propagated, cultivated and conserved successfully. The National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) has identified and prioritized 32 species for large-scale cultivation in our country. These plants can be grown in homesteads, community and village lands, rural areas, vicinity of agricultural and horticultural fields, jhum fallows, forested locations, etc. in various altitudes with suitable species. Out of 32 plants identified by NMPB, 25 medicinal plants can be well grown in the NE India. From the experience gained in by survey and documentation by the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, a few more species having market  potential could be considered for cultivation and economic development of the region through proper awareness generation, extension of technologies, cultivation and development of Market - Pogostemon cablin, Rubia cordifolia L., Coptis teeta Wall. ., Panax sikkimensis, Podophyllum haxandrum Royle, Piper mullesua, Taxus wallichiana, (syn. T. baccata), Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Illicium griffithii, Aquilaria agallocha, Costus speciosus, Oroxylum indicum, Terminalia arjuna, Termanalia bellirica,Terminalia chebula

Acorus calamus, Dioscorea floribunda, Costus speciousus, Curcuma ceacia, Plumbago zeylanica, Cymbopogon martini etc. but there is lack of general awareness among the people about benefits of plantations and technology of cultivating them. This is largely because of non availability of information and cultivation packages. The Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat which has been working, in the field of medicinal plants in North east Indian states has come forward to fill this lacuna.

DESCRIPTION

PROPERTIES AND ACTIVITY

Asparagus roots contain protein 22%, fat 6.2%, Carbohydrate 3.2%, Vitamin B 0.36%, Vitamin C 0.04% and traces of Vitamin A. It contains several alkaloids. Alcoholic extract yields asparagin- an anticancer agent. It also contains a number of antioxytocic saponins, viz. Shatavarisn - I to IV (Syamala, 1997). Leaves contain rutin, diosgenin and a flavonoid glycoside identified as quercetin - 3 - glucuronide. Flowers contain quercetin hyperoside and rutin. Fruits contain glycosides of quercetin, rutin and hyperoside while fully ripe fruits contain cyanidin - 3 - galactoside and cyanidin - 3 - glucorhamnoside. Root is demulcent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, tonic, alterative, antiseptic, antidiarrhoeal, glalctogogue and antispasmodic. Aerial part is spasmolytic, antiarrhythmic and anticancer.

Bark is antibacterial and antifungal.

ABOUT THE SPECIES

The plant, Asparagus, is reputed to be a tonic and an eriatric. The tubers are antidiarrhoetic, diuretic, nutritive, tonic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, and alterative. They are also

Reported to increase lactation. In addition, the plant is considered slightly sweet, and is useful in the diseases of blood, kidney, liver, scalding urine, rheumatism, gleets, and gonorrhoea.Shatavar is a scandent, much-branched, spinous under-shrub with tuberous roots. The roots are fascicled, fleshy, spindle-shaped, light ash-colored externally and white internally, more or less smooth when fresh, but on drying, develop longitudinal wrinkles and lack any well-marked odor. Branches are modified into cladodes with long basal decurved spines. Flowers are white, fragrant, and minute, about 3 mm long and occur in solitary or fascicled, 2.5–5 cm long, racemes. Fruit is a three-lobed, red colored berry, up to 6 mm in diameter, with mottled seeds and oily endosperm. Flowering and fruiting occur in December–January.

BIOCHEMISTRY OF SHATAVARI

Active Constituents

· Steroidal saponins, known as shatavarin I-IV. Shatavarin I is the major glycoside with 3 glucose and rhamnose moieties attached to sarsasapogenin, whereas shatavarin-IV.

· Isoflavones including 8-methoxy-5, 6, 4’- trihydroxyisoflavone 7-O-beta- lucopyranoside5.

· Asparagamine, a polycyclic alkaloid6 · racemosol, a cyclic hydrocarbon (9, 10- dihydrophenanthrene).

· Polysaccharides, mucilage.

