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Astragalus Membranaceus Root

Astragalus Membranceus RootThere are many roots of plants and herbs, used to make medicine and supplements. We’re going to explore one of these many roots today; Astragalus Membranaceus Root.

What is Astragalus Membranaceus Root and why is it used today? Read on to find out.

What Is Astragalus Membranaceus Root?

Astragalus Membranaceus is an adaptogenic herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It’s a perennial flowering plant growing in the north and eastern regions of China. The herb can also be found in Mongolia and Korea.

Usually, the root of the plant is used for many medical purposes and nowadays, it’s available in many different forms, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas.

What Are The Health Benefits of Astragalus Membranaceus Root?

Why is it used for medicinal purposes and how can it help?

Below are some of the better-known health benefits of Astragalus Membranaceus root:

  • Immune System Booster

Astragalus Membranaceus contains several compounds that may enhance the immune system, so it’s often used as an immune system tonic.1

Some studies found that the plant increases the production of white blood cells in the body that are actually the cells of the immune system. This results in protecting the body against harmful influences of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can help prevent various illnesses.1

Such properties make the plant an effective herbal winter remedy used to help prevent colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Some studies found Astragalus may even help treat acute respiratory tract infections like sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and sore throats in patients, including children.2

  • Allergy Fighter

Some studies found that taking Astragalus Membranaceus Root may help with allergies.3

The usage of the plant extract for 3-6 weeks eliminates the symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as a runny or blocked nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. It’s also effective against the symptoms of food allergies such as itching, rashes and difficulty breathing.3

Astragalus is also beneficial against allergic asthma.3

  • Anti-Inflammatory

Astragalus Membranaceus Root has an anti-inflammatory effect that makes the plant an effective treatment against inflammation-associated diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. How? The herb provides an inflammatory response and prevents the development of the disease.4

Astragalus polysaccharides are characterised by significant anti-inflammatory activity against adjuvant-induced arthritis.4

Some studies also show that the root extract may help against inflammatory diseases of the gut and help maintain intestinal homeostasis.5

  • Anti-Aging

We all want to slow down ageing. Luckily, the extract ofAstragalus Membranaceus is associated with significant age-reversal effect. According to some studies,Astragalus Membranaceus Root extract helps activate the enzyme telomerase, and this enzyme extends telomeres. It helps to extend the life of the cells, and thus, the life of the organism. Also, Astragalus may help slow the aging process by protecting mitochondria.6

The use of the plant, reduces harmful free radicals from the cells and prevents cellular damage. Some studies show Astragalus Membranaceus has beneficial properties and contributes to anti-vascular aging, anti-brain aging, and has even anti-cancer effects. 

Due to its anti-aging properties, Astragalus Membranaceus root is a key component of many beauty products.

  • Chronic Fatigue Treatment

Some studies found that the herbal remedies containing Astragalus Membranaceus root may help reduce the feeling of fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.7

The effect may be strengthened if the products are combined with other herbal ingredients.7

  • Kidney Function Repair

Astragalus may support kidney health, by helping improve blood flow inside the kidney. The plant extract may also prevent infections in patients with reduced kidney function.8

Additionally, it may be used as an adjunctive treatment to conventional therapies in reducing proteinuria (a condition in which abnormal amounts of protein in urine is present, an indicator of poor kidney health).8

  • Blood Sugar Level Management

The active compounds of the root extract (polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, iso-flavonoids, sterols, amino acids, and volatile oils) may help lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.9

How? Studies found that usage of Astragalus Membranaceus for four months may improve fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Taking this herbal remedy may also enhance the effect of insulin in the body.9 Some researchers found that taking herbal products with Astragalus for 10 months may even improve vision in patients suffering from vision damage caused by diabetes called diabetic retinopathy.10

  • Heart Health

According to some findings, the herb may help improve heart function as its extract widens blood vessels and increases the amount of blood pumped from the heart.12

Products containing Astragalus help improve the atherosclerosis profile and reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.11 In a study, patients with heart failure, given Astragalus Membranaceus, showed improvements along with conventional treatment.12

Some studies also found that due to flavonoids, Astragalus Membranaceus may also be beneficial to treat a viral infection of the heart or viral myocarditis. Viral infection of heart muscles may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.12

  • Chemotherapy Symptom Relief

Some studies show Astragalus Membranaceus is effective in reducing the harmful effects of chemotherapy. The patients undergoing chemotherapy admitted reduced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.12

Other studies found Astragalus Membranaceus extract improved the extreme tiredness associated with chemotherapy.12

Is Astragalus Membranaceus Root Safe?

