BENEFITS OF ASTRAGALUS
✓ Stimulating and energizing
✓ Strengthens the immune system
✓ Supports and improves heart function
✓ Protects the liver and kidneys
✓ Helps treat respiratory ailments
What is astragalus?
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is one of the key plants in the Chinese pharmacopeia. In China, where it originates, it is known as “Huang Qi.” Before being a plant known for its medicinal properties, it is primarily a herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family, alongside 2500 other species.
It is a plant with deciduous foliage, either sprawling or bushy, and flowers grouped in spikes or clusters. But the most interesting part of astragalus is its root: this is where the active principles are concentrated.
In China, astragalus has been used in various ways for over 2000 years. As a medicinal plant, it is used to tone the body and act on the Qi (meaning vital energy). Additionally, astragalus is used as a forage plant to feed and enrich the soil with nitrogen. Finally, its root is highly valued in cooking. It is used similarly to ginger or turmeric: added to soup, sliced, or grated.
While astragalus has been known for centuries in Asia, it was only in the 1980s that it appeared in the West. Increasing numbers of researchers are interested in the virtues of astragalus, particularly its activity on the immune system.
Scientists discover a root with multiple components (polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements…) and very rich in antioxidant flavonoids.
Rapidly, the consumption of astragalus develops in Europe and in the world. It becomes especially popular in the United States and Canada. Research continues to highlight other potential properties of astragalus. However, most studies so far have been conducted on animals rather than humans.
Nutritional Composition
- Polysaccharides
- Triterpenic saponins: astragalosides I to VII
- Flavonoids: flavones and isoflavones
- Phytosterols
- Lectins
- Lignans: syringa-resinol, lariciresinol
- Vitamins: A, E, C
- Amino acids
- Minerals and trace elements: iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, potassium, calcium, manganese
The benefits of astragalus
⚡️ Stimulating and energizing
The tonic and energizing action of astragalus is certainly one of its most well-known properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is a tonic for the Spleen Qi, an organ directly linked to the body’s energy and emotional states. In Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian medicine), it is a plant called “rasayana” because it maintains vital energy.
Due to its polysaccharide content and its adaptogenic nature, astragalus can increase the body’s resistance and deeply revitalize it. This includes the most exhausted organisms: chronic fatigue syndrome, the elderly, sick or convalescent individuals, athletes…
Astragalus particularly acts on the adrenal glands. As sources of energy for the body, they are also responsible for producing certain hormones. When exhausted, the adrenal glands can cause significant fatigue and metabolic weakness. This is where astragalus comes into play, revitalizing them.
This study by the College of High Altitude Military Medicine in China, conducted on mice subjected to physical exercise, showed that astragalus has a clear anti-fatigue effect and promotes recovery.
🛡 Strengthens the immune system
Astragalus is a powerful immunostimulant plant. Its root contains all necessary elements to rebalance and strengthen the immune system.
The polysaccharides and lectins it contains are macromolecules that play an important role in immunity. They stimulate the production of leucocytes (white blood cells) and have an antioxidant activity that protects cells.
But that’s not all! The polysaccharides of astragalus also enhance the activity of natural killer cells: the LAK lymphocytes.
This study from China’s College of Animal Science investigated the action of polysaccharides of astragalus on boosting immunity in chickens. The result shows that astragalus improved the immune response and promoted the production of lymphocytes.
❤️ Supports and enhances heart function
Astragalus also has benefits for the heart. At the level of the cardiovascular system, it improves heart function by facilitating blood circulation and regulating beats. In this way, it prevents the formation of clots in the arteries and cardiac arrhythmia.
It also inhibits the lipid peroxidation in the myocardium, which leads to the formation of free radicals and damages heart cells. Finally, the sterols it contains reduce the level of bad cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.
This study from Jinzhou Medical University in China, conducted on 92 patients, demonstrated the effectiveness of astragalus in treating ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease linked to insufficient oxygenation of the heart).
💛 Protects the liver and kidneys
At the level of the liver and kidneys, astragalus plays a protective role and enhances their function. It is notably interesting for fighting hepatitis B, a viral infection causing liver inflammation.
Its flavonoid content allows astragalus to protect the liver and kidneys by limiting damage caused by alcohol, tobacco, medications, and chemicals. Even better: it regenerates damaged tissues.
This study from the School of Medicine at Xi’an Jiao Tong University in China, conducted on mice, showed that the polysaccharides of astragalus exert a promising antiviral effect in the treatment of hepatitis B.
🔬 Potentially anti-cancer
The polysaccharides and triterpene saponins are largely responsible for the anticancer effects of astragalus. As previously mentioned, astragalus stimulates the production of interferons. In addition to fighting viruses, these molecules also combat the proliferation of certain cancer cells.
Astragalus also has the ability to limit the development of diseased cells by acting on the mTOR enzyme responsible for regulating cell proliferation.
In this study from the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine in China, researchers studied the anti-cancer activity of astragalus on patients with lung cancer. The results show that astragalus has a significant antitumor activity on cancer cells.
😷 Helps treat respiratory ailments
Due to its benefits on immune defenses, astragalus is a valuable aid for treating respiratory ailments: cold, bronchitis, cough, sore throat… Taken as a cure before winter, it even helps prevent them as it strengthens the immune system thanks to polysaccharides and lectins.
