A Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) extract marketed by NXT USA as Xeya Modern Shatavari was found to support a range of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, menstrual discomfort, and overall quality of life, a clinical study in Functional Foods in Health and Disease found.

The shatavari extract is standardized to contain a 15% concentration of the bioactive shatavarins, enabling low doses of 50-100 mg per day.

“Women’s concerns have been neglected for too long. This study shows real benefits for women dealing with perimenopausal symptoms, dramatically improving quality of life for the participants,” said Eric Anderson, managing director NXT USA. “This is the NXT standard of comprehensive clinical evidence—incorporating our comprehensive ‘four pillars of validation’ in study design that measures patient reporting, physician assessment, biomarkers and physical tests. This is the most comprehensive study on shatavari published to date.”

Participants who took 100 mg of Xeya experienced a 77.3% improvement in somatic symptom scores related to hot flashes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, along with a 74.5% improvement in psychological symptom scores related to mood swings, anxiety, and brain fog, in the Menopause Rating Scale.

At both 50 and 100 mg, Xeya was associated with respective decreases of 51.4% and 72.9%, compared to 22.8% in the placebo group. The menopausal symptoms questionnaire showed respective improvements of 166.7% and 178.8% in the 50mg and 100 mg groups, compared to a 35.9% improvement in the placebo group.

Hot flash weekly weighted scores significantly dropped by 27.6% and 39.8% in the two treatment groups, respectively, compared to a 7.7% increase in the placebo group.

Supplementation was also associated with reduced menstrual symptoms like spasmotic and congestive dysmenorrhea, while the ovarian follicle count significantly increased by 34.4% and 51.9% in the two treatment arms, compared to no change in the placebo group.

Xeya modulated four hormones in a dose-dependent manner: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone, and 17-beta estradiol.

The 120-day study, conducted at Lifeline Hospital and Research Center in India, included 75 early perimenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 50 with mild to moderate vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

“These findings extend beyond traditional anecdotal or preclinical evidence,” the authors wrote, “offering robust, clinical support for shatavari as a natural, multi-targeted therapeutic option to promote women’s health.”

The findings align with research supporting shatavari for adaptogenic and hormone-balancing properties in women’s health, “reinforcing the feasibility of integrating [Xeya] as a bioactive ingredient in functional foods or dietary supplements designed for perimenopausal and menopausal support.”

Previous studies found that Xeya Modern Shatavari benefited markers of reproductive and metabolic health in younger women with hormonal imbalances. In women between the ages of 20 and 35 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the ingredient supported menstrual cycle regularity, maintenance of healthy hormone levels, and promotion of ovarian function and follicle health.

“Xeya was developed with the world-class team at Laila Nutra. Their team has achieved impressive results via careful sourcing to science and validation, to bring Xeya Modern Shatavari to market,” Anderson added. “Having this study published on perimenopause is ideal timing because shatavari is emerging as the partner to ashwagandha—known as the king of Ayurveda—which has exploded in popularity the last few years. We expect shatavari to really take off this year to support women’s wellness across all age groups. This study provides supplement brands with the confidence to offer differentiated products that serve women of various age groups and demographics.”