Astragalus Membranaceus products are well-tolerated. However, like anything, some minor effects may occur, which can include rashes, itching, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea.

Doctors recommend refraining from taking any supplements containing Astragalus Membranaceus if you are pregnant, or have autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

As you can see, there’s a lot this amazing root can do. Talk to your health practitioner to see if it could be beneficial for you. 

Properties

  • Adaptogen1,6
  • Allergies3
  • Anti-Aging6
  • Anti-Bacterial1,2
  • Anti-Fungal1,2
  • Anti-Inflammatory4,5
  • Antioxidant1,6
  • Antiviral1,2
  • Arthritis4,5
  • Asthma3,4
  • Blood Pressure – Reduction11,12
  • Blood Tonic1,2
  • Brain Function / Neuroprotective7
  • Breathing Difficulties2,3
  • Cancer Prevention12
  • Cholesterol11
  • Cough2
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar9,10
  • Diarrhea2
  • Digestive Function5
  • Eye Health1
  • Fatigue6
  • Heart Support / Health11,12
  • High/Good Levels of Flavonoids1
  • Hypertension11
  • Immune Booster1,2
  • Kidney Support8
  • Liver Health8
  • Nausea1,2
  • Respiratory Support2,3
  • Vomiting Prevention1,3,12
  • Weight Loss / Management9,10

 References:

  1. Block KI, Mead MN. Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: A review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003;2(3):247-267. doi:10.1177/1534735403256419
  2. Su G, Chen X, Liu Z, et al. Oral Astragalus (Huang qi) for preventing frequent episodes of acute respiratory tract infection in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(12). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011958.pub2
  3. Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, Plavec D, Pecanic S, Tudoric N. Efficacy and Safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the Treatment of Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Phytother Res PTR. 2009;24:175-181. doi:10.1002/ptr.2877
  4. Dasgupta A. Chapter 4. Antiinflammatory Herbal Supplements. In: Actor JK, Smith KC, eds. Translational Inflammation. Perspectives in Translational Cell Biology. Academic Press; 2019:69-91. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-813832-8.00004-2
  5. Adesso S, Russo R, Quaroni A, Autore G, Marzocco S. Astragalus membranaceus Extract Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via NF-κB Activation and Nrf2 Response. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3)(800). doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030800
  6. Liu P, Zhao H, Luo Y. Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging Dis. 2017;8(6):868-886. doi:10.14336/AD.2017.0816
  7. Kuo Y-H, Tsai W-J, Loke S-H, Wu T-S, Chiou W-F. Astragalus membranaceus flavonoids (AMF) ameliorate chronic fatigue syndrome induced by food intake restriction plus forced swimming. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;122(1):28-34. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.11.025
  8. Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Xu C, Leung C, Chan LS. Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(10). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2
  9. Agyemang K, Han L, Liu E, Zhang Y, Wang T, Gao X. Recent Advances in Astragalus membranaceus Anti-Diabetic Research: Pharmacological Effects of Its Phytochemical Constituents. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med ECAM. 2013. doi:10.1155/2013/654643
  10. Gond AK, Gupta DS. Diabetic Retinopathy: Role of Traditional Medicinal Plants in its management and their molecular mechanism.Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Invent. 2017; 6(1): 1-14.
  11. Wang D, Zhuang Y, Tian Y, Thomas GN, Ying M, Tomlinson B. Study of the Effects of Total Flavonoids of Astragalus on Atherosclerosis Formation and Potential Mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012. doi:10.1155/2012/282383
  12. Zhou X, Xin Q, Wang Y, et al. Total Flavonoids of Astragalus Plays a Cardioprotective Role in Viral Myocarditis. Acta Cardiol Sin. 2016;32(1):81-88. doi:10.6515/ACS20150424H