The shoots (spears) of the asparagus plant are the parts that are typically eaten.
Using asparagus and asparagus extract as anherbal medicinedates back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
It’s now commonly used intraditional Chinese Medicine.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
More research is needed, though, to fully support those claims.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Asparagus extract is a concentrated form of asparagus.
Of course, it should be noted that asparagus extract does not contain the beneficialinsoluble fiberfound in whole asparagus.
Asparagus is especially high inquercetin, aflavonoidthought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
Due to these and other properties, research is emerging on the potential health benefits of asparagus extract.
In alternative medicine, asparagus is typically used to detoxify, or cleanse, the bladder and urinary tract.
In fact, several claims border onpseudoscience.
Here is what some existing research says about the potential of asparagus extract.
High Cholesterol
Several studies have concluded that asparagus extract may help reducehigh cholesterol.
However, many of these have been performed in a lab setting or on animals rather than in humans.
In one study, rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet before they were given asparagus for five weeks.
Researchers attributed the cholesterol-lowering effects toflavonoids(antioxidants) and fiber.
Human trials are necessary to determine the effects of asparagus extract oncholesterol.
pop in 2 Diabetes
Asparagus extract has been studied for its effects ontype 2 diabetes.
One study used rats to test this hypothesis.
In the study, rats with induced bang out 2 diabetes were given asparagus extract for 28 days.
Another rat study found similar results.
In this study, rats with diabetes were given juice extracted from the stems of asparagus for 21 days.
By the end of the study, the rats showed decreased levels offasting blood sugar.
Unfortunately, stronger studies on the effect of asparagus extract on throw in 2 diabetes do not exist.
More rigorous research is needed on this subject.
Stress
Asparagus extract has been researched as a potential treatment forstress.
Untreated mice showed high elevations of cortisol.
The researchers also tested the asparagus extract on a small group of humans.
Participants were given a daily 150 mg dose for one week.
Those who took asparagus extract reported improvements in tiredness,fatigue, anddysphoria(dissatisfaction).
Despite these positive findings, better-designed studies are necessary before asparagus extract can be recommended as astress treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Asparagus Extract?
What little research there is has shown asparagus extract to have fewside effects.
Common Side Effects
Reports of common side effects associated with asparagus extract are extremely limited.
Asparagus itself is known to cause urine to have a distinctodor.
Severe Side Effects
Some people may have anallergic reactionto asparagus extract.
In some cases, an allergic reaction can be severe.
If you are allergic to asparagus, you should avoid using asparagus extract.
hey seek immediate medical care if you experience an allergic reaction when using asparagus extract.
Precautions
Safety studies have not been performed on asparagus extract.
Therefore, precautions should be taken when using asparagus extract.
As a precaution, these individuals should avoid asparagus extract and eat fresh asparagus instead.
Some concern is thatasparagine, an amino acid in asparagus, may aid cancer development and progression.
According to a 2018 study inNature,asparagine may promote the spread of breast cancer.
It should be noted, however, that asparagine and asparagus are in no way thought to cause cancer.
Also, these research results have not been repeated in humans.
Dosage: How Much Asparagus Extract Should I Take?
There are nodosageguidelines for the appropriate use of asparagus extract.
Dosing tends to vary widely from one asparagus extract supplement to another.
Some products provide 1,000 mg of asparagus extract per serving, while others provide 5,000 mg or more.
As a rule of thumb, never exceed the recommended dose on the product label.
It’s also good to talk with ahealthcare providerabout the right asparagus extract dose for you.
Supplement Facts
What Happens If I Take Too Much Asparagus Extract?
Asparagus extract is not thought to betoxic.
Regardless, it’s still important to only use asparagus extract as directed.
Using more asparagus extract than recommended may increase the likelihood of side effects.
Interactions
Interactions between asparagus extract and medications, supplements, foods, or herbs are not well-documented.
However, interactions may still exist.
Asparagus is high invitamin K, a nutrient vital to blood clotting.
Vitamin K is known to interact with blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin).
If you’re taking warfarin or otherblood thinners, talk with a healthcare provider before using asparagus extract.
Although, this interaction has not been reported in any human research.
Additional interactions may exist.
just review all supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions.
How to Store Asparagus Extract
For best quality, asparagus extract supplements should be stored properly.
Asparagus extract should be kept in a cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight.
Most asparagus extracts do not require refrigeration.
However, you should refrigerate supplements if recommended on the product’s label.
Keep asparagus extract out of reach of children and pets, and discard supplements once they pass theirexpiration date.
Similar Supplements
Various supplements may work similarly to asparagus extract.
This is because asparagus extract has similar nutrient profiles as other herbs and supplements.
Supplements that are similar to asparagus extract include:
This isnota comprehensive list.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure which supplement or herb is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asparagus extract may be beneficial for a variety of health conditions.
However, there is virtually no strong scientific evidence to back up many health claims surrounding asparagus extract.
Shatavari is another throw in of asparagus extract.
Shatavari may be used forulcers,nervousness,inflammation, and certaininfections.
Long-term safety studies have not been performed on asparagus extract.
Therefore, we do not know if asparagus extract is safe to use on a daily basis.
Talk with a healthcare provider about the proper way to use asparagus extract.
And be sure to only use asparagus extract and other supplements as directed.
Taking asparagus extract improperly may increase the risk of side effects.
Whole foods generally contain more nutrition and benefits than supplements.
Food Sources of Asparagus Extract
Asparagus extract is taken from the asparagus vegetable.
Whole asparagus can be eaten in a variety of ways, including raw, roasted, and baked.
Asparagus is described as having a savory yet bitter flavor.
It also contains phenolic compounds, like flavonoids and other antioxidants that may be beneficial for human health.
Powders and tinctures require measuring, whereas capsules come in consistent doses.
you’re able to also find asparagus extracttea.
Typically, asparagus extract supplements are naturallyveganandgluten-free, while many are alsoorganic.
These include USP, ConsumerLab, and NSF International.
However, very few health claims for asparagus extract have been backed up by quality scientific evidence.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re thinking about adding asparagus extract to your daily routine.
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