Adaptogenic Activity

Six rasayana plants from Ayurveda, has been studied for their adaptogenic potential. The whole, aqueous, standardized extracts of selected plants (Tinospora cordifolia, Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis, Withania somnifera, Piper longum and Terminalia chebula) were administered orally to experimental animals, in a dose extrapolated from the human dose, after which they were exposed to a variety of biological, physical and chemical stressors. The plant extracts were found to offer protection against the stressors, as measured by markers of stress responses and objective parameters for stress manifestations. Using a model of cisplatin induced alterations in gastrointestinal motility; the ability of the plants to exert a normalizing effect, irrespective of direction of pathological change was tested. All the plants   reversed the effects of cisplatin on gastric emptying, while Asparagus racemosus also normalized cisplatin-induced intestinal hypermotility. All the plant drugs were found to be safe in both acute and subacute toxicity studies. Studies on the mechanisms of action of the plants revealed that they all produced immunostimulation. A traditional Ayurvedic formulation, Siotone, a rasayana formulation with adaptogenic properties contains Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Asparagus racemosus, Tribulus terristris and shilajit (a mineral-rich, composted plant exudate scraped off rocks). All ingredients are classified in Ayurveda as rasayanas which are reputed to promote physical and mental health, improve defense mechanisms of the body and enhance longevity. An in vivo study has shown that Siotone improved glucose tolerance, libido, depression, cognitive dysfunction and immunosupression caused by chronic stress.9 Diuretic Activity Shatavari has been shown to inhibit antidiuretic hormone.

Antitussive Activity

The methanol extract of Asparagus racemosus root (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant antitussive activity on sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice, the cough inhibition (40.0 and 58.5%, respectively) being comparable to that of 10-20 mg/kg of codeine phosphate (36.0 and 55.4%, respectively). Examined in rat liver mitochondria. An extract of shatavari was shown in vitro to have potent antioxidant properties in mitochondrial membranes of the rat liver. Both the crude extract as well as a polysaccharide-rich fraction ignificantly inhibited lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Both fractions also partly protected against radiation-induced loss of protein thiols and inactivation of superoxide dismutase.

Antibacterial Activity

Different concentrations (50, 100, 150 mcg/mL) of the methanol extract of the roots of Asparagus racemosus showed considerable in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects produced by the methanol extract were compared with chloramphenicol.13 the antimicrobial activity may be due to 9, 10-Dihydrophenanthrene.

Immunological Activity

Shatavari is an immunomodulator. Animal studies found that shatavari is capable of producing leucocytosis with neutrophilia and, furthermore, was able to prevent myelosuppression by reducing cyclophosphamide-induced leucopenia. Shatavari has also been shown to inhibit drug induced mammary carcinogenesis.The hypothesis that macrophages play a pivotal role in the development of intraperitoneal adhesions and that modulation of macrophage  activity, therefore, may prevent adhesions, was tested in an Indian study. The effects of shatavari were evaluated in an animal model of intraperitoneal adhesions. Shatavari reduced the severity of the adhesions and this correlated with a significant increase in the activity of the macrophages. An vitro study found that shatavari increased phagocytic activity of macrophages18 while an in vivo study found that Asparagus racemosus,Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Picrorhiza kurrooa  nhibited drug-induced suppression of chemotactic activity and production of interleukin-1 and TNF-alpha by macropahges Cytoprotective Effects Oral pretreatment with Asparagus racemosus (200 mg/kg/day) was found to rotect against chemical induced gastric damage in rats.20 Pretreatment with shatavari has also been shown to reduce drug induced lung fibrosis.Bleomycin increases the hydroxyproline content of lung tissue causing intralveolar fibrosis and deranged alveolar architecture. Shatavari significantly (p<0.001) the bleomycin induced lung fibrosis. These protective effects were associated with a significant increase in alveolar macrophage activity.Shatavari has also been shown to reduce alcohol induced damage to the gastric mucosa. Pretreatment for seven days caused a 70% reduction in the ulcer index.8 Digestive Activity Shatavari is used in Ayurveda for dyspepsia (amlapitta) and it has been shown to improve digestion by increasing the levels of amylase and lipase.21 An Indian study with eight healthy male volunteers compared shatavari with the drug metoclopramide, which is used in dyspepsia to reduce gastric emptying time. Metoclopramide and shatavari did not differ significantly in their effects. It was found that shatavari reduced gastric emptying time by 37% (p<0.001).

Antioxytocic Activity

The saponin rich fraction was shown to have antioxytocic activity. The saponin inhibited oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in vivo.10 Hormonal Activity Pure 9, 10- dihydrophenanthrene has been shown to interact with androgen receptors and may therefore inhibit androgen-dependent prostatic growth.25 Shatavarisn, the steroidal saponins, may be responsible for the hormonal like effect of shatavari and explain its traditional use as a reproductive tonic. Toxicity The LD50 is >1g/kg. No toxic effects or mortality were observed with doses ranging from 50mg/kg to 1g/kg for four weeks. Acute and subacute (15-30 days administration) toxicity studies did not detect any changes in vital organ function tests. Actions Adaptogen, antitussive, antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulator, digestive, cytoprotective, galactogogue, anti-oxytocic, antispasmodic, antidiarrhoeal, sexual tonic.Indications · Stress, fatigue, general weakness· Chronic disease, prevention of adhesions, cancer · Cough · Fluid retention

· Inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts including cystitis, gastritis, diarrhoea and

Gastrointestinal ulceration.

