Astragalus Extract Health Benefits

Astragalus extract is popular as a health supplement because of its reported health benefits and history of use as a medicinal herb. This adaptogenic group of herbs, collectively known as astragalus, are thought to assist with protecting the body from various external stresses. Herbs with medicinal properties were well recognized by our ancient ancestors and were used as the first forms of medicines in civilized societies.

The unique plant compounds within the astragalus plants may have specific benefits to maintaining optimal vital organ health. This is why they were popular in ancient medicines. The major active plant compounds in astragalus extract with reported health benefits include, flavonoids, saponins and astragalus specific polysaccharides.

While many plants and fruits contain these sorts of compounds, genetics means that each species is unique. They have specific potential actives, quantities of these and resulting health benefits. Some plants also contain mild toxins, which is why thorough plant research is so important. Astragalus extract supplements are usually from the root, with astragalus roots having a completely different plant chemical profile to the leaves or flowers and separate health benefits too.

In traditional Chinese medicine, roots of astragalus are considered to provide the body with revitalization. Especially in terms of energy. While its antioxidant properties are thought to be responsible for detoxification and anti-pathogen abilities.

This article will cover astragalus in detail, showing how this revered medicinal plant could assist with your wellbeing.

Astragalus Flavonoids

The flavonoid fraction of astragalus extract is the biggest group of polyphenols in astragalus plants and so provide much of its potential health benefits. Flavonoids are present in many different fruits, plants and herbs, with specific genetics presenting slightly different effects on the body.

One known activity of plant flavonoids are their antioxidant abilities, which again varies depending on the plant and specific structure. Plant flavonoids, such as those obtained from astragalus extracts, are able to remove harmful compounds from the body called free radicals. They can react with them, extinguishing their reactivity to the body, preventing damage to essential cell parts. This includes DNA and fatty acid containing cell membranes, both of which are prone to damage from harmful free radical compounds.

Most of the preventative antioxidant qualities of astragalus extract come from the phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids. The protective ability of astragalus extract flavonoids has been measured, including against strong UV or sun radiation. Astragalus extract flavonoids were seen to directly protect DNA from free radical damage, providing potential health benefits as a cancer preventative agent. The astragalus flavonoids also reduced DNA mutations, a major cause of cancers.

Astragalus flavonoids protect the body from oxidative damage, while also upregulating the overall antioxidant activity of the body. This oxidative research suggests that Astragalus extract flavonoids could offer benefits in a supporting and protective role as an antioxidant in a supplement.

Specific Protective Effects Of Astragalus

One key effect of really strong antioxidants is their ability to conserve or protect organs from damage and assist with their optimal health. One study found that astragalus extract flavonoids had a benefit as an antioxidant, that could protect organs after serious radiological damage. This is consistent with the medicinal history of this plant, being used to treat oxidative stress injuries to the intestines, eyes and liver.

Some major antioxidant compounds isolated from roots of astragalus include formosin, calycosin, and odoratin. These active antioxidants had a similar or better antioxidant ability than α-tocopherol or vitamin A. This is quite remarkable and demonstrates the potential health benefits of astragalus extract as a protective supplement for optimal organ health and cancer prevention.

Another example of the protective benefits of astragalus was observed with astragalus isoflavonoids. These compounds are very similar to flavonoids. Astragalus isoflavonoids, including formononetin and calycosin, were seen to protect the brain from direct oxidative damage. These compounds may have an ability to prevent or manage cell injuries. This neuroprotective effect has potential benefits for improving or encouraging optimal brain function.

One organ that is regularly under oxidative stress and damage is the liver, due to the toxins this organ handles each day.  Flavonoids of astragalus were shown to assist with optimal liver health. They were seen to improve antioxidant activity within the liver, protecting liver tissue from oxidative damage, while assisting with optimal collagen production.

Astragalus, Heart Health And Diabetes

Additionally, astragalus extract flavonoids were shown to have blood pressure lowering effects. This provides protective health benefits to the circulatory system and heart. Two astragalus compounds, formononetin and calycosin, were seen to be able to cause blood vessels to relax. This is one body system response through which blood pressure can be natural lowered. Studies with astragalus extract flavonoids show that they could potentially lower LDL cholesterol and improve HDL cholesterol levels.

