Astragalus is also known as milkvetch, its root, Astragalus root is also called Huang Qi because it is yellow in color, is traditional medicine in China and has been used for the treatment of sleeplessness, insomnia, and interrupted sleep patterns, which are often the result of chronic illness. Qi is the Chinese word for chief, and Huang Qi is considered the leader of all tonics. Astragalus is used for seasonal allergies and may be used for blood sugar control and congestive heart failure.

Analysis of main chemical constituents of Astragalus membranaceus

  • Astragalus saponin

Modern medical research has confirmed that the pharmacological action of Astragalus depends on the content of its active components. Saponins are typical chemical constituents of Astragalus membranaceus. At present, there are about 40 saponins isolated from a variety of astragalus, such as soybean saponins, isoastragalus saponins I- ⅳ, acetyl-astragalus saponins, astragalus saponins I- ⅷ, among which astragalus saponins ⅳ has a high content. Clinical trials have confirmed that astragalus saponins in Astragalus membranaceus have heart-strengthening, immunomodulatory, basis, cholesterol lowering and anti-depression effects

  • Astragalus polysaccharides

Astragalus polysaccharide is also a typical extract of Astragalus membranaceus, which has many functions such as regulating immunity, anti-radiation, anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-aging and oxidation. Glucan and heteropolysaccharide are two main types of astragalus polysaccharides. Glucan includes water-soluble and water-insoluble glucan. Heteropolysaccharide is mainly water-soluble polysaccharide including rhamnose, glucose and arabinose.

  • Flavonoids

There are about 30 flavonoids in Astragalus membranaceus, such as isoflavones, flavonoids, sandalwood, isoflavane, sandalwood and so on. The specific components include arbutin, formononetin, dimethoxyisoflavone, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin, rhamnetin, astragalus lignan, isorcyrrhizin and so on. Astragalus flavonoids have been found to enhance immunity, resist radiation damage, fight oxidation and scavenge free radicals.

The root of Astragalus has many benefits that can be used in decoctions, capsules, or tinctures. It helps improving your overall health by boosting your metabolism and hormone balance. It may also reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and may even prevent chronic illness. It is a powerful natural remedy for insomnia and a variety of other conditions. So, what are the Astragalus root benefits? let’s began with active ingredients.

Reduce blood sugar

Astragalus has also been gradually used in the treatment of diabetes. Through the analysis of rat diabetes model, astragalus polysaccharides can effectively reduce the blood glucose of type 2 diabetic rats, and also help regulate blood lipids, such as lowering low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and increasing high density lipoprotein, etc., and the application of astragalus can also improve insulin resistance in model rats. It has been proved that Astragalus can regulate blood glucose and blood lipid and play a good role in insulin resistance.

Powerful antioxidant

Astragalus is a powerful antioxidant. Its compounds are believed to help the body repair damaged DNA, reduce aging signs, and stimulate tissue regeneration. Some research has shown that Astragalus extract may also be an effective anti-aging herb. If taken regularly, Astragalus can help people feel younger and reduce the signs of aging. It may even be able to stimulate the production of telomerase, a protein that helps cells reproduce.

Good for kidney healthy

Research suggests that astragalus root benefits kidney health. Astragalus reduces the risk of infections in patients with nephrotic syndrome. It is also known to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections. However, it has been found that there was little evidence to support this claim. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that astragalus does not prolong the lives of advanced lung cancer patients.

Immune system booster

Astragalus is an adaptogen. It boosts your immune system and fights disease. In addition to being a powerful immune system booster, astragalus is also believed to improve circulation. Astragalus root is an adaptogen that can help improve your immune system. It can boost your energy levels and improve your quality of life. It is an effective treatment for seasonal allergies and improves overall health and well-being.

Astragalus and cancer

Experiments on mice showed that Astragalus membranaceus can also exert anti-tumor effects through a variety of mechanisms. For example, Astragalus membranaceus can regulate a variety of immune functions and achieve anti-tumor goals by immunity. It can regulate the miRNA of tumor cells and inhibit their cell proliferation and growth, as well as tumor angiogenesis. However, some studies believe that Astragalus membranaceus can promote cell proliferation, which is beneficial to tumor cell growth. It is worth noting that there are few studies in this area and its effectiveness deserves further verification.

Other benefits of Astragalus  

Astragalus extract can be found in many supplements. Most of the supplements available for astragalus contain Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus mongholicus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of a cold or the flu, such as sneezing, running nose, and itching. Its diuretic action lowers blood pressure and helps you drink more water.

Generally, Astragalus is generally safe to take, some people have reported negative side effects of Astragalus root. Its side effects are mild and the amount recommended is 60 grams daily for four months. Therefore, you should only take Astragalus root supplements with the advice of a TCM practitioner.