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Do you know Astragalus health benefits

Table of Contents

Introduction

Astragalus is a perennial plant that is found in both Korea and China. This 3­foot tall plant has flowers, which are pink, white, or purple. Astragalus is considered an adaptogen, which is a substance that aids in the body’s response to stress. The active component of the plant is the root of the herb. Astralagus benefits date back to China asIt is used in Traditional Chinese 
Medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, anemia, hepatitis, allergies, and heart disease. It has been found through research to aid in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. 

Astragalus and Insulin Sensitivity

Some research has indicated that Astragalus might improve the cellular response to insulin. A study was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2010 on laboratory animals.  The animals were given 700 mg per kilogram of body weight of the polysaccharide extract of Astragalus for 8 weeks.  Blood sugar levels dropped in those animals given Astragalus and decreased insulin resistance.  This study indicated once again that Astragalus may be helpful in maximizing insulin sensitivity, which is the major problem among type 2 diabetics.

Science & Research

A research study was performed and was published in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica in 2009,indicating that Astragalus health benefits include help in decrease of adverse effects of high blood sugar levels. When sugar or glucose is in excess, it binds everywhere in the body,including the cells and various molecules of the body. This forms AGEs, which stands for advanced glycation end products. AGEs cause oxidation, inflammation of the tissues, and accelerates the aging process.
 
The study, which was done on animals over a period of 8 weeks, showed that polysaccharide extracts from the Astragalus plant decreased the toxicity caused by high glucose levels. This plant was able to do this by activating a vital enzyme that maintains adequate energy levels within the cells. The enzyme is referred to as AMPK or AMP­activated protein kinase. It affects the breakdown of fat and fat storage, as well as controlling the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas. The conclusion of the study was that Astragalus might be an aid for those suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Astragalus and Fasting Blood Sugar

The fasting blood glucose levels may be improved with the supplementation with Astragalus polysaccharide extract.  In a study published in a Chinese medical journal in 2012, animals given Astragalus polysaccharide extract for 4 weeks had a decrease in fasting blood sugar levels.  The Astragalus extract affected several liver enzymes responsible for the production of energy and for insulin sensitivity.
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