Astragalus Herbal Extract for Heart Health

Astragalus herbal extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Astragalus benefits include heart health and immune health support.

According to the World Health Organization, at least 12,000 herbs are used for medicinal purposes. WHO also recognizes Astragalus membranaceus among the top 50 medicinal herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Astragalus offers a wide range of medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulant, and antimicrobial, the plant has gained global recognition and popularity.

Astragalus herbal extract benefits continue to be the subject of numerous scientific studies. This herb shows tremendous potential for people with various health conditions or those who want to improve their general health and wellbeing. Here, I’ll highlight many of these benefits.

Astragalus Phytochemistry

Being among the most remarkable medicinal plants in traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus falls under the Fabaceae / Leguminosae family. It is native to parts of Asia, including Mongolia, China, and Korea. It is more commonly known as huáng qí or milkvetch.

The main bioactive compounds of the herb include the following:

• Polysaccharides, such as xylose, mannose, rhamnose, glucose, and galactose
• Saponins, such as Astragaloside III, Astramembranosides A, Astramembranosides B, Huangqiyegenin III, and Huangqiyegenin IV
• 40 types of flavonoids, such as isoflavones, flavones, chalcones, pterocarpans, flavanols, and isoflavanes

Astragalus membranaceous medicinal properties were used in ancient times to address fever, anxiety, anemia, wounds, weakness, low immunity, and general fatigue. Other Astragalus extract benefits include hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic properties.

Astragalus Herbal Extract Benefits

Key Astragalus benefits include immune health support and heart health support. For starters, the immune system’s main function is to protect the body from harmful antigens (outside invaders). These invaders can include viruses, toxins, and dangerous fungi and bacteria. The immune system consists of a range of cells, proteins, and organs that work together to ensure optimal protection. With low immunity, one is prone to frequent infections, diseases, and hospital visits.

Astragalus contains important biochemical compounds that may help to enhance the body’s immune system health. These compounds have the potential to help protect the body from pathogens that could potentially cause illness. The herb increases the production of white blood cells in the body, which play a key role in fighting infections and illnesses. Animal studies reveal that Astragalus may help kill viruses and bacteria. The herb has also been used to help to fight infections such as the common cold.

Astragalus herbal extract benefits also include heart health support. Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and death across the world. Some of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include age, gender, drug abuse, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity. According to Sheng Nong’s journal, published over 2,000 years ago, Astragalus membranaceus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support treatment for cardiovascular conditions. The herb’s bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, help to enhance vasorelaxation, which can improve heart health. In one clinical study, heart failure patients received 2.25 grams of the herb twice daily for two weeks alongside other conventional therapies. These patients reported significant improvement in heart function.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Aging Support

Astragalus has well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Several clinical studies have been conducted both in vivo and in vitro to establish the clinical and pharmaceutical benefit of the Astragalus as an antioxidant. The medicinal root derives this property from its bioactive compounds that offer protective effects on various organs such as kidneys, liver, abdominal organs, spleen, and bone marrow. These bioactive ingredients enhance phosphorylation of interferon, nuclear factor-kB, and protein kinase, which enhance organ protection. Additionally, we all hate the effects of aging as they affect our appearance. Daily consumption of Astragalus tea reduces the signs of aging, especially on your face. The root extract also helps to clear aging spots and wrinkles.

Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Tumor, and Seasonal Allergy Properties

Another significant Astragalus benefit is its anti-diabetic properties. Diabetes mellitus, a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose), has become a more prevalent condition across the world, affecting millions of people. This metabolic disorder results in high blood sugar levels from malfunctioning insulin activity. Astragalus herbal extract may help to protect pancreatic beta cells through anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immunomodulatory activities. The herb also provides a balance between T1 and T2 helper cells that prevent the apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells. Astragalus helps to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, which may improve insulin function.

In addition, cancer has become a pandemic, leading to millions of deaths across the world. Cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally in major body organs. Researchers have discovered that flavonoids (bioactive ingredients in the herb) in Astragalus contain anti-carcinogenesis properties that may support treatment for colon, gastric, lung, breast, and liver cancer. Astragalus shows potential in preventing inflammation and inhibiting tumor cell growth.

Finally, seasonal allergies are becoming increasingly common around the world. Studies have shown that Astragalus may provide relief from the symptoms of some seasonal allergies.

Learn More About Astragalus Herbal Extract

Astragalus membranaceus offers a wide range of health benefits. From improving general wellbeing to helping to prevent and support treatment for various diseases, the plant shows great potential as an addition to many people’s daily diet. Astragalus extract can be consumed in soups, stews, and smoothies or consumed as a tea.

Linden Botanicals sells Astragalus as an individual herbal extract in 20 g (20 serving) to 200 g (200 serving) sizes. To learn more about Astragalus, read the Astragalus FAQ.

Astragalus extract is also one of five herbal extracts included in our CardiAce Heart Health Support Kits. The other extracts include Angelica (Aralia elata), Cistanche, and Hawthorn berry (Crataegus monogyna), and Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza). To learn more about Astragalus benefits, a good place to start is with the CardiAce FAQ.

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