January 26, 2018 Dr. Edward Group, DC

Astragalus Root: Health, Immune System, & Anti-Aging Benefits

Astragalus root helps support overall wellness.

p>Astragalus root is an herb that’s tremendously important in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known for its many health benefits, especially its potential to slow the aging process. Research has revealed this herb may encourage healthy function of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. It also supports normal cholesterol and blood pressure and encourages a healthy response to psychological stress. Because of its many qualities, astragalus root is frequently used to enhance the efficacy of other nutritional therapies.^[1]

What Is Astragalus Root?

Astragalus root comes from the astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, plant, which is native to China. There are more than 2,000 species of this plant. Also called Mongolian milkvetch and huáng qí, this hairy-stemmed plant grows year-round and is celebrated for the beneficial flavonoids — plant-based molecules with antioxidant properties — contained within its root. Astragalus root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and has more recently become a popular herbal remedy and nutritional supplement in the United States.^{[1, 2]}

What Are the Benefits of Astragalus Root?

Slows the Effects of Aging
Reduces the Effects of Stress
Promotes Heart Health
Helps Break Down Arterial Plaque
Promotes Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Supports Normal Kidney Function
Helps Detox and Protect the Liver
Supports Healthy Cell Cycles

A primary benefit of astragalus root is as an adaptogen — a natural substance that works with the body to regulate the effects of stress and fatigue. In this way, astragalus root can protect the body from emotional, physical, and mental stress. Additionally, studies have shown a positive effect on respiratory health, seasonal wellness, cardiovascular health, and more. It’s this herb’s impact on the immune system and its antioxidant qualities that enable it to support the health of so many organs and reduce the effects of aging.^[3]

Anti-Aging

The chromosomes that hold your DNA are bound by structures called telomeres. During cell division, telomeres shorten and signal a stop in cellular growth called cellular senescence, which can lead to aging and illness. T cells, which are part of the immune system, activate the enzyme telomerase. This enzyme fixes and extends the telomeres, helping the life of the cell. Extracts from astragalus root have been shown to activate telomerase activity in human T cells, resulting in healthier cell longevity and function.^[4]

Aside from activating the telomerase enzyme, astragalus slows the aging process by protecting mitochondria. By reducing or eliminating harmful free radicals from cells, damage may be reduced or reversed, slowing the aging process. Many anti-aging beauty creams are formulated with astragalus root.^{[5, 6]}

Anti-Stress

Whether it's because of a poor diet, lack of sleep, environmental toxins, or even emotional or physical challenges, everyone experiences stress from time to time. Whenever you get "stressed-out," a systemic change happens in your body from the release of stress hormones. This change leads to a weaker immune system and an imbalance in your gut flora. Astragalus root, being an adaptogen, can help the body normalize itself or "adapt" to different types of stress or physical changes. Studies show that astragalus root reduces the effects of stress by encouraging balanced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.^{[7, 8]}

Heart Health

Your heart is the motor that pumps nutrient-rich blood throughout your body to supply your organs and keep them in working condition. This vital organ can become unhealthy and develop issues when exposed to certain toxins or illnesses.

The rise in unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles in Western cultures has led to a greater incidence of heart conditions. Studies on cardiovascular health have increased as well, with growing attention to traditional Chinese medicine. Much of this research is focused on astragalus root and its benefits for heart health. Studies suggest that its cardioprotective nutrients, namely the flavonoids and polysaccharides, support artery health and the immune system. Clinical trials showed a marked difference when patients with heart conditions were given astragalus root extract.^{[9, 10]}

Blood Vessel Health

Damaged arteries are often the result of high blood pressure. A buildup of plaque that contains fat, cholesterol, and calcium can severely affect cardiovascular health. Over time, plaque can cause calcification, which hardens the arteries and makes it difficult for blood to flow correctly. The buildup of plaque also narrows the arteries and eventually causes the blockage that leads to serious health issues.^[11] The soothing qualities of astragalus root help break down arterial plaque and encourage balanced cholesterol levels.^[12]

Blood Glucose Health

Glucose is the sugar in your blood that distributes energy to the cells in your body. Your pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter cells. Sometimes, certain cells in your body resist the effects of insulin, a condition called "insulin resistance." As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin until, eventually, it has a hard time producing more of this important hormone. With little to no insulin being made, your glucose is unable to enter cells and starts to accumulate in your body. This process can lead to health issues such as Type 2 diabetes.^[13] Preliminary research suggests that astragalus root encourages normal blood sugar levels and insulin regulation.^{[14, 15]}

Kidney Health

Your kidneys filter water and waste from the blood to be expelled in urine. Your kidneys also keep your body’s minerals and salts in balance and produce hormones that make red blood cells. Health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys. Performing a kidney cleanse is a great way to support normal kidney health. Some research shows that astragalus root extract may help increase hemoglobin in red blood cells and decrease protein in the urine. More research is required, but studies suggest that astragalus root provides nutrients that support normal kidney function.^[16]

Liver Health

The liver detoxifies blood and helps get rid of cellular debris and old, worn-out blood cells.^[17] When the liver accumulates toxins or becomes damaged, it affects your immune system and makes it difficult for your body to perform its most basic detoxification functions. A liver cleanse is a good approach to supporting normal liver health. Astragalus root can be a helpful supplement during a cleanse because its natural, immune-boosting qualities may help detox and protect the liver.^[18]

Cell Cycle Health

The cells in your body are constantly growing and dividing. Sometimes the regulation of cells is disturbed, and the cell's normal growth and behavior stop. Studies show that astragalus root support the cells lining the walls of the arteries, known as endothelial cells. Researchers continue to study how astragalus root may support healthy cell cycles for overall wellness.^[19]

How Is Astragalus Root Consumed?

