Astragalus propinquus, also known as Mongolian milkvetch, is an essential component of traditional Chinese medicine, and this substance has been used for hundreds of years to prolong life, reduce the symptoms of allergies, and prevent heart disease. The beneficial components of this perennial plant are mainly concentrated in its roots, and recently, Western scientists have started investigating astragalus root extract for its potential immune-boosting, anti-aging, and cardiovascular benefits.
Astragalus root contains dozens of different compounds, and while some are water-soluble, the majority of the substances in astragalus are fat-soluble.
The only source of the unique medley of compounds present in astragalus is astragalus root.
There is no official nutrient reference value (NRV) for astragalus since this substance is not recognised as an essential nutrient. In clinical studies, however, doses between 2-30g are commonly used.
Astragalus root, while edible, is not particularly delicious, so this substance is not commonly eaten as it is.
Astragalus contains cycloastragenol, a substance that may activate telomerase, which prevents the destruction of your telomeres. Since telomeres are markers on your DNA that cause you to age when they break down, astragalus may help you live a longer, healthier life. There is also plenty of evidence supporting the theory that astragalus may improve your immunity, prevent cardiovascular disease, and exert a wide range of other health benefits. This multi-talented, natural substance appears to improve your health whether you’re troubled by infectious disease or not.
It might be a good idea to take astragalus whenever concerns over infectious disease are on the rise. In addition to potentially mitigating the symptoms of both viral and bacterial infections, astragalus may also prevent infectious disease from gaining a foothold in your body. Given the medley of other potential benefits that astragalus might exert, you may want to take this substance regularly regardless of your current health status.
Since most of the beneficial compounds in astragalus are fat-soluble and have a cumulative effect, you may need to take this substance for more than a week to experience its unique benefits.
Your body will absorb the water-soluble compounds in astragalus within around 24 hours, but it may take multiple days to process this substance’s fat-soluble compounds.
The fat-soluble compounds in astragalus will stay in your body for up to four weeks while this root’s water-soluble compounds will pass through your body within 2-3 days.
Research indicates that the beneficial substances in astragalus may exert direct antioxidant properties.
There are no reported cases of astragalus overdose. This substance may sometimes cause mild side effects like skin rashes and runny nose.
The fat-soluble compounds in astragalus tend to accumulate in fatty tissues like your liver, but the water-soluble compounds in this root are excreted out of your body quite rapidly.
Astragalus is a vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free and an all-natural substance, so it does not interfere with any dietary restrictions. This substance does not appear to significantly affect weight gain or weight loss.
While certain efforts have been made to combine components of astragalus with synthetic compounds, none of the unique compounds in of this root have been fully synthesised.
No information is available on the theoretical absorption rates of synthetic astragalus.
Natural forms of astragalus are the only forms of this substance currently available.
Astragalus root is generally dried, powdered, and then taken in the form of an oral supplement.
In 2020, international researchers determined that astragalus improved immunity in fish in a laboratory setting, while also exerting antioxidant effects. Also this year, Chinese scientists explored the potential benefits of astragalus for ulcerative colitis, which often causes associated lung injury. The researchers determined that astragalus may be an effective tool for preventing both conditions.