Also known as: Astragalus membranaceus, Huang Qi, Milk Vetch Root
Astragalus is a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, prized for its immune-enhancing, anti-aging, and cardioprotective properties. Modern research has focused on its polysaccharides and cycloastragenol, the latter being studied for its potential to activate telomerase.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a perennial legume native to northern China, Mongolia, and Korea that has been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a superior 'qi-tonifying' herb. The root contains a complex array of bioactive compounds, including astragalosides (triterpenoid saponins), astragalus polysaccharides (APS), flavonoids, and the telomerase activator cycloastragenol. APS have been extensively studied for their immunomodulatory effects, including enhancement of T-cell and natural killer cell activity, macrophage stimulation, and interferon production. Astragaloside IV demonstrates cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Cycloastragenol, a metabolite of astragaloside IV, has attracted attention for its ability to activate telomerase in vitro, which has implications for cellular aging research, though clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Astragalus is commonly used as an adjunctive therapy during chemotherapy in China to reduce side effects and improve immune recovery. It is well tolerated and widely available as a supplement.
Astragalus polysaccharides stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, increasing T-cell proliferation, natural killer cell activity, and macrophage phagocytosis in multiple clinical and preclinical studies.
Astragaloside IV has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in clinical studies, including improved cardiac output in heart failure patients and reduced oxidative damage to cardiac tissue.
Cycloastragenol, derived from astragalus, has been shown to activate telomerase in human T-cells in vitro, potentially slowing immune cell aging. However, long-term human clinical evidence is still needed.
Divided into 2–3 doses with meals
Standardized extracts containing 0.5–1% astragalosides or 70% polysaccharides are commonly used in research. Traditional decoction uses 9–30 g of dried root daily.
Once daily with food
Cycloastragenol is a concentrated extract, significantly more expensive than standard astragalus. Long-term safety data are limited.
Immune support with consistent polysaccharide and astragaloside content
Traditional Chinese Medicine preparation
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