Astragalus is a plant in the legume family, belonging to Asia. Its root has been used in conventional Chinese medicine for centuries as an immune system booster and to prevent and deal with numerous health problems. It is also referred to as Huang Qi in Chinese traditional medication. Astragalus supplements are offered in different forms, including teas, capsules, and tinctures.
Astragalus is a flowering plant native to China and Korea. In traditional Chinese medication (TCM), the root of the astragalus plant is utilized as a tonic and adaptogen.
1. Reduces Stress Levels
In Chinese medicine, astragalus is connected with the “earth” element. Because it promotes homeostasis in action to stress factors and assists the body adjust to stress, its considered an adaptogen.
To check the impact of astragalus on tension hormones, scientists in one research study looked at milk-producing cows under heat stress. Heat exposure normally decreases milk production in cows, however astragalus intervention was revealed to reduce this impact by reducing cortisol– the primary hormonal agent responsible for producing a tension reaction in the body. [1]
In a research study on mice, astragalus was shown to counter the mental and behavioral impairments caused by stress. The mice provided astragalus performed better on labyrinths, which researchers translate to much better spatial memory, learning, and stress and anxiety levels.
2. Assists Normalize Blood Sugar Levels
In an analysis of 13 studies on the results of astragalus on people with type 2 diabetes, astragalus was reported to lower high blood sugar when taken daily at a dosage of around 50 mg. Astralagus root is a staple anti-diabetic herb prescribed in conventional Chinese medication, and modern research studies have actually identified different plant substances like flavonoids and polysaccharides in astragalus that are responsible for its results on blood sugar. These medical molecules improve insulin level of sensitivity, assisting to manage and normalize blood glucose levels.
3. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries and accumulation of plaque that can put you at danger of a heart attack. In a research study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, scientists attributed antioxidants in astragalus to its capability to reverse atherosclerosis in rabbits. In the research study, rabbits given astragalus had lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, showing a lowered threat for heart problem after simply 12 weeks. [5]
Research study on the results of astragalus on heart problem patients is doing not have. Nevertheless, animal trials recommend astragalus has heart-protective advantages that could help in preventing heart disease.
4. Battles Cancer
In human trials, astragalus has been found to increase the anti-tumor results of chemotherapy. Lab studies show that astragalus has anti-cancer impacts versus human lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. One of the ways astragalus works is by boosting the immune systems natural defense versus cancer cell development.
5. May Counter Chemotherapy Side Effects
In addition to protecting the body versus cancer, astragalus might likewise help in decreasing the side impacts of chemotherapy drugs. According to an evaluation of several studies on patients undergoing chemotherapy, astragalus root effectively minimizes nausea and vomiting compared to a placebo.
6. Improves Your Immune System
As an adaptogen, astragalus can promote a depressed or strained body immune system. Chronic stress, in addition to consuming large quantities of alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, can suppress immune function and make you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. Astragalus root seems to start the various immune cells and their functions, triggering white blood cells to flow in the body and alleviate hazards more successfully. [11] While more research study is needed, its possible that supplementing with astragalus might help safeguard against acute rhinitis by strengthening immune function.
7. Supports Kidney Health
Among the conventional uses of astragalus in Chinese medicine is to support kidney health. Astragalus root has actually been found to enhance proteinuria, which is the presence of excessive protein in the urine. Persistent kidney disease is defined by kidney damage impacting the capability of the kidneys to filter waste. In a research study on clients with persistent kidney disease, astragalus root supplementation was discovered to improve kidney function. [12]
8. Protects Brain Health
In a study on rats injected with amyloid beta, a group of rats also injected with astragalus root were discovered to have less neurological damage and symptoms of stress and anxiety compared to the control group. While human studies are needed, its possible that astragalus could assist in the prevention of neurodegeneration.
Astragalus Root Safety
Side effects with astragalus root are rare. Not enough is understood about the effects of astragalus on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, who ought to for that reason prevent it. Individuals with an autoimmune disease ought to approach astragalus with caution because it can stimulate activity in the immune system.
Astragalus Benefits and Uses
There are many reasons astragalus root has been revered in TCM for centuries. It can help secure against diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart illness, and even neurological illness like Alzheimers and dementia. As an adaptogen, astragalus can help you beat stress and increase your immune system. Astragalus root is found as a cast, tea, or in pill type.
Please note that it is very important to consult a healthcare expert before taking any supplement, particularly if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications.
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This is a basic info post and need to not be taken as expert medical guidance. Constantly seek advice from a qualified health care specialist prior to taking any herbal supplement or making any changes to your diet plan or exercise routine. Herbal supplements can communicate with specific medications and might not be safe for everybody. Some supplements might not have actually been adequately checked for safety or efficiency, and their claims may not have been assessed by the FDA. Furthermore, the dosage and purity of supplements can differ in between brand names, so it is essential to acquire supplements from a reputable source. The usage of natural supplements is not intended to detect, deal with, avoid any illness or treat or medical condition.
