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Informational only. Do not stop prescribed treatment; seek emergency care when needed.
Kurilo, also known as shatavari, is a root from the Asparagus racemosus plant. It is traditionally used in Nepal for breast milk production, women's health, and digestion. While it is usually well tolerated, some people may be allergic to asparagus. Ayurvedic products may contain metals, and there have been reports of lead poisoning cases. Diuretics and diabetes medicines may interact with kurilo. It is regulated in Nepal by the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) and the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA). In India, the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. In the UAE, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority. Always consult a healthcare professional before using kurilo.
Sources: SI summary (own words); NCCIH Herbs at a Glance; FDA and CDC advisories; NLM MedlinePlus (NLM-authored only) · Reference · Reference · Reference · Reference
Small, low-quality studies on breast milk; evidence is weak.
Safety: Usually well tolerated; allergy in people allergic to asparagus.
Quality concerns: Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.
Root of Asparagus racemosus; young shoots are eaten in Nepal.
Breast milk, women's health, digestion.
Small, low-quality studies on breast milk; evidence is weak.
Usually well tolerated; allergy in people allergic to asparagus.
Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.
Diuretics, diabetes medicines (theoretical).
asparagus allergy, hormone-sensitive conditions
Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.
India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).
UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.
Sources: SI summary (own words); NCCIH Herbs at a Glance; FDA and CDC advisories; NLM MedlinePlus (NLM-authored only) · Reference · Reference · Reference · Reference
AlifZetta text CC BY 4.0 (own words). NCCIH, FDA and CDC are US government works (public domain), used as references.