Dr Jillian Stansbury – Botanical Medicine Clinician, Researcher, and Ethnobotanist, Associate Professor Botanical Medicine – Scientific Advisor for Restorative Formulations
Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most widely used Chinese herbal medicines, used for “Kidney Yang Deficiency” whose symptoms are similar to the western concept of adrenal insufficiency or the clinical signs of cortisone cessation.[1] Due to its popularity, lack of toxicity and side effects, and wide use, Astragalus has been extensively investigated and many longevity-supportive mechanisms of action are now becoming elucidated.
Body-wide aging is associated with loss of cellular function in all the organs and tissues and a gradual replacement of healthy cells with fibrous tissues. Astragalus is shown to protect against excessive collagen deposition in liver, reducing elevated hyaluronic acid, collagen, and pro-collagen levels in patients with fibrotic livers due to chronic hepatitis B. [2] Astragalus may also help protect pancreatic beta cells from apoptosis and destruction via Th1/Th2 ratio shifts[3], and the heart from tissue damage in animal models of acute myocarditis.[4] Muscle wasting may result from low testosterone, cancer cachexia, or adrenal insufficiency and involves atrophy of myofibers. Astragalus restores phosphorylation in muscle myotubes and myoblasts and protects muscle cell mitochondria.[5] Animal studies suggest Astragalus to improve stress tolerance[6], protect and improve mitochondrial function of individual muscle cells[7], and support stamina by increasing hepatic and muscle glycogen content.[8]
Astragalus may also have effects on telomeres contributing to longevity-enhancing effects. Telomeres are components of chromosomes that shorten each time a cell divides, until so little of the telomere is left that cell division is no longer possible, growth is arrested, and the cells are considered senescent, and incapable of further regeneration. Depletion of telomeres is directly related to longevity and helps determine the typical life span in various species. Telomerase enzymes are involved in protecting the average lifespan of the telomeres and research is emerging on agents that deplete telomeres and shorten an organism’s lifespan, as well as agents that activate telomerase and improve longevity.
T cells are involved with telomerase activation, and Astragalus may improve longevity via effects on T cell-driven telomerase. Astragalus compounds may increase T Cell telomerase as much as 1.3 to 3.3 times.[9] Telomerase enzymes increase cancer susceptibility and cell proliferation when excessive, and results in disease and rapid aging when deficient. Astragalus increases telomerase, and in turn lifespan, without increasing cancer incidence[10],[11] and in fact Astragalus has shown many anti-cancer effects. Several Astragalus immune polysaccharides activate telomerase supporting signaling pathways in numerous cell types including lung, brain, mammary, endothelial, fibroblast, and hematopoietic cells.[12]
These studies support the ancient use of Astragalus as a “chi” tonic, improving vitality, resistance to disease, and supporting strength and stamina into old age.
As a clinician and herbal researcher I know it is always important to use the cleanest herbs and herbal extracts available. When possible, always choose CERTIFIED ORGANIC.
[1] Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:540957. Metabolic Signatures of Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Protective Effects of Two Herbal Extracts in Rats Using GC/TOF MS.
Zhao L1, Wu H, Qiu M, Sun W, Wei R, Zheng X, Yang Y, Xin X, Zou H, Chen T, Liu J, Lu L, Su J, Ma C, Zhao A, Jia W.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.