Shatavari is one of the principal medicinal herbs in ayurveda, possessing several actions that make it especially useful in the management of many female reproductive disorders. Ayurveda texts describe it as sheetal (lowers metabolic activity), rasayani (tonic, esp. for females), snigdha (anabolic), stanya (galactagogue), vrishya (reinforces fertility), guru (anabolic), pushtida (promotes nourishment, growth and development of the tissues) etc.1 On the basis of all these actions on the female reproductive system, shatavari is regarded as an excellent female tonic, that – is beneficial in the female infertility; enhances folliculogenesis and ovulation; increases libido; helps keep the sexual organs moist; prepares the endometrium for conception; prevents habitual abortion; and acts as a post-partum tonic by increasing lactation and normalizing the uterus and the hormones.2 Recent studies have shown that shatavari possesses excellent phytoestrogenic properties. Sabnis et al found that the aqueous extract of A. racemosus roots increased the weight of mammary glands in post-partum and estrogen-primed rats and the uterine weight in the estrogen-primed group. This effect could be attributed to the action of released corticoids or prolactin. Oral administration of the alcoholic extract of A. racemosus rhizome (30 mg/100 g body weight, daily for 15 days) to adult pregnant female albino rats had an estrogenic effect on the female mammary glands and genital organs.3 (1) Bh.P.Ni.; (2) Sharma Komal, Int. J. Pharmaceut. Bio. Arch., Vol. 2(3), 2011; (3) Sabnis et al, Indian J Exp Biol. Jan;6 (1): 55-7 (1968).
Putranjiva is well known in ayurveda for managing infertility, both in males and females. Its names – putranjiva, putrajivak, garbha-karo, garbhada etc. are quite indicative of its role in facilitating conception. Further, it has been described as vrishya (virya-vardhak) which points towards its particular action of improving and increasing the quantity (number) and quality of the shukra(anus) – spermatozoa. In addition, it has been described as guru (promoting cell multiplication and maturation), sheetal (lowers the metabolic activity), shleshma-hara (overcomes blockages), and vata-hara (harmonizes neuro- endocrine activity).1 Seen in the context of reproduction in males, all these actions attributed to Putranjiva acquire special significance. In an experimental study, the seed powder of Putranjiva roxburghii was seen to possess aphrodisiac and sperm count enhancing property. Again, the seed powder of Putranjiva when used clinically in patients to assess their vrishya karma, significant increase in the sexual desire, penile erection, penile rigidity, ejaculation time, orgasm score, duration of the sexual act and frequency of the sexual act was observed. Furthermore, significant reduction in the immotile and abnormal spermatozoa was also seen.2 1. Bh.P.Ni.; 2. Hrishikesh G. Kulkarni, Ph. D. Thesis, Gujarat Ayurved University. Jamnagar, India.
Shilajatu is well known in ayurveda for its excellent rasayana (rejuvenating / antioxidant), kshaya-hara (promotes cell multiplication / regenerative), jara-nashanam (anti-aging), deha-dardhya-kara (reinforces tissues), and chhedi (stimulant) actions.1 In a research study, shilajatu has been reported to be rejuvenating, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, immuno-modulating, etc.2 In another study, shilajatu was found to provide complete protection methyl methacrylate (MMA) against hydroxyl radical-I induced polymerization and acted as a reversible NO-captodative agent. This and several other findings were indicative of the therapeutic uses of shilajatu as a rasayana (rejuvenator) against oxidative stress, degenerative, and aging complaints.3 (1) Bh.P.Ni.; (2) Mittal et al, I.J.P.C.R., Vol: 1(2), pp. 47-49, 2009; (3) Salil K. Bhattacharya et al, Phyto. Res., Vol. 9(1), pp. 56-59, 1995.
Yashad (zinc), Vang (tin), and Nag (lead) – the three metals collectively named as Trivang, command a key place in ayurveda, for the management of a large number of diseases, including the genito-urinary disorders in males and females. The major indication for Trivang is vadhyatva (infertility) in males, as well as, females. In females, trivang has been described to provide strength to the uterus (garbhashaya-balya), ovaries (beeja-adhar), and Fallopian tubes (phala-vahinis). In addition, it corrects the spasm (samkocha) in the phala-vahinis (Fallopian tubes). Further, it helps in the development of the under-developed reproductive organs (avikasit-avayavani). Again, by strengthening the weak reproductive organs (esp. the uterus), trivang is useful in habitual abortion. As it tones up the lax reproductive organs, it is useful in shvet-pradara (leucorrhea), too.1,2,3 In addition, Pushpa-dhanva rasa, an important herbo-mineral preparation for the management of female infertility and allied disorders, contains vang and nag. It has been described to strengthen the weakened, as well as, underdeveloped female reproductive organs – ovaries (beeja-kosha), Fallopian tubes (phala-vahinis), and uterus (garbhashaya).4 (1) R.T.S.S.P.S.; (2) A.S.S.; (3) Aushadhi Guna Dharma Shastra; (4) (3) Aushadhi Guna Dharma Shastra.
On the basis of the individual actions of its ingredients, Fertie-F tablet is used as an adjuvant in the management of:
- Female infertility (vandhyatva);
- Ovulation disorders (beeja-janana-dushti) – PCOD (beeja-kosha granthi);
- Menstrual disorders (artava-dushti) – oligomenorreha (alpa-artava), irregular menstrual periods (aniyamita-artava), delayed puberty (anartava), secondary amenorrhea except pregnancy (anartava);
- Low libido in females (maithuna-anichha)
Avoid in girls below 10 yrs.