Astragalus extracts may have antidiabetic potential too. Anti-inflammatory interleukins such as Il-6 and Il-12 are significantly reduced with astragalus extracts. These anti-inflammatory actions are thought to be able to lower insulin resistance. The anti-inflammatory effects of astragalus extracts therefore may have mild diabetes preventative effects. There is also evidence that astragalus is able to restore the capability of the immune system in cancer patients.

Antimicrobial Effects

Considering how vital the immune system is and how it is in constant operation in the body, any mild antimicrobial activity has a potential benefit to the body. This is especially true considering the vast number of resources the immune system has the potential to consume.

Astragalus root flavones can inhibit bacterial growth, showing effects against various types of bacteria. The anti-microorganismal activity of astragalus extracts are thought to be weak, also having mild anti-fungal effects. A major fraction of antibacterial activity has been observed to come from astragalus flavonoids.

Within the gastrointestinal tract, astragalus extracts may be selective for more beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, while suppressing the growth of other bacteria. Astragalus extracts had strong effects on mildly pathogenic gut bacteria such as Enterobacter, Enterococcus and Clostridium.

There is a possibility that these mild antimicrobial effects could encourage more optimal gut health. The area of gut health is an area that is becoming more well understood. Especially in relation to inflammatory diseases and gut bacteria. Beneficial gut bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are thought to have a much higher benefit to health than previously thought.

Saponins are also found within astragalus extracts and are a major constituent. Saponin molecules are not considered to be toxic but are a mild detergent, like soap, that breaks down fatty acids. These molecules are also considered to be antioxidants. For these reasons saponins could be responsible for a lot of the antimicrobial activity of astragalus. Breaking down pathogen biofilm membranes is an important trait in the development of antibiotics. Astragalus saponins show impressive potential as an antibiotic and bacterial diarrhoea preventative.

They may also lower risks of cardiovascular diseases through their chemistry with fatty acids and fats. Traditional medicines suggest that saponins may improve circulatory health.

Astragalus Polysaccharides

The astragalus specific polysaccharide fraction of astragalus plants has drawn intense research interest for their anti-inflammatory properties. Astragalus polysaccharides are astragalus sugar molecules that are bound together in larger sugar units.

One study presents astragalus polysaccharides as possible anti-aging compounds. This may be due to other effects and not just anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties. Astragalus polysaccharides may promote healthy telomerase regulation, preventing chromosome shortening during the cell cycle.

The anti-inflammatory quality of astragalus specific polysaccharides may mean that it may have anti-cancer properties. Current research suggests this. Astragalus polysaccharides, as complex sugars, are thought to form a pre-treatment for insulin resistance diabetes. They may be able to encourage re-normalization of insulin signalling.

Astragalus polysaccharides may also improve intestinal barrier function and gut microbe profiles. Astragalus polysaccharides seem to encourage beneficial gut microbe growth. Both of these factors are vital to optimal gut health and could have potential health benefits from effecting cognitive health to body weight. Astragalus polysaccharides have also been shown to encourage more optimal immunity, causing an increase in the production of key immune and anti-pathogen cells.

Summary

Astragalus extracts have potential health benefits because of their variety of bioactive plant compounds. These include saponins, astragalus polysaccharides and flavonoids. Adaptogenic herbs, such as astragalus, assist the body with adapting to environmental stresses. This is largely because of their antioxidant properties.

Plant flavonoids, such as those found in astragalus, are strong antioxidants. They remove harmful compounds from the body called free radicals. They can protect the body from oxidative stresses and cancers. As strong antioxidants, astragalus flavonoids can protect organs from damage. This includes oxidative damages. This activity may assist with neuroprotection and encouraging more optimal liver health.

Astragalus extract flavonoids could also lower blood pressure, providing protective health benefits to the circulatory system and heart.

Various components of astragalus extracts may be selective for more beneficial bacteria. These include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, while compounds like saponins seem to select against pathogenic bacteria. Encouraging an optimal balance of gut bacteria has potential health benefits from better cognitive functioning to more optimal weight management.

Astragalus polysaccharides show potential as possible anti-aging compounds, encouraging healthy telomerase activity. They may also help to re-normalize insulin signalling.

