Astragalus(Huang qi) is a perennial plant native to eastern and northern China, Mongolia, and Korea. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as milkvetch root. It can grow up to 16 inches tall and is harvested at the root stage and is generally harvested when it is four years old. Huang qi extract was extracted from the dry roots of leguminous plants like Astragalus membranaceus（fisch.）bge and Astragalus mongholicus bge. Researchers have isolated 13 of the polysaccharides from the root extract of Astragalus, which have complicated chemical structures, and have been used for tonifying Qi in TCM. Here will introduce the benefits of astragalus extract for people, please read on.
Boosting immune system
Astragalus is a plant with numerous health benefits, it has a long history of being used as a disease fighter and immune system booster. In ancient China, Astragalus root (Huang qi) has a long history of strengthening the immune system, improving hormone balance, and preventing the common cold because some of the chemicals in astragalus appear to stimulate the immune system and reduce swelling and inflammation. In Chinese medicine, astragalus is used for many different conditions, including boosting the immune system and treating wasting diseases.
Astragalus polysaccharide is an active ingredient in astragalus, and it inhibits inflammation. It also stimulated the immune response in cell and animal studies. In addition, astragalus polysaccharides inhibited viral replication in heart muscle tissue. The effects of astragalus may include a higher overall immune response. This polysaccharide increases the expression of class II MHC antigens, and enhances the faculty of the immune system to present antigens. Astragalus polysaccharide also inhibits inflammation in mice and improves quality of life. In addition, it may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs, since it decreases the level of TReg in the bloodstream.
Improving kidney function
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long used the Astragalus root as a tonic, it can be used as a decoction in combination with other herbs to support kidney function. Researchers have studied the effect of astragalus root extract in improving kidney function. This herb has many benefits, including improving kidney function. for people with protein metabolism disorder of glomerular diseases, Astragalus improves plasma albumin level and reduces urine protein level.
A mild diuretic
Despite its mild diuretic effect, astragalus is known to have a variety of benefits. Its powerful antioxidant properties may help to eliminate excess free radicals in the body. Although there are only limited human studies on astragalus, preliminary results suggest that it may have a positive effect in the treatment of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to regulate the level of sugar in the blood, leading to high blood glucose. The saponins present in astragalus are relatively small, meaning that it is unlikely to produce a therapeutic effect by themselves. However, saponins from other plants have been shown to have beneficial effects when combined with astragalus saponins.
It was found in mouse experiments that Astragalus root injection could significantly reduce the amount of protein in urine, which might be related to the enhancement of metabolism and improvement of nutritional status of astragalus. Astragalus membranaceus can alleviate renal disease in mice with spontaneous lupus by immunomodulatory effect, but further research is needed and a higher dosage is needed to produce the desired effects.
Good for Alzheimer’s disease
Astragalus extracts may reduce iron overload in Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study conducted at the University of Melbourne and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. The presence of iron is a characteristic feature of the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. However, the exact cause of this iron accumulation is still up for debate. Researchers studied the effects of Astragalus on iron levels in Alzheimer’s patients to better understand whether the plant can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Good antitumor activity
The plant contains sidechains and b-D-(1-3)-galactan moieties. One study examined the use of astragalus as a cancer treatment, finding that it reduced the risk of death in cancer patients. Another study found that it improved the data related to cancer patients’ response to chemotherapy. Astragalus is also a good potent immune system booster, with potential benefits in cardiovascular health, myocarditis and prevention of cancer. It has been proved that Astragalus is a plant that inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor, the major cause of fever.
Traditionally, the flowering plant Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for over three thousand years. It is considered an adaptogen, a type of herbal substance that stimulates the body’s resistance to stressful conditions. In addition, it may also help reduce the risk of COVID-19, which is an important marker for the onset of dementia. When choosing Astragalus root extract supplements, a suitable dosage is based on several factors, such as age, health, and specific conditions. There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend a specific range for Astragalus use, you should follow the label instructions and talk to a healthcare professional before using the supplement safely.
