NUTRAHERBS: SYNERGY OF AYURVEDIC HERBS WITH NUTRACEUTICALS W.S.R TO FEMALE INFERTILITY – A REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Utility of food as health promoting factor beyond its nutritional value is gaining acceptance within public arena and among scientific community. Nutraceutical is a dietary substance which has physiological benefit or provides protection against a disease. These are a combination of one or more nutritional supplements like Vitamins, Minerals etc. which are administered as an adjuvant therapy to improve disease conditions. Objective: The objectives of such literature review were to an attempt to critically review, the synergetic effect of combining herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Wild) and Vata (Ficus benghalensis L.) with nutraceutical formulations indicated in female infertility. Methodology: The present work is primarily based on theoretical research using related research articles, standard textbooks of epidemiology and classical treatises of Ayurveda. Discussion: In the present scenario, cases of female infertility have increased due to various nutritional, pathological and environmental changes. Medical practitioners correct the nutritional errors in such patients by administering nutraceuticals mainly containing DHEA, antioxidants and micronutrients, thus enhancing fertility. Ayurvedic herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Wild) and Vata (Ficus benghalensis L.) exhibit extravagant fertility-enhancing properties in females. Thus, combining these herbs with nutraceuticals would bring exemplary results in infertile and sub-fertile females. These herbs not only possess medicinal properties, but also have nutritional values. Therefore, the synergetic effect of combining herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Wild) and Vata (Ficus benghalensis L.) with nutraceutical formulations indicated in female infertility would be tremendous. Conclusion: This can further increase the scope and utility of, ‘Nutraherbs’ in medical practice.