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Less well known in Europe than Ginseng, Astragalus is a plant widely used in Chinese medicine for its energizing properties and its stimulation of the body's immune mechanisms.
Like ginseng and rhodiola rosea, astragalus is an adaptogenic and tonic plant : it increases the body's ability to react to physical and psychological stress.
We will give you a quick presentation.
The origins of Astragalus: a much-studied plant
Astragalus Membranaceous or Astragalus Propinquus (Huang Qi in Chinese) is a flowering plant whose roots are used for their therapeutic properties.
The species is not considered threatened (see Legume database ) and it is one of the most studied by researchers due to its tonic and energizing properties .
Used for over 20 centuries to treat various illnesses, Astragalus Membranaceous has been the subject of numerous scientific studies in China of course, but also in the USA, Russia, etc.
Its historically known properties are also scientifically confirmed. (1)
The benefits of Astragalus
Astragalus is attributed with many properties and multiple benefits linked to its composition.
The adaptogenic properties of astragalus are mainly linked to the richness of its roots in active molecules such as polysaccharides, triterpenes, flavonoids and amino acids.
Here are the main ones:
- anti-fatigue and toning action
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Anti-aging action
- Antimicrobial and antiviral action
Anti-fatigue and toning action of astragalus
Astragalus root has a high content of polysaccharides (molecules formed by a chain of elementary carbohydrates).
These complex carbohydrates participate directly in the production of cellular energy and help the body to fight fatigue more quickly through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating action.
Astragalus root also contains flavonoids and two interesting triterpene saponins: cycloastragenol and astragaloside , the properties of which are detailed below.
Astragalus' immune system boost
Astragalus contains triterpene saponins.
The role of triterpene saponins (astragoloside and cycloastragenol) in the immune response has been scientifically demonstrated at several levels, including:
- By increasing the proliferation of T lymphocytes
T lymphocytes are white blood cells responsible for so-called "cellular" immunity. They have the ability to eliminate pathogens that infect the body.
- By catalyzing the synthesis of the “messenger” interferon
Interferon is a substance produced by white blood cells whose role is to trigger a defense reaction from all the cells in the body responsible for immunity.
The anti-aging action of Astragalus
More recently, the beneficial effect of cycloastragenol on the repair of telomeres in the DNA of nerve cells has been highlighted.
Telomeres are the terminal part of chromosomes, without a functional role (without genes) but nevertheless essential for the reproduction of DNA.
They gradually wear out with each duplication of DNA and when they have disappeared, the reproduction of DNA becomes impossible: the cell dies, and the whole organism gradually ages.
Telomeres therefore play an essential role in longevity.
Cycloastragenol has an anti-aging action by stimulating a specific enzyme: telomerase which protects and repairs telomeres.
Antiviral and antimicrobial action of Astragalus
Astragalus has antiviral properties. In poultry, it has been shown that the flavonoids in Astragalus disrupt the reproduction of the bronchitis virus (2).
Its effectiveness has also been proven in destroying microbes. An in vitro study conducted in 2009 also demonstrated the role of Astragalus polysaccharides against certain microbes such as Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus (3).
The active ingredients of Astragalus are still the subject of numerous studies, particularly on their usefulness in protecting the cardiovascular system. (4)
How much Astragalus should I take?
Significant doses to experience these actions are in the order of 3 to 5 grams of root powder/day (if astragalus is taken alone) or in the form of an extract (1/10) of 300 to 500 mg.
For concentrated Astragalus extracts, refer to their "dry plant equivalent." Alternatively, refer to their verified dosage in at least one of the main active ingredient families: flavonoids, polyphenols, or saponins.
This attests to the quality of the extraction and the effectiveness of the product.
Astragalus in food supplements
On April 17, 2020, given the exceptional health situation we are experiencing, which is leading to a proliferation of immunostimulant products on the market, ANSES* published the following warning:
"Several plants have been identified as having counterproductive effects in the defense against the coronavirus. These include plants containing salicylic acid derivatives (aspirin analogues), such as willow, meadowsweet, birch, poplar, goldenrod, polygalas, etc.."
Astragalus is not on this list but since its anti-inflammatory properties are often mentioned, we looked into this further before using Astragalus in our Immuno Tonus formula.
It appears that these properties are demonstrated in the case of inflammation of tissues resulting from the introduction of carcinogenic substances into the organism studied (and with very high daily doses, beyond 20 g/day)
* National Agency for Food Safety
Our Astragalus-based supplement
We have combined, in the same capsule: Astragalus with extracts of Ginseng and Acerola and two essential oils for a synergistic action aimed at improving the body's tonic and immune response with a natural solution.
Each capsule contains:
- Astragalus (100 mg of dry extract dosed at 20% flavonoids, to have a significant and guaranteed content of these essential active ingredients)
- Ginseng and Acerola extracts with vitamin C
- Essential oils of Grapefruit and Eucalyptus
This formula provides a modular adaptogenic effect (from 1 to 3 capsules/day) allowing effective stimulation of the body to react to infectious attacks without risk of negative effects.
Sources
(1) http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Astragale
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29170045/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19307623
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470777/
https://www.docteurclic.com/traitement/interferon.aspx
