Astragalus and Its Health Benefits For Chronic Disease
Astragalus is a medicinal adaptogenic herbs which has immune enhancing potential. It’s consumption has shown tremendous benefits in chronic kidney disease (Glomerulonephritis), lung cancer, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma and various autoimmune disease such as arthritis, dermatitis etc. The antioxidant found in astragalus helps in reducing the likelihood of disease progression and improves quality of life in individuals. This blog looks at the clinical and health benefits of Astragalus.
What is Astragalus?
Astragalus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name comes from the Greek word for “ankle bone”, referring to the shape of the fruit. Astragalus plants are usually perennial herbs with erect stems. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, or palmate, and are usually hairy. The flowers are small and borne in clusters. The fruit is a legume, typically a pod containing one or two seeds. Astragalus species are a food source or plant for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the moth Endoclita excrescences. Some species are also useful as traditional medicines.
Health Benefits of Astragalus
Astragalus is a herb used in TCM for centuries. Modern research shows that astragalus has many health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and protecting the heart. Moreover, Astragalus is also a potent antioxidant and improves liver function. Let us look at some of the health benefits of astragalus
Note: Astragalus is generally safe to take, but it sometimes interacts with some medications. If you are taking any medications, please check with your healthcare provider before taking astragalus.
Immune Modulation
Astragalus is a herb with many health benefits and used for centuries to treat different health conditions. Modern science has unlocked the mechanisms by which astragalus works, and one of its key functions appears to be immune modulation. Astragalus helps regulate the activity of immune cells, helping to keep the immune system functioning properly. This is beneficial in many ways, including helping to prevent or treat autoimmune conditions, reducing the severity of allergies, and protecting against infection.
Hypotensive and Positive Inotrope
Modern science has begun to validate many of the traditional uses for this herb, including its ability to help lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
Astragalus works by helping to relax the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which leads to improved blood flow and lower blood pressure. Additionally, astragalus has been shown to increase the strength of heart contractions, which can improve heart function in people with heart failure.
Astragalus is also a positive inotrope, which means it helps to increase the force of contraction of the heart muscle. This can be beneficial for people with heart conditions.
Antioxidant Benefits of Astragalus
Astragalus contains powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are one of the main causes of ageing and disease. Astragalus works as an antioxidant and helps the human body in multiple ways.
Anticarcinogenic Benefits of Astragalus
Astragalus extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro and
animal studies. Astragalus is thought to work by stimulating the immune system and by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply tumours with oxygen and nutrients
Hypoglycemic
Astragalus comes packed with a variety of health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Furthermore, Astragalus is thought to work by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas and by helping to improve the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Neuroprotective
Modern science has begun to validate many of the health benefits of this herb, including its neuroprotective effects. Astragalus promotes nerve regeneration and protects neurons from damage. It also helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Thus, these properties make astragalus an effective treatment for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Digestive Benefits of Astragalus
One of the most well-known benefits of astragalus is its ability to improve digestion. The plant is a natural laxative and helps to relieve constipation and other digestive issues. Astragalus is also thought to help increase appetite and improve nutrient absorption
Viral Infection
It boosts the immune system and help the body fight off viral infections. Some studies show that astragalus helps treat respiratory infections, such as the common cold, and may even help prevent the flu.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Astragalus is used for healthy flow in the heart and blood, and to promote circulation. Studies show that astragalus helps to improve heart function and reduce the severity of heart attacks. Astragalus is also effective in treating other cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmia.
Chronic Kidney Disease
It is known for its ability to help treat a variety of ailments, including chronic kidney disease. Astragalus works by helping to improve blood circulation and increase the levels of antioxidants in the body. It also helps to reduce inflammation, reduce proteinuria in glomerulonephritis and shown to help reach remission.
Glucose Regulation
Astragalus has many health benefits, including the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Moreover, it also helps to improve the sensitivity of cells to insulin, so that the body takes up more glucose and uses for energy. In addition, astragalus reduces the amount of sugar that the liver produces. All of these effects work together to help keep blood sugar levels under control.
Cholesterol
This adaptogenic herb helps the body to resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors. Astragalus is also known to help maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range. The triterpene saponins in astragalus are responsible for this effect. Astragalus also helps to lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Asthma
Astragalus is effective in treating asthma. Astragalus works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and airways, making it easier for asthmatics to breathe. It also helps to improve lung function and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
Memory Deficits
Astragalus has many benefits for memory and cognitive function. Astragalus appears to improve blood circulation and protect nerve cells from damage. Furthermore, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties may help to improve memory and cognitive function in people with age-related memory deficits.
Supplement Guidelines
If you are considering taking astragalus supplements, it is important to follow the guidelines below:
- Consult a healthcare professional: Astragalus supplements may interact with certain medications and can cause side effects in some people. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a pharmacist, before taking any new supplement.
- Follow the dosage instructions: It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the supplement label. Taking too much astragalus can cause side effects, such as diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach upset.
- Be aware of potential side effects: Astragalus supplements may cause side effects in some people, such as diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach upset. If you experience any of these side effects or other adverse reactions, stop taking the supplement and consult a healthcare professional.
- Don’t use astragalus as a substitute for medical treatment: Astragalus supplements should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a serious health condition, such as a chronic illness or an infectious disease, it is important to seek medical treatment from a healthcare professional.
- Choose a reputable brand: Choose a reputable brand of astragalus supplements to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product. Look for supplements that have been tested by a third-party organisation.
Recommended Dosage: 15-40 grams/day
Conclusion
Astragalus has a lot of health benefits. It acts as an antioxidant, making it a powerful anti-ageing herb. Since it has a cleansing effect, it is also a great immune system booster. It also supports your cardiovascular health by improving your blood pressure. Moreover, Astragalus also helps in the production of red blood cells and is a great tonic for your liver. It also benefits your digestive system and boosts your immune system. Everything we’ve discussed in this blog post isn’t exhaustive, but it does give you a good idea about what astragalus can do for your body.
