The Herb You Might Just Need: Astragulus

Sporty & Rich Wellness - The Herb You Might Just Need: Astragulus

 

By: @inceipek1

 

Are you tired of feeling run down and exhausted all the time? Do you wish you could have more energy and vitality? Well, have you heard of Astragalus?


Astragalus is a herbaceous plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It's believed to have many health benefits, including boosting energy levels, improving immune function, and even reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.


One of the primary benefits of Astragalus is its ability to increase energy levels. This is because it contains compounds called saponins, which help the body produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary source of energy for our cells. So, if you're feeling sluggish and tired, adding Astragalus to your diet might just be the thing you need to perk up.


Another benefit of Astragalus is its ability to improve immune function. It's been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and disease. Additionally, it contains antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, both of which can weaken the immune system.


But that's not all! Astragalus has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. It contains compounds called flavonoids, which have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even induce apoptosis (cell death) in some types of cancer cells. While more research is needed to fully understand the anti-cancer potential of Astragalus, the results so far are promising.


So, how can you incorporate Astragalus into your diet? One easy way is to make a tea using the dried root. Simply boil a few slices of the root in water for about 10 minutes, strain out the solids, and enjoy. You can also find Astragalus supplements in capsule form at health food stores and online.


Overall, Astragalus is a versatile herb that has a lot to offer in terms of health benefits. Whether you're looking to boost your energy levels, improve your immune function, or reduce your risk of cancer, Astragalus might just be the herb for you. So, give it a try and see how it can improve your life!


References:

Huang Q, Lu G, Shen HM, Chung MC, Ong CN. Anti-cancer properties of anthraquinones from rhubarb. Med Res Rev. 2007 Nov;27(6):609-30. doi: 10.1002/med.20088. PMID: 17351930.

Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, Tu P, Li Z, Gao XM. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Sep 24;320(3):1103-11. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.06.076. PMID: 15336590.

Chen HW, Lin IH, Chen YJ, Chen YC, Lin FY, Tsai NM. Astragalus membranaceus Improves Exercise Performance and Ameliorates Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Trained Mice. Molecules. 2014 Oct 17;19(10):16932-16944. doi: 10.3390/molecules191016932. PMID: 25329872; PMCID: PMC6270219.

Li Y, Li R, Ouyang SY, Li Y, Wang ZY. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients. 2016 Mar 15;8(3):167. doi: 10.3390/nu8030167. PMID: 26978396; PMCID: PMC4808895.

Zhang Y, Wang W, Xie Y, et al. Astragaloside IV stimulates angiogenesis and increases hypoxia-inducible factor-1α accumulation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011 Aug;338(2):485-91. doi: 10.1124/jpet.111.180257. PMID: 21551250.

Yang Y, Wang X, Liu G, et al. Astragaloside IV enhances diabetic wound healing involving upregulation of alternatively activated macrophages. Int Immunopharmacol. 2016 Jan;30:1-8. doi:

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