Astragalus root is most commonly available as capsules, tablets, or as a liquid extract. Astragalus tea, made by steeping the shavings of the root in hot water, is another popular way to reap the benefits of this herb. Sometimes, in clinical settings, when severe health conditions are present, astragalus root may even be injected.^[1] Additionally, astragalus root is a common ingredient in anti-aging lotions, creams, and ointments. Its natural soothing properties make it a useful alternative to harsh topical ointments.^[20]

Safety & Side Effects

By itself, clinical trials have not shown any evidence of toxicity related to astragalus root extracts. Observed side effects are minimal and may include diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.^[21] As with all herbs, care should be exercised before mixing astragalus root with other herbal supplements or medications, especially those that lower the immune system. Very little is known about the effects of astragalus root during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider before taking any supplement while pregnant.^[22]

Is Astragalus Root Right for You?

If you like the health benefits associated with astragalus root and want to support your immune system and overall vitality, then it may be right for you.

If you’re looking for a supplement that contains astragalus root, consider Ultimate Cellular Health. Cellular Health is an advanced antioxidant formula designed to protect and energize mitochondrial function, sustain healthy cell cycles, and guard against DNA damage. It may also help regenerate the body's natural intracellular antioxidants.

References (22)

Ehrlich S. Astragalus. University of Maryland Medical Center. umm.edu. 24 March 2015. Accessed 12 Dec. 2017.
Shannon D, et al. Adaptation of Astragalus membranaceus varieties to Southeastern United States: Growth, Root Development and Astragaloside IV Content. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2014;2(3),80-91 ISSN:2320-3862.
Huang Y, et al. Astragalus membranaceus-Polysaccharides Ameliorates Obesity, Hepatic Steatosis, Neuroinflammation and Cognition Impairment without Affecting Amyloid Deposition in Metabolically Stressed APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(12). pii:E2746.
Molgora B, et al. Functional Assessment of Pharmacological Telomerase Activators in Human T cells. Cells. 2013;2(1):57-66.
Xing-Tai L, et al. Mitochondrial Protection and Anti-aging Activity of Astragalus Polysaccharides and Their Potential Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(2):1747–1761.
Herndon J, et al. An Open Label Clinical Trial of a Multi-Ingredient Anti-Aging Moisturizer Designed to Improve the Appearance of Facial Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(7):699-704.
Kelly G. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4(4):249-265.
Hyun-Jung P, et al. The Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus on Repeated Restraint Stress-induced Biochemical and Behavioral Responses. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009;13(4):315-319.
Yang Q, et al. Clinical effect of Astragalus granule of different dosages on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Chin J Integr Med. 201;17(2):146-149.
Jiang D, et al. Milkvetch root improves immune function in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Biomed Mater Eng. 2015;26(1):S2113-2121.
Atherosclerosis. American Heart Association. heart.org. 2017.
Zhang G, et al. Effects of Astragalus membranaceus root processed to different particle sizes on growth performance, antioxidant status, and serum metabolites of broiler chickens. Poult Sci. 2013;92(1):178-183.
Symptoms & causes of diabetes: What are the symptoms of diabetes? NIDDK. nih.gov. 2016.
Ju J, et al. Astragalus polysaccharides improve cardiomyopathy in STZ-induced diabetic mice and heterozygous (SOD2+/-) knockout mice. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2017;10;50(8):e6204.
Liu M, et al. Astragalus polysaccharide improves insulin sensitivity in KKAy mice: regulation of PKB/GLUT4 signaling in skeletal muscle. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;127(1):32-37.
Zhang H, et al. Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014;10:(008369).
How does the liver work? PubMed Health. nih.gov. 22 Aug. 2016.
Zhou Y, et al. Synergistic anti-liver fibrosis actions of total astragalus saponins and glycyrrhizic acid via TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway modulation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;190:83-90.
Lai P, et al. "Induction of Angiogenesis in Zebrafish Embryos and Proliferation of Endothelial Cells by an Active Fraction Isolated from the Root of Astragalus membranaceus using Bioassay-guided Fractionation." J Tradit Complement Med. 2014;4(4):239-245.
Shenefelt PD. Herbal Treatment for Dermatologic Disorders. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 18.
Song J, et al. Safety evaluation of Astragalus extract mixture HT042 and its constituent herbs in Sprague-Dawley rats. Phytomedicine. 2017;32:59-67.
Wang R, et al. Effect of ingredients of Astragalus-Salvia compound on vascular endothelial cell in placenta and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression in trophocyte in pregnant rats with inhibited nitric oxide synthesis. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2005;25(6):516-519.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

Posted in: Cleansing > Cleansing Herbs, Health > Whole Body Wellness > Cardiovascular Health, Health > Whole Body Wellness > Circulatory, Health > Whole Body Wellness > Immune System, Health > Whole Body Wellness > Kidney and Urinary, Health > Whole Body Wellness > Liver and Gallbladder, Mind and Body > Mental Wellness, Mind and Body > Stress, Nutrition > Plants for Health > Herbs,

Dr. Edward Group, DC

FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.