· Sexual debility and infertility; insufficient lactation, menopausal symptoms.

· Threatened miscarriage

DEMAND

With the increasing interest in natural products across the world and the resultant upsurge in the demand for medicinal plants, this trade is expected to grow up. It is estimated that in India, more than 500 tones of Shatavari roots are needed every year for various medicinal preparations.

MARKET PRICE - White variety – Rs 35–60 per kg.

APPLICATION

·         The roots are used for medicinal purpose. The plant is used both internally as well as externally. The medicated oil is the best medicament, in vata diseases and in vata – pitta diseases of the head, it is useful for massage. The paste of its fresh leaves is applied on burning sensation of the skin in smallpox and bullae. The famous preparation Narayana oil is used externally on large scale on many vata diseases for massage. It strengthens the muscles, alleviates the vata dosha and reduces pain in lumbago, sciatica, inflamed joints and also in paralysis or paresis.
Internally, Shatavari is used as a cure for various diseases. The fresh juice of its roots with honey reduces the burning sensation and pain in tumors due to pitta. Shatavari ghrita (ghee) is the best panacea for acid peptic disease (hyper acidity). It is an effective demulcent for the dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and sexual organs. It is effective for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, along with hyperacidity. In diarrhea and dysentery associated with bleeding, the medicated milk or ghrita is extremely benevolent. Shatavari also augments the appetite and stimulates the liver. It also increases the quality and quantity of breast milk in nursing mothers, hence Shatavari preparations are traditionally given is postpartum period. It also is anabolic to uterus, hence, useful in uterine hypoplasia in young girls. Vasa is beneficial in Rakta pitta (bleeding disorders) wherein the bleeding is common, whereas, Shatavari ameliorates the bleeding per rectum. For this purpose, the fresh root juice or its decoction is used. Shatavari is the best nervine tonic, so useful in debility in epilepsy and hysteria. Shatavari yoga is used for this purpose. As an aphrodisiac, its root powder (10 gm) is recommended daily, with the milk and sugar. It works well as a general tonic and augments the seminal fluids. The edema due to cardiac origin, Shatavari imparts beneficial effects on the heart, reduces edema, and boosts the hemoglobin percentage with Shatavari siddhaghrita. Narayana oil, mentioned above can be used internally with benefit in bronchial asthma. It curbs the intensity of the bronchospasms and decreases the frequency of paroxysms. Shatavari also increases the urinary output, hence beneficial in urinary stones and Dysurea. It also works well as a rejuvenative, to improve the eyesight when given from prolonged duration. Phala ghrita is one of the well known preparations of Shatavari, which is used as an all round tonic for the uterus. It improves the uterine growth, mitigates dysmenorrheal and menorrhagia, augments the fertility and imparts anabolic properties. Phala ghrita is the formulation designed by an ancient seer – Bharadvaja. Shatavari is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for the female, as Ashwagandha is for the male, although they have some effect on both sexes. It is an extremely nutritious tonic for women, from menarche to menopause.

The important therapeutic uses of Shatavari

• Shatavari is exceedingly effective in improving fertility. It tones and nourishes female reproductive organs and greatly regulates ovulation
• Shatavari normalizes hormonal secretion.
• Shatavari treats PMS symptoms just by relieving pain and controlling blood loss.
• Shatavari aids in proper lactation for nursing mothers.
• Shatavari relieves the menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. By producing estrogens, it overly makes up for low estrogen levels in women, who are in menopausal or have had hysterectomies or oophorectomies.
• Shatavari is highly beneficial in amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea and other pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• Shatavari increases the white blood count and almost stimulates macrophages which help to combat candida...

Medicinal Uses:

·         The most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for women.

·         Used internally for infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems. It both nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs. It is a good food for menopause or for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility. This herb is known to increase Sattva, or positivity and healing power. It also enhances the feelings of spiritual love, and increases Ojas.

·         The male reproductive system will also benefit from Shatavari. It may be used in cases of sexual debility, impotence, spermatorrhea, and inflammation of sexual organs.

·         Useful for hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, dysentery, and bronchial infections.  

 SIDE EFFECTS
1.    Sensitivity to asparagus may cause skin reactions and pulmonary allergic reactions in some people.
2.    According to Natural Standard, patients with edema due to kidney disorder or impaired heartfunction should not be using shatavari.
3.   One should keep watch on possible weight gain while using Shatavari.

