Astragalus Benefits for Heart Health

Astragalus benefits include heart health and cardiovascular support. It’s included in our CardiAce Heart Health Support Kits.

Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most widely valued traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Traditionally used to support “qi” (life force), this herbal extract is regarded as an immune stimulant, tonic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-proliferative, and expectorant.

So far, more than 200 compounds, including isoflavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and amino acids, have been identified in the phytoconstituents of the root. In addition, multiple biological activities of these compounds have been reported.

Astragalus membranaceus is an important traditional Chinese medicine, and here I’ll highlight common Astragalus benefits and uses.

Astragalus Benefits

Support for Heart Health

Astragalus benefits start with heart health. Astragalus membranaceus contains a set of more than 30 bioactive polysaccharide compounds collectively called Astragalus polysaccharides. These compounds work together with the herb’s saponins and isoflavonoids to support heart health.

The constituents of Astragalus root help support healthy heart function at a cellular level by protecting cardiomyocytes, supporting healthy vascular endothelial function, attenuating inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy, and helping to regulate intracellular calcium.

Support for Cardiovascular Health

Heart health and vascular health – the health of the arteries and veins of the circulatory system — are interrelated. Astragalus benefits include supporting the healthy functioning of blood vessels and supporting the efficient circulation of blood throughout the body.

Regular consumption of Astragalus herbal tea may help strengthen the heart muscles, thus enhancing the pumping of blood. The extract can also help maintain and improve the health of the vascular system. The extract may improve the health of the lining of the veins and arteries, as well as help with vasodilation, reducing the effort needed to circulate blood.

Furthermore, the antioxidant benefits of Astragalus extract can help protect the cardiovascular system from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS molecules are used by the body to fight pathogens, but they can also damage healthy cells. Some evidence also suggests that Astragalus benefits include decreasing the concentration of metalloproteinases. These compounds are known to contribute to vascular dysfunction.

Regulating cholesterol levels in the body supports the cardiovascular functions of the heart. Unhealthy cholesterol levels can contribute to ailments such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disorders. Astragalus herbal extract has the potential to inhibit cholesterol absorption in the small intestines and increase cholesterol metabolism. Drinking herbal tea made from Astragalus extract can help regulate cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels in the body. This combination can contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

Support for Immune Health and Energy

Immune health support and energy support are two other key Astragalus benefits. The major isoflavonoids from Astragalus root, including formononetin, ononin, calycosin, and its glycoside, may help to strengthen the immune system and increase energy.

Approximately 170 kinds of triterpenoid saponins have been isolated from Astragalus root thus far. Some of these saponins have shown the ability to stimulate the production of splenocytes without cytotoxic side effects. Other attributes of the saponins are reported to have anti-aging, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties.

Learn More About Astragalus

Astragalus herb is a miraculous plant that offers a wide range of potential heart health benefits. This herbal supplement has the potential to help improve health outcomes and overall wellness.

Astragalus is one of five herbal extracts included in Linden Botanicals CardiAce Heart Health Support Kits. CardiAce Kits are a synergistic collection of five time-tested heart health herbal supplements designed to support vascular health and healthy heart function, bolster mitochondrial energy, improve cardiac stress tolerance, and protect against free radical damage. Kits come in two sizes: 100g (~50 servings) and 250g (~125 servings).

Read the CardiAce FAQ SHOP NOW