ASTRAGALUS 500mg

ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus is a flowering plant native to China and Korea. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus root is used as a tonic and adaptogen. 

Key benefits

• strengthens the immune system, 
• prevents infections, 
• has a positive effect on kidney 
• liver and heart, 
• regulates glucose levels, 
• cholesterol and triglycerides,
• has a protective effect, 
• reduces the toxicity of substances such as alcohol.

The root is cut and dried, then ground into powder, brewed as a tea, and even added to broth in stews. Today's research shows that it stimulates the immune system and promotes homeostasis in the body.

Helps normalize blood sugar levels

In an analysis of 13 studies on the effects of astragalus on people with type 2 diabetes, astragalus was found to lower high blood sugar levels when taken daily at a dose of about 50 mg[3]. Astralagus root is the primary anti-diabetic herb prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine, and modern research has identified various plant compounds such as flavonoids and polysaccharides in astragalus that are responsible for its effect on blood sugar levels. These medicinal molecules improve insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate and normalize blood glucose levels.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.062

https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/654643

Supports cardiovascular health

Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries and the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque, which can put you at risk for a heart attack. In a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, researchers attributed the antioxidants in astragalus to its ability to reverse atherosclerosis in rabbits. In the study, rabbits given astragalus had lower cholesterol and blood pressure, indicating a reduced risk of heart disease after just 12 weeks. 

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/282383

Research on the effects of astragalus on patients with heart disease is lacking. However, animal studies suggest that astragalus has heart-protective properties that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. 

The anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy

In human studies, astragalus has been found to increase the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy. In fact, astragalus can shrink tumors and prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Laboratory studies show that astragalus has anti-cancer effects against human lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. One of the ways astragalus works is by strengthening the immune system's natural defenses against the growth of cancer cells. The antioxidants in astragalus may also help prevent cancer by protecting cells and organs from oxidative damage. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112797

https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-017-0487-6

https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-14-401

May counteract chemotherapy side effects

In addition to defending the body against cancer, astragalus may also help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. According to a review of several studies conducted on patients undergoing chemotherapy, astragalus root is effective in reducing nausea and vomiting compared to placebo. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5586

Strengthens the immune system

As an adaptogen, astragalus can stimulate a depressed or stressed immune system. Chronic stress, as well as consumption of large amounts of caffeine, sugar or alcohol, can suppress immune function and increase susceptibility to colds, flu and other infections. Astragalus root appears to stimulate various immune cells and their functions, causing white blood cells to circulate in the body and more effectively mitigate threats. Although further research is needed, it is possible that astragalus supplementation may help protect against colds by boosting immune function. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17067232

Supports kidney health

One of the traditional uses of astragalus in Chinese medicine is to support kidney health. Astragalus root has been found to improve proteinuria, the presence of too much protein in the urine. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by damage to the kidneys affecting their ability to filter waste. In a study conducted on patients with chronic kidney disease, supplementation with astragalus root was found to improve kidney function. 

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.775798

Protects brain health

Amyloid beta is the toxic waste responsible for Alzheimer's disease and dementia when it accumulates in the brain. In a study on rats that were injected with amyloid beta, a group of rats that were also injected with astragalus root had less neurological damage and anxiety symptoms compared to the control group. Although human studies are needed, it is possible that astragalus may help prevent neurodegeneration. 

https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_33354.html