Astragalus

Parts Usually Used

The dried root is used medicinally.

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 to 36 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China, as well as Mongolia and Korea. It belongs to the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family. The plant has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets. The root, which is the medicinal part of the plant, is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants. Different species of astragalus grow worldwide in places such as Southwestern Asia, the Chinese Himalayan region, the Americas, and Europe.

Astragalus is a native tropical plant, mainly cultivated in Korea, China, and Mongolia. The plant thrives in temperate regions and is harvested for its roots.

Where Found

Astragalus is primarily found in northern and eastern China, Mongolia, and Korea. It’s also distributed across parts of Southwestern Asia, the Chinese Himalayan region, the Americas, and Europe. The herb has been cultivated extensively in its native regions for centuries due to its medicinal properties. While there are over 2,000 species of Astragalus worldwide, only a few species (particularly Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus) are commonly used in traditional medicine and supplements.

Medicinal Properties

Astragalus has been shown to contain numerous beneficial properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, adaptogenic, anti-aging, and diuretic effects. It functions as an immune system booster, helping to protect the body against various stresses and diseases. As an adaptogen, it helps the body resist physical, mental, and emotional stress.

Studies have demonstrated its ability to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative damage, and support overall health. The herb has also shown potential benefits for heart health, with research indicating it may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart function. Research suggests that astragalus may help in the treatment of conditions like diabetes by helping regulate blood sugar levels.

It has been studied for its potential to reduce side effects from chemotherapy, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Astragalus may also provide kidney protection, particularly for those with conditions affecting kidney function.

Biochemical Information

The main active compounds in astragalus include: Polysaccharides (Astragalus Polysaccharides or APS) – complex carbohydrates that consist mainly of glucose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucuronic acid, and galacturonic acid Saponins (Astragalosides) – with Astragaloside IV being the most active Flavonoids – including isoflavones, flavanols, isoflavanes, chalcones, and pterocarpans Amino acids and trace minerals The Astragalus polysaccharides are considered to be one of the most important bioactive compounds, responsible for many of the immunomodulatory effects.

Astragaloside IV is known as the major active saponin and is often used as a quality marker in research. The isoflavonoids, particularly calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, are dominant components among the flavonoids. A proprietary extract called TA-65, derived from Astragalus, has gained attention for its potential to increase telomerase activity, which may have implications for aging and longevity.

Legends, Myths and Stories

Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, dating back more than 2,000 years. It was originally described in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica, the earliest complete Pharmacopoeia of China written from the Warring States Period to Han Dynasty. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is considered one of the most important “Qi tonifying” adaptogenic herbs.

It is valued for its ability to strengthen the body’s primary energy, which we now understand as the immune system, as well as metabolic, respiratory, and eliminative functions. The herb is often referred to as “huang qi” in Chinese, which translates to “yellow leader,” reflecting its status as one of the most important herbs in the Chinese medicinal system. It has traditionally been used to increase vitality, strengthen resistance to disease, and promote longevity.

Uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine and other herbal traditions, astragalus was frequently combined with other botanicals in formulations intended to promote general wellness and support vital energy. Historical practitioners utilized the herb as an adaptogen to help the body respond to physical, mental, and emotional stress, as well as to combat general fatigue. Traditional herbalists administered it with the intention of bolstering the immune system, particularly for addressing seasonal allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory complaints.

It was also historically recommended to support cardiovascular function, aid in the regulation of blood sugar, and protect the health of the liver and kidneys. In addition, topical preparations of astragalus were traditionally applied to wounds with the aim of stimulating local blood flow and assisting the healing process.

How Sold

Astragalus is commercially available in various forms: Dried root (whole or sliced) Powdered root Capsules and tablets (standardized and non-standardized) Liquid extracts and tinctures Injectable forms (in some Asian countries for clinical settings) Topical preparations for skin application Teas (often combined with other herbs) Granules Decoctions As an ingredient in herbal formulations and supplements In Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus is also available as part of herbal formulas that combine multiple ingredients.

Some proprietary extracts, such as TA-65 and AstraGin™, contain astragalus as a primary ingredient and are marketed for specific health benefits.