Natural Insight
Are You Estranged From Astragalus?
By Sabeen Faquir
This may be the first time you’ve heard of astragalus. The name may even sound a little funny to you. But, I’m here to tell you about the properties of astragalus and how people use it to improve their health. Namely, astragalus helps boost your immune system. It’s also been found to slow aging.
You may ask, how does astragalus boost your immune system? Particularly, it helps regain a Th-1/Th-2 immune system balance if you are Th-2 dominant (Phaneuf). The Th-2 stimulated immune system protects you from things that cannot invade your cells, like certain parasites. The Th-1 stimulated immune system protects you from pathogens that can get inside your cells, like viruses. In a model using mice, airway inflammation from induced asthma was alleviated by Astragalus. Asthma is associated with increased Th-2 cytokine activity and the study showed lowered levels of proteins of Th2 cytokines, after the administration of astragalus (Shih-Ming, et al).
Astragalus has also been found to enhance the immune responses of HBV DNA vaccination (Dua et al). The study showed that HBsAg-specific antibody level was increased after concurrent administration of astragalus. Not only did it do this but it increased the activity of T-cells, specifically CD4 and CD8 T-cells. CD4 and CD8 T-cells play a role in the recognition of T-cells and their activation (Miceli, Parnes). They help the immune system recognize invaders like bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause infection. Furthermore, CD8 cells are cytotoxic. This means CD8 cells not only identify invaders, but destroy them (AACC).
Its anti-aging properties originate from astragalus’s ability to be a telomerase activator. Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that cap chromosomes like the end of a shoelace. The shortening of telomeres is associated with aging. Astragalus activates telomerase, which is an enzyme that prevents the shortening of telomeres. Telomerase can even extend the DNA strands and delay cellular aging. TA-65 and TAT2 are compounds that are extracts of astragalus and are commercially available. In one study, TA-65 was able to activate telomerase 1.4-3.3 fold compared to controls (Valenzuela et al). TA-65 is however, very expensive.
A cheaper alternative would be an astragalus extract. Regular astragalus will also help ignite telomerase activity (Zhao, et al). In a US Patent published in 2007, it was found telomerase activity was induced at a solvent concentration of 25mcg/ml or less. Astragalus also supports anti-aging by activating some key anti-oxidants like catalase, surperoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and a anti-hydroxyl radical (Xing-Tai, et al).
You may be wondering, how can you try astragalus? Like always, there are a few things to know before starting a supplement regimen. Because astragalus excites the Th-1 immune system, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with autoimmune disorders (Phaneuf). Also, it thins the blood so don’t take it if you’re on a blood thinner. You can find formulations of astragalus from 400 to 500 mg or in a liquid form. You will also find it in formulations that support immune health or anti-aging.
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Sabeen is currently an MPH student at NOVA Southeastern University. She is an evidence-based health writer able to decipher and convey first hand research to an informed audience. Sabeen was inspired to write about natural alternatives to health after working for a science and health information dispensing company that also sold vitamins and supplements.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease.
Sources:
Phaneuf, Holly, PhD. Astragalus. Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work. Da Capo Press. 2005. Pg 38-41
Shih-Ming Chen,a Yau-Sheng Tsai,b Su-Wen Lee,c Ya-Hui Liu,c Shuen-Kuei Liao,a Wen-Wei Chang,de Pei-Jane Tsaicf. Astragalus membranaceus modulates Th1/2 immune balance and activates PPARγ in a murine asthma model
Xiaogang Dua, Bing Zhaoa, Jinyao Lib, Xiaohan Caoa, Mingkun Diaoa, Haibo Fenga, Xiaobing Chena, Zhiyu Chena, Xianyin Zenga. Astragalus polysaccharides enhance immune responses of HBV DNA vaccination via promoting the dendritic cell maturation and suppressing Treg frequency in mice.
Miceli MC1, Parnes JR. The roles of CD4 and CD8 in T cell activation.
AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry). CD4 Count. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cd4/tab/sample/ Accessed 12/6/15
Hector Valenzuela, Clarissa Burguez, Kristin Chikami, Manuel Cruz, and Domenico Rinaldi. Assessing natural telomerase activators (P4342)
ZHAO Lan LI Shuangjie CHEN Ruizhen, etal. Effect of Telomerase in the Viral Myocarditis and Its Change after Astragaloside Ireatment. Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2006-05
Inventors: Calvin Harley, Allison Chin, Nancy Ip, Yung-huo Wong, David Miller-Martini. Formulations containing astragalus extracts and uses thereof. US 20070122501 A1.
Xing-Tai Li 1, Ya-Kui Zhang , Hai-Xue Kuang , Feng-Xin Jin , De-Wen Liu , Ming-Bo Gao , Ze Liu and Xiao-Juan Xin. Mitochondrial Protection and Anti-aging Activity of Astragalus Polysaccharides and Their Potential Mechanism