Having been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, modern medicines and research are finding many potential benefits with astragalus extract use.

For more interesting articles, see the main articles page below.

The post Astragalus Extract Health Benefits appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

Adaptogens: What Are They & Foods High In Adaptogens

Many people are asking about Adaptogens and what they are. The market for foods high in adaptogens and supplements seems to be growing really quickly.

The stressful nature of our modern lives must be a driver for this. Adaptogens are interesting for health food lovers because of their ability to help people to cope with stress.

The meaning of Adaptogen is implied in the name, they help you adapt to situations. Adaptogens are also gaining in popularity due to a spectrum of effects on your health. The beauty of adaptogens is how most of them are foods or can be added to your food.

Many health conscious people are keen to return to some cooking cultures of old or explore ancient nutrition.

We cannot fully emphasize and list the potential of all the adaptogens and their impacts on your health. Some of the effects are yet to be fully understood as well so can’t be listed here.

Here we will cover in some depth what adaptogens are, the foods that are high in adaptogens and how they interact with bodily systems.

We will also display and go through an Adaptogens list so that you can then try some adaptogens for yourself.

Adaptogens are gaining in popularity due to the range of effects on your health. Many adaptogens listed below have only recently started to be studied by clinical western medicine, despite having been used for many years in ancient cultures.

Adaptogens: meaning and Bodily Interactions

Adaptogens are non-toxic compounds, at usual doses, that assist with stress responses. They help to maintain your body in homeostasis, the natural state of life.

Some plants are high in a spectrum of adaptogenic compounds and are therefore called adaptogens. Just like we evolved our culture to eat crops, we use adaptogenic herbs everyday in the foods we eat.

Adaptogens were first classified medically by Lazarev in 1947, but have historically been used by ancient civilisations across the globe.

Herbal medicine is derived from plants. Usually from the roots, bark, leaves or flowers. This is the same for adaptogens. These extracts can also easily be added to food recipes.

Most adaptogens have their influence on core regions of the brain responsible for controlling the release of certain hormones.

Elevated cellular stress levels lead to things like hair loss, erectile dysfunction and weight gain.

Adaptogenic herbs can be used to boost athletic performance and endurance through testosterone or other hormonal support, stress reduction and antioxidant action.  

Many of the adaptogens listed here will help balance the body systems responsible for things like weight gain and erectile dysfunction. This is through reducing cortisol and aiding normal testosterone levels.

Adaptogen List: Herbs & Foods High In Adaptogens

Here is an adaptogens list. We listed how these herbs and foods that are high in adaptogens interact with the body.

The main effects have been listed here, as for some herbs there are so many that some responses are still medically uncharacterised.

Some of these adaptogens form combination moves or synergy with each other. Synergy is a natural occurrence, where one plant extract starts to have higher health effects than if it was eaten on its own.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a herb that boosts your immune system and promotes healthy energy levels. Different regions of the globe have bred Ginseng differently, with different cultivars and species of ginseng existing. Extracts are generally taken from the root of the plant.

Some adaptogens including species of Ginseng are thought to have an effect on NO, Nitrous Oxide, release in the blood. Beetroots are also able to do this.

NO is a gas that activates stress reduction pathways in the body such as blood vessel widening. Some Ginseng species seem to increase NO in the heart and lungs.

Glutathione is directly increased in the body because of this adaptogen and this is thought to help increase ones energy levels.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that performs herculean tasks such as cellular detoxification and cancer preventative action. Ginseng is thought to aid healthy weight loss.

Ashwagandha

This is a plant that protects against stress and ageing through powerful antioxidant production. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol, food cravings and protects memory formation.

Other health effects include hormonal balancing, telomerase cell protection and antioxidant system stimulation.

Research seems to suggest that inflammatory cytokine molecules, produced under cell stress, are significantly reduced by Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha promotes sexual vigour and well-being increasing testosterone dramatically. We have extensively written about Ashwagandha here.

If you are looking for a testosterone boost, this is one of the best and most studied adaptogens for testosterone. Some studies found serum level testosterone increases of up to 14%. Ashwagandha is also a potent aphrodisiac.

Testosterone has health effects such as development of male sexual characteristics, muscle growth and aids healthy sperm production.

