Astragalus extract 5% | Astragalus membranaceus

Properties: Astragalus membranaceus has been known and used by Eastern natural medicine experts for millennia. As usual in such cases, the efficacy of its traditional applications has been confirmed by modern scientists. On top of that, research helped to uncover its previously unknown but equally interesting and beneficial properties. Since ages astragalus has been mainly used to fight a variety of infections. The ancient medics observed that people who administered this herb could get on their feet faster. Nowadays, these macro-scale conclusions have been confirmed in the micro-scale as well. As it turned out, the astragalus intensifies the production of immune system components such as lymphocytes and macrophages that fight the nasty germs directly or cytokines that send signals about the infection. These effects stimulate the defense mechanisms of the organism and significantly improve protection against infections. It’s also easier for the organism to get rid of them. Moreover, the scientists noticed that astragalus activates the natural processes of tracking and eliminating abnormal cells. Thus, potentially it can be used in cancer prophylaxis. 

Improved immunity benefits the central nervous system too. Even a tiny inflammation within its structures may influence its important processes that underlie each and every aspect of cognition, for instance memory. Thus, by limiting its spread, astragalus protects the brain from damage and the mind from disturbances. Particularly, its active compounds guard the hippocampus – structure essential for correct memory functioning. Therefore, this key area can maintain optimal activity even under extreme circumstances like oxygen shortage. 

Another interesting property of A.membranaceus is related to the oxygen balance. Tests run with the participation of sportsmen revealed that its administration improved performance. This effect was related to the fact that this herb helps the organism to absorb more oxygen and use it more efficiently. Better blood oxygenation means that organs are better nourished and efficacious. On top of that, active compounds found in astragalus benefit the functioning of the cardiovascular system too. Thus, its supplementation is worth considering not only to improve immunity but also increase the training results.

Occurrence: Astragalus membranaceus is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the leguminous family (Fabaceae). It is native to Eastern Asia, where it grows on dry and sandy soils. The plant is characterized by twisted leaves along the stem, sometimes accompanied by thorns. At the tips of the stems there are yellow butterfly-shaped flowers gathered in small inflorescences. The root of astragalus is the raw herbal material. 

In traditional chinese medicine (TCM) astragalus membranaceus has been used for over 4000 years to fight all sorts of infections, strengthen the organism, and stimulate appetite. It belongs to the group of 50 main herbs of TCM. The famous Chinese medicine book from the Zhou dynasty (XI BC) contains its description. The book called „Shennong bencao” was written by a legendary emperor Shen-Nong also known as “Divine Farmer”. In Chinese mythology he is the patron of both farming and medicine. Astragalus membranaceus is also used by Japanese and Korean traditional healers.

Biochemistry: The root of astragalus membranaceus owes its properties mainly to triterpene saponins – astraglosides I-VII. Some of the more attractive ingredients are their acetal derivatives, i.e. agroastragalosides I-IV and astramembranins. Apart from them, astragalus also contains: flavonoids, isoflavones, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins and free amino acids (e.g. asparagine, proline, arginine, aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, canavanine, alanine).

Fun fact: In China astragalus membranaceus is also called “Huang Qi”, which literally translates to “yellow leader” or “yellow senior”. The word “Huang” (yellow) refers to the color of astragalus root, whereas “Qi” in Chinese philosophy is the name of the vital force that this plant can balance.