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12-06-2017

Astragalus membranaceus, a renowned medicinal plant

Astragalus Perhaps you’ve already heard about the health benefits of Astragalus, a plant that is attracting increasing scientific interest due its many biological effects. There are, in fact, several thousand species of astragalus which between them have a wide variety of characteristics and properties. One such species is Astragalus membranaceus which has been known for thousands of years for its therapeutic benefits. In fact, the medicinal properties of this plant were first described in the Shennong bencao jing1, the Chinese pharmacopoeia’s most ancient book. Unsurprisingly then, in Asia, Astragalus membranaceus is a highly renowned and popular medicinal plant. It is recommended for a number of health issues, particularly as an aid to treating cardiovascular, liver, kidney and dermatological problems. In order to better understand and confirm its therapeutic potential, a number of scientists have investigated the plant’s effects and composition. Their research has confirmed the medicinal benefits of Astragalus membranaceus
Benefits of supplementing with Astragalus membranaceus

In vivo study evaluates effects of astragalus
Despite its many traditional therapeutic uses, few in vivo studies had been conducted on Astragalus membranaceus. A team of American researchers therefore decided to evaluate the effects of astragalus supplementation in humans. In a study of individuals with no known health problems, subjects were given varying doses of Astragalus membranaceus, and parameters such as leukocyte and cytokine response were measured, as well as body temperature and blood pressure.

Immune-stimulant power of Astragalus membranaceus
Published in 2016 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine2, this study demonstrated positive results for astragalus. The first effects were observed just four hours after supplements were taken, with an increase in circulating platelets. The researchers also noted a significant increase in certain leukocytes (white blood cells), which are known for their key role in the body’s defences. These included monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils which appeared within 8 to 12 hours of supplementation. Similarly, a dynamic change was seen in levels of circulating cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6 and interferon gamma. All these elements play a role in the immune system, confirming the immune-stimulant power of Astragalus membranaceus. The plant’s therapeutic benefits were further confirmed by physiological markers such as a decrease in blood pressure and a rise in body temperature. Both these changes are indicative of activation of the immune system, thus demonstrating the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus supplementation in improving the body’s natural defences.

Active fraction with anti-inflammatory properties

Though the immune-stimulant activity of Astragalus membranaceus was confirmed only recently, the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties were identified in 20143 when a team of Chinese scientists extracted an active fraction of astragalus. Its properties were evaluated using specific immune cells. The astragalus extract was seen to inhibit expression of a particular enzyme called nitric oxide synthase which is involved in vasodilation, a process associated with inflammation. Developing their research, the scientists demonstrated that this active fraction may affect a number of molecules involved in the inflammatory process, including cyclo-oxygenase-2, NF-kB, prostaglandin E2, regulators of the MAPK pathway and cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. According to the researchers, the use of an Astragalus membranaceus extract halved the overall activity of these molecules. They then moved on to identifying the plant’s active principles in order to explain its anti-inflammatory activity. Published in the journal Phytotherapy Research3, their results revealed 13 active compounds - five isoflavonoids and eight saponins – the activity of which potentially accounts for the anti-inflammatory properties of Astragalus membranaceus. This plant may thus offer significant benefits for preventing or treating inflammation.

Identification of natural antioxidants in astragalus

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, Astragalus membranaceus offers other health-protective benefits, as confirmed by a study published in 2015 in the specialist Chinese scientific journal Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi4. In this case, the scientists were able to confirm the antioxidant potency of three active principles in Astragalus membranaceus: astragaloside IV, formononetin and calycosin. The antioxidant activity of these molecules was assessed in Chang Liver cells, normal human liver cells in which oxidative stress was induced by adding H2O2. Monitoring the activity of astragalus’s active principles, the researchers analysed oxidative stress levels by measuring the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as expression of the cytochrome P450 2E1. Also known as CYP2E1, this cytochrome is known to induce oxidative stress which is responsible for health problems. Having confirmed the relevance of their study with a control test, the researchers demonstrated that the compounds identified in Astragalus membranaceus reduced oxidative stress, including that induced by CYP2E1. The active principles in this species of astragalus may therefore be particularly effective at combatting free radical damage.

These studies confirm the therapeutic potential of Astragalus membranaceus. With its antioxidant, immune-stimulant and anti-inflammatory properties, it offers protective effects for the body. Supplementing with astragalus may thus help prevent or combat certain age-related diseases, hence its use in the formulation of anti-ageing tonics and supplements.



Sources :

1. Shuang Ren, Hua Zhang, Yongping Mu, Mingyu Sun, Ping Liu, Pharmacological effects of Astragaloside IV: a literature review, J Tradit Chin Med 2013 June 15; 33(3): 413-416.
2. Denzler K, Moore J, Harrington H, Morrill K, Huynh T, Jacobs B, Waters R, Langland J, Characterization of the Physiological Response following In Vivo Administration of Astragalus membranaceus, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2016, 2016:6861078.
3. Lai PK, et al., Anti-inflammatory activities of an active fraction isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus in RAW 264.7 macrophages, Phytother Res, 2014 Mar, 28(3):395-404.
4. Li J, Han L, Ma YF, Huang YF, Inhibiting effects of three components of Astragalus membranaceus on oxidative stress in Chang Liver cells, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 2015 Jan, 40(2):318-23.
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