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What is Astragalus?
Astragalus root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Like barberry root, it is said to support immune function. Astragalus is a powerful adaptogenic herb that has gained popularity recently as research has emerged about the possibility that it can protect DNA and increase longevity. Recent research has shown that astragalus may protect the telomeres from degradation.
Flashback to freshman biology: Telomeres are attached to the end of chromosomes. During the DNA replication process, telomeres keep the DNA together (like how the plastic caps on the end of shoelaces keep them from unraveling). Every time DNA replicates, the telomeres get slightly shorter and eventually when they get small enough, the process of cell death begins. Research has linked this process of cell death to aging and cancer.
Astragalus can help activate an enzyme called telomerase (hTERT) which stimulates the production of additional telomeres. (1,2)
“Preliminary research suggests that astragalus may also have powerful anticancer properties. In a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, researchers found that a water extraction of astragalus restored or enhanced the function of T-cells (white blood cells that play specific roles in the immune system) taken from people with cancer. In some cases, astragalus stimulated the damaged cells to greater activity than found in normal cells taken from healthy individuals.” – The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
Astragalus has a unique structure of polysaccharides that are said to have additional benefits:
“The most notable compounds are called formononetin, calycosin and astragaloside IV, and seem to do the following things in your body:
- Reduces the amount of nitric oxide released from cells, which reduces inflammation
- Causes certain genes and metabolic pathways to be shutdown which would otherwise cause blood and chemicals to flow to wounds
- Activates other genes and pathways which activates different immune cells”
How Astragalus is Used
Astragalus has traditionally been used both as a supplement/natural remedy and in cooking in traditional Chinese culture. It is a tough, starchy root, and can be added to soups or made in to a decoction by boiling the root in water.
I keep Astragalus on hand, both in root form (pictured above) and in capsule form. I don’t take it daily but use it in times of high stress or while traveling to counteract the effects of foods I would not normally eat. I know many people who take it daily for its anti-aging effects but haven’t tried this personally.
In traditional cultures, it is generally considered safe for use (even regularly or at moderate doses), but because it does stimulate the immune system, I am careful not to overuse with my autoimmune disease. Logically, those who are pregnant or nursing or have any medical condition should consult a doctor before taking this or any supplement or herb. Also, those taking any kinds of medication should check with a doctor to rule out drug interaction before taking. I’m not a doc and don’t play one on the internet so check with yours.
Sources:
1. Bernardes de Jesus, Bruno, et. al. “The telomerase activator TA-65 elongates short telomeres and increases health span of adult/old mice without increasing cancer incidence”
2. Astragaloside IV Downregulates ?-Catenin in Rat Keratinocytes to Counter LiCl-Induced Inhibition of Proliferation and Migration
3. Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus
4. Effect of astragalus injection on immune function in patients with congestive heart failure
Ever used Astragalus Root? Ready to give it a try? Share below!
Honey for Healing Cuts and Burns
What is the best astragalus to prevent cancer from coming back?
Hello, has anyone taken Resveratrol supplements or used skin care with it in it? There is so much talk about it. It is exrtact of a part of grape seed oil
Iam an iranian researcher and i worked in field of Iran flora for 25 years. there is about 860 species of Astragalus in Iran and two of these are As. verus & As. gossypinus which the first one has yellow gum and the second one has White gum. There is another kind of Astragalus which name is As. adscendens which its gum coming out by a kind of insect (pesil) and then gathered by people. Anyway i have a sister who suffering from Cancer and
the chemotherapy, when i saw your page and the effect of Astragalus roots in cure cancer disease i decided provide it for her but as i said there is exactly 865 species of Astragalus in Iran. Please say me the scientific name of Astragalus which you usefor this reason. Thank you so much-Dr. S.Azadi
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In America where this writer is most people are referring to astragalus membranaceous.
The Chinese claimed on another site that astragalus improves arrhythmia. I take 2 to 3 caps a day and it improved my heart beat and rate about 90%. That’s another advantage of using astragalus.
I am suffering from Cancer,the chemotherapy has effected my ammune system,specially the Pletelets.Comming to know about the properties of Astragalus Roots which helps, enhance the ammune system, I am looking for the way, how to get it.I am living in Lahore,Pakitan.The availability here,hs not come to my notice.
Hi Javed, I didn’t know what it was called in Thailand, but found it in a big bulk store. If you have many Chinese people where you live, you should be able to get it from one of their pharmacies. Good luck!
Astragalus has helped me tremendously in a number of ways, but I just wanted to say that I also have a (very severe) autoimmune disease, and take astragalus 2-3x daily, and find it helps my condition. This is because, as I understand it, astragalus is an adaptogen, meaning that it up or down regulates the immune system as needed.
Love the positive info on astragalus I personally have been drinking the root tea for a little over two years, what an amazing boost for the body, I don’t have any medical conditions and I’m not under a doctor’s care I do my own thing, the herbal way is the only way for me I’m a 65 year old woman and feel like a 35 year old, I find anything we set out to do for ourselves will always take a great deal of belief and faith in what you are doing, that is the main ingredient.
I take Astragalus capsules for regulate Arhythmia [ irregular heartbeat] I don’t know if that will work for everyone who has arhythmia, but it works for me.
Do you know if it’s safe to give to a 2 year old?
i take 1 astragalus cap/day . i also use foti annother chinese adaptogenic . foti is worth looking into for those who have these interests . for runny nose the green tea caps works well for me .