·         Contraindications (Cautions): massive fibrocystic breasts, estrogen induced problems, estrogen induced fibrocystic changes or other problems.

TRADE IN HERBAL & MEDICINAL PLANTS

International market of medicinal plants is over US $ 60 billion per year, which is growing @ 7%. It is estimated to grow to US $ 5 trillion by 2050. Indian Herbal exports valued at about Rs. 967.02 crores in 2004-05 constitute about 73% in the form of crude drugs and extracts and 27 % as finished products. Medicinal plants constitute nearly 13% of the global market. There is thus enormous scope for the India to also emerge as a major player in the global herbal product based medicines. However, this requires agrand strategic plan, which takes a holistic view of the entire situation to boost exports.

MARKETING

The marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants is comparatively tougher than spices, cereals and other agricultural produces. The Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical companies are more concerned with price than quality. Due to unethical trade practices only a small margin of profits from medicinal and aromatic plants trickle down to the thousands collectors and growers. India can emerge as one of the major players in the world herbal trade due to the following advantages:

(a) India has centuries old traditions of Ayurvedic system of' medicines.

(b) There are over 1000 species of aromatic plants available in our country out of which the chemistry and property of 500 species are known but only 50 species are being commercially utilized as source of essential oils.

(c) Availability of different climatic zones supporting the rich biodiversity.

Changing Marketing Trends

There is growing trend of using culinary herbs that offer health benefits. These include rosemary, turmeric, sage, thyme, mint, dill, parsley, cumin, ginger and others. These culinary herbs have GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. If an herb is not GRAS then major food companies won't even consider it. Culinary herbs are sold fresh or in dried form. Flax seed has suddenly caught the fancy of consumers. It has become one of the top selling foods in the markets of developed countries due to its pleasant nutty taste. As per the conservative estimates, global trade in medicinal and aromatic plants is over 80 billion US$ and is likely to double within a decade. Besides health benefits, medicinal plants also provide crucial livelihood options for millions of rural people in India, tribal and women in general. Currently more than 95% nutraceutical ingredients have originated from the herb or plant based entity. This fact signifies that great potential exists for herbs. Herbs have been an integral part of health and healthcare for centuries and will continue to play a vital role in public health for generations to come. In spite of so many turbulence being faced by the herb industry today, the future is still promising for properly manufactured and researched herbal and Ayurvedic preparations.

CASE STUDY

INTRODUCTION TO M.P. FOREST DEPT.:

M.P. forest dept. is the govt. organization which is established for conserving and taking care of all forest related cases. Many medicinal plants are also cultivated in its nursery and provided to the farmers. In their nursery they maintained an optimum condition like temperature, humidity and etc. for plant’s growth. There are many species of plants are found in there nursery and some species which are rarely found and are extinct are also found.  

We did our internship from M.P. forest department, Indore. In beginning, we saw various kinds of medicinal plants in the department’s nursery and learned how to cultivate the. The whole month we worked under the instruction of M.P. forest department’s ranger Mr. Devendra Shukla and Mr. R.P.S. Bhadoriya .They gave us all the information regarding medicinal plants:  cultivation and applications. In between this period we visited agriculture college Indore and met Dr. D.K. Shrivastav (scientist and head of medicinal plant nursery of Agriculture College) .they shown us many medicinal plants in their nursery. And gave us information about cultivation, applications and market values of these medicinal plants. Dr. D.K. Shrivastav suggested us a company (SHILPACHEM) which engaged in the production of various Ayurvedic medicine.We visited SHILPACHEM and met Mr. Sanjay Mandloi (production manager) and saw the production, packaging and marketing of some medicines.

CULTIVATION

Shatavar is common throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, particularly central India. It is also found up to an altitude of 1500 m in subtropical Himalayas. By nature, the plant is xerophytic and prefers the semi-arid to subtropical, cool environment.

Climate and soil

The plant prefers annual average rainfall of 600–1000 mm or less, of which 85% is received during July to September. A well-drained fertile sandy-loam to medium black soil, with a pH of 6–8 is best suited for its cultivation with staking support. Shatavar can be grown in open land as well as under shade, but very high moisture levels result in rotting of root.

Propagation material

Both seeds and root stumps   can be used for propagation. However, seeds are preferable on account of high production that makes up for low germination percentage in cultivation. Seeds may be collected from March to May when their color changes from red to black.

 

AGRO-TECHNIQUE

Raising propagules

Seeds are sown during the April -may in well-prepared and raised nursery beds containing good amount of FYM (farmyard manure). The beds should ideally be 10 m × 1m in size. Seeds are sown in lines 5 cm apart and covered with a mixture of FYM and soil. The beds are lightly watered at regular intervals using a rose water cane.

