Astragalus Extract
Product name: Astragalus extract
Specification: Astragaloside IV 1%-98%HPLC,Polysaccharides 30%-90%
Botanical Source: Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.)Bge.
Appearance Brown to yellow powder (low purity), White or similar to white Powder (high purity)
Extract Solvent: Water/Alcohol
Heavy metals: ≤20ppm
Molecular Formula:C41H68O14
Molecular Weight:784.97
Recently, a tiny compound found in the root of a plant known as Astragalus membranaceus has been under heavy investigation for its incredible health benefits. Astragaloside IV is thought to have many antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-aging and disease-fighting properties. Here is a quick overview of new discoveries on the subject.
1. Astragaloside IV has powerful antioxidant properties - Today, we know that antioxidants are essential in order to maintain good health. The role of antioxidants is to scavenge damaged genetic material, neutralize it and prevent it from degenerating further. As we age or as we experience stress, pollution and bad nutrition, our cells become damaged and create free radicals. These small particles are unstable and steal electrons from surrounding healthy tissue, leading to the creation of more free radicals. Eventually, this free radical creation chain results in aging, cancer and disease.
Antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease while diminishing the effects of aging. The antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Astragaloside IV have been studied and scientists concluded that the reason it contributes to health is by neutralizing free radicals and protecting telomeres (the structure that prevents DNA damage during cell replication).
2. Astragaloside IV is a natural anti-inflammatory - Inflammation is a natural immune response designed to destroy harmful microorganisms and to initiate the healing process. There are two types of inflammation. Acute inflammation occurs when tissues are injured, like in the case of a sprain or a wound. Chronic inflammation is the result of the immune system sending too many inflammation messengers over a long period of time. It is the cause of medical conditions such as asthma and arthritis.
Studies on Astragaloside IV have shown that this natural compound can effectively fight inflammation by inhibiting the messengers that cause inflammation. One particular study showed the effect of Astragaloside on inflammation by measuring levels of nitric oxide in cells responsible for the immune response (3). Nitric oxide is a by-product of cell inflammation and could possibly contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells (4). The results were nothing short of amazing. Astragaloside IV was found to significantly reduce the production of nitric oxide and had no toxic effects on the cells. This indicates that inflammation was kept under control with Astragaloside IV
3. Astragaloside IV has antibacterial and antiviral properties - Astragaloside IV has immune-boosting, antiviral and antibacterial properties. One study examined the link between this natural compound and a virus that causes myocarditis (infection of the heart muscle) in young people. Scientists came to the conclusion that Astragaloside IV reduced the amount of viral cells in the myocardic (heart) tissue and decreased mortality among mice treated with Astragaloside IV compared to mice that didn't receive any treatment. Furthermore, Astragaloside IV reduced necrosis (tissue death) due to the viral infection
Astragalosides were also studied as part of an experiment on the role of Astragalus compounds on bacteria such as tuberculosis. Mice that received an astragaloside supplement experienced a significantly higher rate of macrophage activity when infected with tuberculosis. Macrophages are cells that specialize in destroying viruses and bacteria.
By increasing the body's ability to fight off viruses and bacteria, Astragaloside IV could prove to be a precious ally in reducing microorganism transmission and mortality from infectious diseases. The more effective our bodies are at fighting pathogens, the less likely we are to get sick.
4. Astragaloside IV acts as an organ protector - Several studies back it up: Astragaloside IV has a protective function on the liver, the heart, the nervous system and the brain, among others. These studies point to specific effects of Astragaloside IV in reducing complications caused by damage to these tissues. It also helps prevent deterioration of organs by regulating different physiological mechanisms.
One study explains how Astragaloside IV helps reduce cellular death caused by excess glucose in diabetics. When exposed to high levels of glucose, cells begin to deteriorate and eventually die. This explains why diabetics suffer from complications such as heart failure, amputation and blindness. Not only does Astragaloside IV help reduce blood glucose, it can also help prevent further tissue damage in diabetic organisms. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties protect tissues and nerves while its insulin-stimulating properties reduce blood glucose, leading to an overall improvement in diabetic symptoms.
5. Astragaloside IV has anti-aging properties - Numerous studies have shown a link between Astragaloside IV and cell protection. As cells age, the little structures that protect the ends of DNA strands, called telomeres, get shorter and can no longer perform their function adequately. Astragaloside IV activates an enzyme that restores the length of telomeres in order to maintain their protective effect on cells. The signs of aging are related to the degradation of cell and tissue function caused by the shortening of telomeres. Furthermore, many age-related diseases are caused by free radical damage and shortened telomeres. By fighting oxidation and maintaining a functional telomere length, Astragaloside IV shows potentially powerful age-fighting properties.
6. Astragaloside IV helps to heal wounds - A 2012 study discovered that an Astragaloside IV-enriched topical gel accelerated the healing of wounds. Researchers infused a gel with the plant compound and applied it to wounds on the skin of rats. They noticed a significant improvement in wound closure, collagen synthesis and skin recovery. This proves that Astragaloside IV can have beneficial effects both locally and systemically (throughout the entire body). With its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, it could become the new standard in natural wound care. As we know, proper wound care helps with the improved appearance of scars and reduces the risk of infection.