” Analysis of Astragalus Polysaccharide Intervention in Heat-Stressed Dairy Cows Serum Metabolomics” by Hanfang Zeng, Yumeng Xi, Yeqing Li, Zedong Wang, Lin Zhang and Zhaoyu Han, 29 March 2020, Animals.DOI: 10.3390/ ani10040574.
” The Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus on Repeated Restraint Stress-induced Biochemical and Behavioral Responses” by Hyun-Jung Park, Hyun Young Kim, Kun-Ho Yoon, Kyung Soo Kim and Insop Shim, 17 August 2009, The Korean Journal of Physiology & & Pharmacology.DOI: 10.4196/ kjpp.2009.13.4.315.
” The result of Astragalus as an adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A (initial) meta-analysis” by Huiping Tian, Jun Lu, Hairong He, Lu Zhang, Yalin Dong, Hongping Yao, Weiyi Feng and Siwen Wang, 3 June 2016, Journal of Ethnopharmacology.DOI: 10.1016/ j.jep.2016.05.062.
” Recent Advances in Astragalus membranaceus Anti-Diabetic Research: Pharmacological Effects of Its Phytochemical Constituents” by Kojo Agyemang, Lifeng Han, Erwei Liu, Yi Zhang, Tao Wang and Xiumei Gao, 17 November 2013, Evidence-Based Medicinal Plants for Modern Chronic Diseases.DOI: 10.1155/ 2013/654643.
” Study of the Effects of Total Flavonoids of Astragalus on Atherosclerosis Formation and Potential Mechanisms” by Deqing Wang, Yuan Zhuang, Yaping Tian, Graham Neil Thomas, Mingzhong Ying and Brian Tomlinson, 29 January 2012, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.DOI: 10.1155/ 2012/282383.
” Anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and its particular immunopotentiation: Status and possibility” by Shanshan Li, Yi Sun, Jin Huang, Bin Wang, Yinan Gong, Yuxin Fang, Yangyang Liu, Shenjun Wang, Yi Guo, Hong Wang, Zhifang Xu and Yongming Guo, 1 April 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology.DOI: 10.1016/ j.jep.2020.112797.
” Anticancer activity of Astragalus polysaccharide in human non-small cell lung cancer cells” by Chao-Yan Wu, Yuan Ke, Yi-Fei Zeng, Ying-Wen Zhang and Hai-Jun Yu, 4 December 2017, Cancer Cell International.DOI: 10.1186/ s12935-017-0487-6.
” Anti-tumor capacity of astragalus polysaccharides on breast cancer cell line mediated by macrophage activation” by Wenfang Li, Kedong Song, Shuping Wang, Chenghong Zhang, Meiling Zhuang, Yiwei Wang and Tianqing Liu, 8 January 2019, Materials Science and Engineering: C.DOI: 10.1016/ j.msec.2019.01.025.
” Astragalus saponins regulates colon cancer development by regulating calpain-mediated glucose-regulated protein expression” by Yue Wang, Kathy K Auyeung, Xiaoyu Zhang and Joshua K Ko, 15 October 2014, BMC Alternative and complementary Medicine.DOI: 10.1186/ 1472-6882-14-401.
” Integrative Medicine for Relief of Nausea and Vomiting in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Using Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” by Meng hua Chen, Brian H. May, Iris W. Zhou, Anthony L. Zhang and Charlie C. Xue, 23 February 2016, Phytotherapy Research.DOI: 10.1002/ ptr.5586.
” Astragalus membranaceus Extract Activates Immune Response in Macrophages by means of Heparanase” by Qiaojing Qin, Jianying Niu, Zhaoxia Wang, Wangjie Xu, Zhongdong Qiao and Yong Gu, 13 June 2012, Molecules.DOI: 10.3390/ molecules17067232.
” Oral Astragalus Root Supplementation for Mild to Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease: A Self-Controlled Case-Series” by Tetsuhiro Yoshino, Yuko Horiba, Masaru Mimura and Kenji Watanabe, 1 March 2022, Frontiers in Pharmacology.DOI: 10.3389/ fphar.2022.775798.
” Neuroprotection and stress and anxiety like behavior reduction of Allium hirtifolium and Astragalus hamosus in the Aβ-injected rat” by Z. Bahaeddin, A. Yans, F. Khodagholi and S. Sahranavard, October 2016, Research Journal of Pharmacognosy.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus.
In an analysis of 13 research studies on the effects of astragalus on people with type 2 diabetes, astragalus was reported to lower high blood sugar when taken daily at a dosage of around 50 mg. Astralagus root is an essential anti-diabetic herb recommended in traditional Chinese medicine, and modern studies have determined numerous plant substances like flavonoids and polysaccharides in astragalus that are responsible for its effects on blood sugar. Lab research studies reveal that astragalus has anti-cancer effects against human lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Astragalus root seems to boost the various immune cells and their functions, triggering white blood cells to flow in the body and alleviate dangers more successfully. Side results with astragalus root are uncommon.