The 7 Surprising Astragalus Benefits

Published on February 07, 2023


By Kristen Boye BS, Natural Health

Kristen Boye

Kristen Boye is a natural health expert, writer, copywriter, and editor. Kristen was raised on an organic farm in British Columbia which inspired her life’s work. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health, is a Certified Natural Foods Chef, co-owner of a medicinal herb farm, and is a natural foods and children’s health advocate. Kristen lives with her husband and two children on their medicinal herb farm in Western North Carolina.

https://www.holisticwritingconcepts.com

Did you know over 57% of American adults ages 20 or over consume dietary or herbal supplements, according to the Centers for Disease Control? REF#333

This is an encouraging sign that more people are taking personal responsibility for their health by finding supplements that work for them.

However, few Westerners have heard of the benefits of astragalus, one of the most widely-used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

What does astragalus do for the body?

It’s most widely recognized for immune-supportive benefits.* However, astragalus has also been traditionally used to benefit: 

  • The liver*
  • The kidneys and urinary system*
  • Energy or “Qi”*
  • Blood sugar*
  • Seasonal allergies*
  • Upper respiratory tract*
  • Menstrual cycle*
  • Menopause*
  • Organs of detoxification*
  • The skin*
  • Pain/inflammation*
  • Stress response*

In this article, we’ll share more about the science behind the traditional uses of astragalus and how it may benefit your health.

What is Astragalus?

Also known as milk vetch, Huang-qi, or Astragalus membranaceus, astragalus is a perennial plant that has been used in combination with other herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Astragalus is native to Asia, growing primarily in northern and eastern China.

Only two of 2,000 species are considered medicinal, and the root is the only part of the plant used in health care. REF#334

Astragalus is considered an adaptogen in herbology. It helps the body adapt and thrive under various physical, mental, and emotional stressors. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus is considered foundational for supporting the healthy flow of “Qi,” or energy, throughout the body, boosting immunity, nourishing the kidneys, improving heart health and circulation, and much more.

Science has discovered specific plant compounds in astragalus, such as polysaccharides (APS), saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, produce most of its health benefits.

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has been proven responsible for most of the herb’s benefits. REF#335

We’ll learn more about these specific plant compounds as we explore seven ways astragalus benefits your health.

#1: Astragalus May Support Immunity

As previously mentioned, astragalus is used extensively as an immune-boosting herb in TCM.*

Medical science has investigated astragalus to try and explain its success in TCM on immune health.*

They’ve discovered the plant compound, astragalus polysaccharides (APS), benefits immune function by: REF#336

  • Supporting all immune system organs, cells, and bacteria*
  • Promoting the proliferation of immune cells*
  • Stimulating the release of cytokines—small, secreted proteins from cells that play a role in immune modulation and communication between cells* REF#337
  • Supporting the secretion of immunoglobulin (Ig)---an immune antibody that plays a role in fighting infections* REF#338
  • Affecting the transmission of immune signals*
  • Supporting repair of the immune system*

In other words, astragalus provides a broad and complete range of immune support, which explains why it’s been so successful in traditional Chinese medicine.*

Gaia Herbs offers astragalus as a stand-alone tincture or in our Everyday Immune Mushrooms & Herbs and Astragalus Supreme herbal blends.

#2: Astragalus May Help Promote a Healthy Heart

After decades of research, new treatments, and public education campaigns, heart disease remains the number-one killer of American men and women (with cancer close behind). REF#339

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do in the lifestyle department to reduce your risk, including managing stress, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a healthy plant-based diet. REF#340 REF#341

Herbal supplements, like astragalus, Hawthorne, and turmeric have a history of traditional use in supporting the heart and cardiovascular system.*

APS (astragalus polysaccharide) has been shown to have numerous properties that may benefit the heart, including its antioxidant, anti-aging, immune-supportive, and blood sugar- and blood-lipid balancing actions.* REF#342

Additionally, the flavonoids in astragalus may provide additional antioxidant benefits.*

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re considering taking astragalus to support your heart. It may interact with certain medications. REF#343

#3: Astragalus Can Support the Liver

Astragalus is used extensively in TCM to support the liver.*

There is some scientific evidence to validate this traditional use.

Specifically, a 2021 animal study published in the journal Foods found astragalus saponins and Astragalus polysaccharide supported healthy hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut flora disorders in mice as a result of alcohol. 

It also “could ameliorate lipid accumulation in the serum and liver.” Lipid accumulation occurs in pre-fatty or fatty liver disease. REF#344

Astragalus polysaccharide has also been shown to provide a protective effect on the livers of mice undergoing chemotherapy. REF#345

Although more research is needed in humans, these studies suggest taking astragalus for liver complaints may be beneficial.

#4: Astragalus May Benefit Sugar Metabolism

Blood sugar imbalances of various kinds are on the rise in the Western world. 

For example, per the National Institutes of Health: REF#346 REF#347

  • An estimated 34.2 million people have diabetes (10.5 percent of the U.S. population).
  • An estimated 88 million adults ages 18 years or older (34.5 percent of U.S. adults) have prediabetes. 
  • 1 in 3 adults has metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes.

Fortunately, more people are becoming aware of the role lifestyle can play in blood sugar balance and metabolic health, specifically eating a whole-foods diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.

Herbs like astragalus can also play a role in supporting metabolic health and sugar metabolism.*

A 2020 review published in Frontiers of Pharmacology showed that astragalus polysaccharide promotes healthy blood sugar by:

  • Supporting normal levels of blood glucose*
  • Increasing the insulin sensitivity*
  • Improving insulin resistance (IR)*
  • And inhibiting the apoptosis of islet β cells (pancreatic cells that play a role in insulin production and blood sugar regulation). 