While Oestrogen is the dominant sex hormone in Women, testosterone levels need to be healthy for normal libido and muscle cell function.

Eleuthero

Siberian ginseng or Eleuthro is a staple medicine in China and Russia. This is a ginseng species from Siberia that has been bred really effectively.

The plant chemical adaptogens in the root extract seem to display antiviral and bacterial properties. Eleuthro or Siberian Ginseng is said to be effective for balancing female hormone levels and boosting skin collagen production.

Siberian Ginseng seems to help with fatigue sufferers and helps cognitive function. Siberian Ginseng is significantly effective at increasing physical and mental endurance.

Eleuthro or Siberian Ginseng also helps to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, assisting with balanced blood sugar levels. This adaptogen could be beneficial for diabetics.

Maca Root

An extract from a plant native to Peru, used for nearly 2000 years, that is known to improve memory and learning.

This nutrient rich plant is thought to help assist with normal adrenal gland functioning.

Usually found in a powdered form Maca is also thought to enhance libido and balance cortisol levels.

Maca seems to be directly linked to increased sperm production in men.

One particular study found that regularly consuming Maca helped improve energy levels.

Rhodiola

A shrub that has an extensive history in traditional herbal medicines. Rhodiola rosea stimulates the production of ATP in the body.

ATP is how your cells power themselves. Rhodiola rosea directly help increase your energy levels naturally.

Rhodiola rosea displays synergy with other adaptogens too, helping enhance their effects on your health. This plant has been known to aid altitude sickness as well.

Rhodiola seems to activate areas of the brain to increase feel good chemicals and also encourages healthy balance of stress hormones, reducing corticotropin and cortisol.

This might be why they can help athletic performance and gym results too.

Rhodiola seems to target specific brain areas. We actively recognise plants that are good for us and grow more of them in a symbiotic relationship.

The ancient medical history between plants like Rhodiola and humans is a testament to that. It is no wonder that this is such a powerful plant for your health, energy and vitality.

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is a mushroom that has effects on preventing fatigue. In a powdered form Chaga is easy to add to food.

They say money doesn’t grow on trees, however this tree growing fungus is a health goldmine. This is a parasitic fungus to trees.

Most likely because it saps a lot of nutrients without returning much to the tree.

Chaga is a super mushroom that seems to have some extremely powerful antioxidant effects and has been used in ancient cultures as a medicine.

This mushroom is stacked full of nutrients, vitamins and has been seen to help boost the immune system. There are reports Chaga has anti-cancer properties too.

Astragalus

The root of Astragalus can be used as an adaptogenic food. Astragalus works with the immune system, boosting antibody levels and white blood cell count.

Astragalus also contains antioxidants that are known to reduce body stress and inflammation. They have been specifically shown to protect your mitochondria, or energy producing components, from damage.

When people took astragalus their levels of inflammatory cytokines were also reduced. Some compounds within Astragalus have been shown to aid wound healing too.

Turmeric

Turmeric root extract has been shown to have a massive range of health effects.

This adaptogen contains an active compound known as curcumin, is bright yellow in colour and is typically used as a spice in curry dishes.

Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and an adaptogen. Turmeric root contains numerous antioxidant compounds, such as curcuminoids, that are effective at stress reduction.

Turmeric has been suggested to be able to maintain healthy adrenals, key to long term stress management.

This adaptogen is not just used in curry and is very popular worldwide as a food additive. Curcumin and Turmeric can be added to most tomato-based dishes quite easily.

Adaptogenic Foods & Herbs: Side effects

As always if you feel unwell or different make sure to contact a healthcare provider immediately and note what you took.

Side effects are rare in natural medicines. However as with all herbs, people interact with compounds slightly differently.

If you are pregnant then I would advise speaking to a medical professional about any herbal supplements.

Conclusions

There are so many adaptogens, as listed, that you can integrate into your everyday meals.

Adaptogens mainly help to reduce stress in the body but naturally have many other health effects too. These include improving energy levels and boosting the immune system.

While their actions are generally centred around being an antioxidant in the body, some adaptogens can also help to increase and regulate sex hormone levels.

To see more articles you might enjoy follow the link below.

The post Adaptogens: What Are They & Foods High In Adaptogens appeared first on Revitalize My Health.