Astragalus Root (5:1 Extract)

Astragalus Root (5:1 extract)

Astragalus is a perennial plant that is native to parts of China, Mongolia, and Korea. The root is harvested from four year old plants and used in combination with other herbs. It is considered an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with a variety of stress factors. The root of astragalus contains an active compound called cycloastragenol (TAT2) which is known to possess anti-aging properties

Benefits of Astragalus Root

An overwhelming body of high quality research and ongoing studies support the many health benefits of astragalus root. Taking astragalus root supplements can give you the following proven health benefits:

Boosts Immune Function

A study out of Beijing found that astragalus root has the ability to control cells of the immune system such as T-helper cells 1 and 2, essentially regulating the body’s immune responses.^[1] In another study, researchers found that astragalus can boost resistance to infections, thus, preventing the development of complications and other serious health conditions.^[2]

Fights Cancer

Results from two high quality studies show that a substance known as astragaloside from astragalus root appears to have anti-cancer properties.^[3-4] Researchers found that astragaloside inhibits the growth and reproduction of gastrointestinal cancer cells, liver cancer cells, and breast cancer cells, by affecting different signaling pathways involved in cancer cell cycle.

Protects the Heart

The flavonoids present in astragalus are highly potent antioxidants that help prevent the accumulation of harmful plaques in arteries and narrowing of the walls of blood vessels. According to a 2014 study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, injection of astragalus in addition to conventional treatment for heart inflammation makes treatment more effective.^[5] 

Improves Blood Sugar Levels

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides present in astragalus root were effective in treating and regulating type 1 and 2 diabetes.^[6] Researchers found that these substances improve the body’s response to the effects of insulin, thus, maintaining blood sugar levels within normal limits.  

Slows the Aging Process

A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that the

polysaccharides in astragalus root has anti-aging properties.^[7] According to researchers, these polysaccharides seek reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutralize their harmful effect on the body. Scientists believe that increased ROS levels accelerate the aging process.

Accelerates Wound Healing

In a 2012 study conducted by the researchers at the Institute of Pharmaceutics at Zhejiang University, it was concluded that wound treatment with astragaloside IV (the active ingredient in dried astragalus root) increased the recovery rate as much as 2 to 3 times in just 48 hours.^[8] In addition, the treatment was associated with lesser scarring.

References:

1. Huang LF, Yao YM, Li JF, et al. The effect of Astragaloside IV on immune function of regulatory T cell mediated by high mobility group box 1 protein in vitro. Fitoterapia. 2012;83(8):1514-22.
2. Block KI, Mead MN. Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003;2(3):247-67.
3. Auyeung KK, Han QB, Ko JK. Astragalus membranaceus: A Review of its Protection Against Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancers. Am J Chin Med. 2016;44(1):1-22.
4. Huang C, Xu D, Xia Q, Wang P, Rong C, Su Y. Reversal of P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance of human hepatic cancer cells by Astragaloside II. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012;64(12):1741-50.
5. Piao YL, Liang XC. Astragalus membranaceus injection combined with conventional treatment for viral myocarditis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Chin J Integr Med. 2014;20(10):787-91.
6. Agyemang K, Han L, Liu E, Zhang Y, Wang T, Gao X. Recent Advances in Astragalus membranaceus Anti-Diabetic Research: Pharmacological Effects of Its Phytochemical Constituents. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013;2013:654643. doi:10.1155/2013/654643.
7. Li X-T, Zhang Y-K, Kuang H-X, et al. Mitochondrial Protection and Anti-aging Activity of Astragalus Polysaccharides and Their Potential Mechanism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2012;13(2):1747-1761. doi:10.3390/ijms13021747.
8. Chen X, Peng LH, Li N, et al. The healing and anti-scar effects of astragaloside IV on the wound repair in vitro and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;139(3):721-7.