It acts on the production of interferons, small protein molecules that fight viral infections. Finally, its content in vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E helps support and strengthen the body.
How to consume astragalus?
Astragalus in tablets
Astragalus in tablets or capsules is the easiest form to find in stores. It is interesting if one does not like the taste of astragalus powder. Make sure to check the content of active ingredients (polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids).
Astragalus in powder
Astragalus in powder is used diluted in a glass of water, fruit juice, or smoothie. In cooking, it can be added to a broth or a chicken, ginseng, and astragalus root soup, for example. Astragalus is mild, very digestible and warming.
Astragalus powder can also be used to make herbal teas or decoctions. Simply boil the desired amount in water (10 g of powder per 1 L of water) for 20-30 minutes. You can consume up to 3 cups per day.
Astragalus as a mother tincture
The mother tincture of astragalus is obtained by hydro-alcoholic maceration of the roots. It is a concentrated form rich in active ingredients, to be diluted in water. However, due to its alcohol content, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children.
Favor organic astragalus
When choosing your astragalus, take the time to check the origin and production method of the plant. Favor those cultivated in areas far from pollution (challenging to determine, admittedly) or, ideally, certified organic to avoid pesticide residues and other chemicals.
Astragalus and ginseng
To regain energy and fight fatigue, you can combine astragalus with ginseng or Szechuan lovage (Ligusticum levisticum). The astragalus/ginseng combination notably improves the absorption of creatine, a derivative of amino acids found in muscles and the brain.
Also read the Supplement on Ginseng: Our Buying Guide
Dosage of astragalus
⚖️ Generally, it is recommended to consume between 1.5 g and 5 g of astragalus per day.
⏳ It is preferably consumed 5 to 10 minutes before meals with a large glass of water. 2 to 3 months courses are particularly beneficial for enjoying the benefits of astragalus. Be sure to space each course at least one week apart.
💊 In tablets: up to 3 per day for 500 mg tablets or capsules
🥄 In powder form: 4 to 7 g per day
🧪 As a mother tincture: between 6 and 12 ml
Contraindications and side effects
Consumption of astragalus has few contraindications. However, it is not recommended for the following persons:
- As a precautionary measure, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid consuming astragalus.
- Due to its immune-stimulating properties, people with autoimmune diseases should avoid consuming it.
- People with hypotension should not take astragalus root as it lowers blood pressure.
- Because it can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding, it is not recommended for people on anticoagulant therapy.
Side effects may occur after consuming astragalus. Some users reported:
- Gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, gas…).
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
- Mild allergic reactions (hives, itching…).
If symptoms persist, it is advised to stop consuming astragalus and consult a doctor.
History, culture, and market of astragalus
Focus on cultivation
In its natural environment, astragalus primarily grows at the edge of forests and in sandy soils. It is a very hardy and rustic plant that can reach up to 1.20 m in height. In summer, it is covered with beautiful yellow flowers.
Its root, meanwhile, is yellow, fibrous, sweet and can sink 1 m into the ground. It can be harvested after four years of cultivation, in spring or late autumn. The rhizomes are then washed, used in cooking, prepared as tea or dried then powdered. Astragalus roots from “wild” plants are the most sought after due to their high content of active ingredients.
Today, astragalus is mainly cultivated in the north of China but also in the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. However, it can be cultivated in most temperate regions, including Europe. You can even grow it in your garden!
An indispensable plant in Asian pharmacopoeias
In China, Korea, Japan, and India, astragalus has long been used as a medicinal plant. The oldest record of its use is found in the Shennong bencao jing, written by Emperor Shennong. This is the oldest Chinese work on plants.
Astragalus is also mentioned in the Chinese Herbal Medicine materia medica, which lists the main plants of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Species not to be confused
The genus Astragalus includes more than 2000 different species. The astragalus used for its medicinal properties is Astragalus membranaceus.
It should not be confused with other species such as Astragalus gummifer (which produces tragacanth gum), Astragalus alopecurus (or Fox-tail Astragalus) or even Astragalus americanus, its American cousin.
File created by Julia Perez and Charlotte Jean
Sources and scientific studies
Gang Zhang, Si-Min Zhou, Shan-Jun Zheng, Fu-Yu Liu, and Yu-Qi Gao, 2015. Astragalus on the anti-fatigue effect in hypoxic mice.
Sanpha Kallon, Xiaorong Li, Jun Ji, Cuiying Chen, Qianyun Xi, Shuang Chang, Chunyi Xue, Jingyun Ma, Qingmei Xie, and Youngliang Zhangcorresponding, 2013. Astragalus polysaccharide enhances immunity and inhibits H9N2 avian influenza virus in vitro and in vivo.
Li SQ, Yuan RX, Gao H, 1995. Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus.
Chao-Yan Wu, Yuan Ke, Yi-Fei Zeng, Ying-Wen Zhang, and Hai-Jun Yucorresponding, 2017. Anticancer activity of Astragalus polysaccharide in human non-small cell lung cancer cells.
Shuang-Suo Dang, Xiao-Li Jia, Ping Song, Yan-An Cheng, Xin Zhang, Ming-Zhu Sun, and En-Qi Liu, 2009. Inhibitory effect of emodin and Astragalus polysaccharide on the replication of HBV.
