Astragalus membranaceus is one of those medicinal plants that most naturopaths know, love and hold in high regard. The immune boosting powers of astragalus are well known, but have you considered what might affect quality (and therefore the results you're likely to get from this ingredient)?

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used extensively in Western Herbal Medicine for centuries and is an ancient herb with a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For over 2,000 years, it’s been used to strengthen the body, promote longevity and enhance vitality, especially in cases of fatigue, weakness and general depletion.

While astragalus has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, its benefits have more recently been explored and validated by western science. In 2020 – when interest and research into potent, effective herbal medicines blew up – as you’d expect, astragalus was high on the list of ingredients being studied. Many new studies come out alongside recommendations from experts around the world on its therapeutic application and potential.

Current research reveals its ability to help the body adapt to stress while enhancing energy, resilience and immune function. Astragalus shows promise in a range of bioactive effects, including immunomodulation, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory action and as an adaptogen.

What does the research say?

Recent studies confirm that astragalus is a powerhouse herb for supporting vitality and long-term health:

• SUPPORTS CARDIOVASCULAR, LUNG & LIVER HEALTH: Aids in maintaining heart, lung and liver function, contributing to overall health.¹
• BOOSTS ENERGY & ENDURANCE: Increases vitality and stamina, enhancing your ability to perform at your best.¹
• IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTION: Strengthens immune function, promoting your body’s ability to prevent illness.^1,2
• ADAPTOGE & NEUROPROTECTIVE: Astragalus helps the body adapt to stress, promoting mental clarity and resilience.^1,3
• BLOOD GLUCOSE REGULATION: Promotes balanced blood sugar levels for sustained stable energy.^1,2
• REGULATES ADRENAL FUNCTION: Supports healthy cortisol levels and adrenal balance.⁴

While more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its long-term effects, current research supports astragalus as a potent herb for boosting energy, enhancing resilience and improving immune function.

How astragalus supports immunity

With regards to immunity, astragalus works through multiple pathways, but ultimately provides immunomodulation, helping the body maintain a state of homeostasis.

It does this through ‘enhancing the immune hormone index, promoting the proliferation of immune cells, stimulating the release of cytokines, and effecting the secretion of immunoglobulin and conduction of immune signals’.

This is vitally important to both prevent immune infection as well as recover from attacks on the immune system.

More than 200 compounds from astragalus have been isolated and identified, with many of these having a positive effect on immune modulation, adaptogen activity, cardiovascular health, among other benefits.

Astragalus and sustainable sourcing

Like all medicinal plants that have an increased demand, supply and sustainability issues should always be considered. Inferior quality material inherently makes its way to the market and – without proper knowledge, screening and due diligence – ends up in the formulations that practitioners prescribe.

Astragalus in RejuveGen

You’ll find astragalus in our advanced adaptogen formula, Give Back Health Clinic Collection RejuveGen, designed to set a new standard in adrenal and adaptogen support. Crafted to combat burnout, fatigue, brain fog, overwhelm, low mood and adrenal dysfunction.

The astragalus we’ve used is derived from 100% water extract, which extracts out the key active constituents (e.g. polysaccharides) for maximum therapeutic effect.

Additionally, the material we use is organically grown and sustainably sourced.

Where to buy RejuveGen

RejuveGen is a practitioner-only product under the Give Back Health Clinic Collection range. This means you can purchase it following a consult with a healthcare professional who can better understand your personal situation and make recommendations to best support your health presentation.

To purchase RejuveGen:

• HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS: Buy today through our Australian and New Zealand distributors.
• OTHERS WANTING TO USE REJUVEGEN: Ask your healthcare practitioner or in-store naturopath for Give Back Health Clinic Collection RejuveGen.

Feel good. Give back.

DISCLAIMER:

We recommend speaking with a registered healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements or vitamins to ensure you don’t encounter any adverse effects or clashes with current medications you may be taking. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare provider.

References

1. Guo Z, Lou Y, Kong M, Luo Q, Liu Z, Wu J. A systematic review of phytochemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics on astragali radix: Implications for astragali radix as a personalized medicine. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(6):1-44. doi:10.3390/ijms20061463

2. Zheng Y, Ren W, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Liu D, Liu Y. A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11(March):1-15. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.0034

3. Liu P, Zhao H, Luo Y. Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging Dis. 2017 Dec 1;8(6):868-886. doi: 10.14336/AD.2017.0816. PMID: 29344421; PMCID: PMC5758356.

4. Shahrajabian, M. H., Sun, W., & Cheng, Q. (2019). A review of Astragalus species as foodstuffs, dietary supplements, a traditional Chinese medicine, and a part of modern pharmaceutical science. Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China. August 2019.