 

Propagule rate and pre-treatment

About 7 kg of seeds are required for raising seedlings for 1 hectare of crop. To obtain early and higher germination percentage, presoaking in water is required. Higher germination is also achieved by soaking the seeds in cow urine for 24 hours. The germination commences after 20 days of sowing and is completed in 30 days.

PLANTING

Land preparation and fertilizer

The land should be given a deep disc plugging, followed by harrowing and leveling. The field is normally divided into plots, keeping one irrigation channel in between two rows of plots. About 10 tones of well-decomposed FYM are thoroughly mixed in the soil one month before transplanting. Shatavar. A fertilizer dose of 40 kg nitrogen, 20 kg phosphate, and 20 kg potash per hectare may be applied for better growth and higher tuberous root yield. One-third of nitrogen and entire dose of phosphate and potash should be placed 10–12 cm deep in the rows before transplanting.

Transplanting and optimum spacing

 The seedlings are ready for transplanting after 50-60 days of sowing. These are transplanted in field at the onset of monsoon in July. Keeping the plant-to-plant distance at 60 cm. Optimum number of seedlings required per hectare using the recommended spacing is about 150 000.

Intercropping system

Shatavar is normally grown as a monocrop, but it can be grown in inter spaces available in orchards having low light interception. Plants need staking material, thus poles or shrubs serve for support.

 

 

 

 

 

IRRIGATION AND INTERCROPPING

 

• The field is irrigated immediately after planting if there are no rains for 2-3 days.
• Shatavar can be grown in rain-fed condition as well as irrigated.
• On availability of irrigation water irrigation at the interval of 25-30 days may be given.
• Frequent weeding is required during its early period of growth.
• Care should be taken to avoid any damage to growing shoots at the time of weeding. Totally, about 2-3 hand weeding is needed to keep crop free of weeds.

Intercultural and maintenance practices

The balance two-third N is applied in two equal split doses during September and in late February. The fertilizer is broadcast in between the rows and mixed in soil Followed by irrigation, if the soil is dry. Shatavar initially grows slowly for 60 days, which keeps inter-row space virtually vacant, allowing easy weed growth. It is necessary to carry out weeding and hoeing operations to keep the field free from weeds for initial two-month period.  After two months, Shatavar grows enough to cover the inter row spaces and prevents weed growth.

 

DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL

No serious insects, pests, and disease have been reported in this crop.

PLANT PROTECTION

No serious pest and disease has been noticed in this crop.

 

HARVESTING

Crop maturity and harvesting-

The crop matures in 18 months after planting. Rabi season, that is, November– December, is the best time for harvesting tuberous roots when the above-ground parts start turning pale yellow. The crop, when harvested in 18 months, yields about 4–5 tones/hectare, while harvesting after 20 months yields about 6tones/hectare of tubers along with 35 kg hectare of seeds.

YIELD AND COST OF CULTIVATION

The tuberous root yields 15%–20% of dry matter after removal of outer wall. An average shade-dried tuberous root yield of 4-5 tons per hectare is obtained from 18-month-old plants under experimental conditions. Including land preparation, nursery rising, cost of planting material, FYM, cost of transplanting, harvesting, peeling and processing for market, and so on. The calculated yield of 18- month-old crop of Shatavar is 4-5 tones/hectare, which can fetch net returns of approximately Rs 1-1.25 lacs/hectare.

POST HARVESTING

The harvested toots are thoroughly washed preferably in flowing water, Thereafter, inner woody threads are removed by splitting the roots. The thin root barks are removed by scraping with a knife or incising them. In the traditional method, the roots are also kept in a bamboo basket on a pot of boiling water for five to ten minutes to facilitate easy removal of thread and root bark. But this method is really not required when freshly collected roots are peeled off. The roots are then dried in the shade for 8-10 days. The fresh roots lose about 90% of their weight after peeling and drying. In case of delay in peeling, it becomes extremely difficult later on. Value addition of root powder enhances marketability and sale and price. The roots get damaged within 3 to 4 months if threads in not immediately removed.

PACKAGING AND STORAGE

 The processed roots are packaged in woven sacks and root powder in air tight HDPE containers and stored in cool and dry place,

All the students with Dr.D.K.Shrivastav at their nursery during the internship period.

Asparagus  plants at nursery.

Pic.- nursery bed of Shatavari.

Pic.-farmers visited the nursery

SOME PRODUCTS OF SHATAVAR: