Astragalus
Strengthening and Support for Immune System

Guaranteed-potency astragalus extract helps protect the liver, nourish the body’s defenses and boost stamina.
60 capsules, 500 mg extract per capsule, 14 mg polysaccharides

Certified Potency 
ASTRAGALUS is the highest quality, most potent and most effective form of Astragalus root extract available. A rich source of polysaccharides 7% (14 mg) per capsule. Astragalus is standardized with the greatest concentration of naturally-balanced active principles, while retaining and enhancing the whole-plant synergistic benefits, thus making it one of the world's finest and purest concentrated plant extracts.

General Description
Astragalus, also known as huang qi, is a perennial herb native to Northern China, Japan, Tibet, and Korea, where it grows in grasslands and well-drained woodlands. A member of the legume family, astragalus grows up to 1 meter in height with rigid stalks that sprout eight to twelve pairs of leaflets. The plant has small yellow blossoms, and bears its seeds in short, pea-like pods. The root of the plant, which has a fleshy, pale yellow center with a sweet, licorice-like flavor, is used for medicinal purposes.

Health Applications

• Immune system support
• Cardiovascular health
• Fatigue
• Liver health

History and Traditional Use
Astragalus root has a history of medicinal use that dates back over 2,000 years. A mainstay of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), astragalus is valued as a "chi" herb—an energizing tonic and immune system booster. TCM practioners use astragalus, often in combination with several other herbs, for a wide range of applications including diarrhea, night sweats, diseases of the kidneys and spleen, circulatory disorders, and infections.

Chemical Composition
Astragalus root contains a variety of compounds including isoflavones and other flavonoids, polysaccharides, astragalosides, essential fatty acids, saponins, beta-sitosterol, betaine, and choline.¹ Astragalus extracts are commonly standardized for isoflavone content.

Immune System Support
Modern use of astragalus root has centered on the herb's reputation as an immune system booster and overall tonic. Numerous in vitro studies indicate that components found in astragalus root stimulate immune response and enhance natural killer cell activity, suggesting potential for the herb in the treatment of cancer and HIV;^2-8 however, the efficacy of the herb for these purposes has not been demonstrated in human trials. Although astragalus has gained popularity as an herbal cold and flu remedy, there is no scientific data to support such use.

Cardiovascular Health
Astragalus has traditionally been used as a heart tonic, and research indicates there may be some merit to this application. Studies on patients with coronary heart disease indicate that astragalus can improve sodium pump activity and lower red blood cell sodium levels,⁹ relieve angina, and improve heart function.¹⁰ In one study conducted on patients with congestive heart failure, a compound isolated from astragalus root (astragaloside IV) was found to improve heart function and exercise tolerance.¹¹ Another study conducted on 43 heart attack patients showed that astragalus improved heart strength and reduced lipid peroxidation, suggesting that the cardiovascular benefits of astragalus root may stem from its antioxidant activity.

Dosage/Toxicity
In traditional Chinese medicine, the daily recommendation is a decoction made from 9 to 15 grams of the dried root.¹ Astragalus root capsules are commonly taken in doses ranging from 2 to 3 grams per day. For standardized extracts, 1,000 mg per day is a common recommendation. Astragalus is not associated with any toxicity in this dosage range. Astragalus should not be used by organ recipients taking antirejection drugs, as it may interfere with the drugs' activity.

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