We also know astragalus supports the liver, which stores and releases glucose based on the body’s needs. REF#344 REF#345 REF#348

Stress can also cause blood sugar imbalance by recruiting the release of glucose for energy or fight-or-flight and stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. 

This phenomenon causes a drop in insulin, which can be problematic if you’re already dealing with blood sugar concerns. REF#349

As an adaptogen, astragalus helps balance that stress response, which may further explain its benefits on sugar metabolism.*

If you have an existing health issue and are interested in trying astragalus for metabolic health or sugar metabolism, check with your practitioner regarding the appropriate dose and medication interactions.*

If you’d like to try astragalus for overall metabolic health and don’t have a pre-existing issue, check out Gaia’s Astragalus tinctures, capsules, or Everyday Adaptogen.*

#5: Astragalus May Provide Kidney Support

The kidneys are one of the body’s most essential and under-appreciated detoxification organs. 

They are also a source of concern for millions of Americans who suffer from kidney health concerns, which are often rooted in heart disease, high blood pressure, infection, injury, and blood sugar issues. REF#350

Enormous focus is placed on kidney health in traditional Chinese medicine, with some systems believing they are more important than the heart. 

This is why it’s not uncommon for kidney-specific herbs, like astragalus, to be included in TCM herbal formulas.

There is scientific evidence to support the use of astragalus in this traditional and proactive approach.

One study published in Analytical Cellular Pathology found APS had a protective effect on the kidneys in the presence of sepsis. REF#351

It worked by helping regulate inflammation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), endoplasmic reticulum stress (a type of stress that plays a role in disease progression), and normal cell function.

Another animal study entitled Astragalus Polysaccharide Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Suppressing Oxidative Damage and Mitochondrial Dysfunction found that APS pretreatment might prevent pharmaceutical-induced kidney injury. REF#352

Researchers believe it works by protecting against oxidative damage, protecting mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cells), and stopping mitochondrial-mediated cell death caused by the chemotherapy drug, Cisplatin.

In other traditional healing systems, such as Ayurveda, the kidneys are considered closely connected to the liver. 

This fact could also explain some of astragalus’s actions on kidney health via its previously mentioned liver-supportive benefits.*

More in-depth research is needed to reach a definitive conclusion. 

However, based on these studies, and its long and successful traditional use, there is cause to believe astragalus is good for kidney health.*

#6: Astragalus May Support A Healthy Inflammation Response

As we’ve discussed in previous points, astragalus contains antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, that protect against the oxidative damage of free radicals.*

For those unfamiliar with this topic, free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to cells resulting in inflammation, aging, disease, etc., unless they are kept in check by antioxidants. 

Antioxidants, such as those made by the body or found in astragalus, fruits, vegetables, etc., act as natural predators to free radicals, destroying them and helping maintain inflammatory balance.

A study entitled: “Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus by regulating NF-ΚB and MAPK signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages” showed that the flavonoids in Astragalus had in vivo and in vitro* immunomodulatory effects (meaning they supported optimal immune system function) and supported normal inflammatory response. REF#353

*In vivo and in vitro refer to how different scientific studies are conducted. “In vivo” means the research was done on a live subject. “In vitro” means the research was done in a laboratory dish or test tube.

However, the researchers noted they did not know the exact mechanisms behind its actions.

The bottom line is that antioxidant-rich plants, like astragalus, turmeric, and green tea, can be a beneficial way to help keep free radicals in check.*

#7: Astragalus May Speed Wound Healing When Applied Topically

Herbs aren’t just outstanding for taking internally; many have a rich history of use as salves, balms, and other topical applications.

Astragalus is one of those versatile herbs that can be used topically or internally.

In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is renowned for its ability to speed wound healing when applied as a paste or poultice.*

Research has found that, once again, astragalus polysaccharide is responsible for these benefits.

A study entitled “Wound healing effect of an Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide and its mechanism” found astragalus possessed high potential in wound healing. Its mechanism was associated with inhibiting inflammation, accelerating the cell cycle, and promoting the secretion of repair factors.

Additional research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has validated its wound-healing and scar-reducing properties. REF#354 There is also evidence the saponins in astragalus may play a role in wound healing.

Serious wounds should always receive prompt medical attention. However, if you’d like to try astragalus on a small, superficial cut or scrape, here’s how: 

  • Clean the cut thoroughly.
  • Mix pure astragalus powder with purified water to make a paste.
  • Apply the paste directly to the cut and cover it with a bandage.

Change the paste and bandage every few hours and observe the effects yourself.

How To Take Astragalus

Astragalus is generally recognized as safe with no serious side effects. However, as previously mentioned, it can interact with some medications and other herbal supplements. It may also be inappropriate for someone with autoimmune conditions or those who are nursing or pregnant. Always check with your doctor or healthcare practitioner before starting a supplement.

Otherwise, astragalus can be taken alone as a liquid tincture, powder, or powdered supplement or in combination with other complementary herbs.

When looking for a high-quality supplement, always insist on the following:

  • Certified organically grown
  • Third-party tested for identity, purity, and toxins (this is especially important as most astragalus is sourced from China and may contain heavy metals)
  • Astragalus root (which contains the active compounds) vs. flower, aerial parts, etc.

The dosage will vary based on your individual health and goals. 

Check with your practitioner about the right amount for you, or start with the recommended usage on the supplement label.

At Gaia Herbs, we offer a variety of astragalus supplements including tinctures, capsules, and powders, including:

Is Astragalus Right For You?

Astragalus could become a cherished herbal ally if you’re seeking natural support for immunity, liver, kidney, heart, and skin health.*

Check out the products above and browse the studies to learn more about how astragalus may benefit your health, energy/Qi, and well-being.*

REFERENCES:

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