There are many benefits of astragalus, it has been shown that the astragalus compounds are helpful in fighting diseases such as AIDS and lupus, as well as slowing down the aging process.
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| Astragalus ( Huang Qi ) 黃耆 |
In recent years, the herb has gained popularity among herbalists and health practitioners in the West who specialize in alternative medicine.
There are 2 chemical compounds found in astragalus, namely, polysaccharides and saponins that are credited with many of the health benefits provided by the herb.
Extensive research and clinical studies in China have shown that these compounds may play an important role in preventing and treating diseases such as aplastic anemia, cancer, genital herpes, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, AIDS, lupus, oral herpes, flu and respiratory infections.
Perhaps the most exciting development surrounding the benefits of astragalus are that scientists have been able to extract 2 powerful molecules from the astragalus root — cycloastragenols and astragalosides — that have been shown to activate the production of the enzyme telomerase, which maintains healthy telomeres and consequently… extends human life.
Telomeres are the “caps” at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosomes. They are the part of the chromosome that governs aging. Every time the cells of the body divide, the telomeres get shorter and aging sets in.
The 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to scientists Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak, who co-discovered telomerase, the enzyme that rebuilds the telomere. They found that when they reignite the production of telomerase, telomere shortening is prevented — and oftentimes, telomeres even lengthen, thereby causing cells to age in reverse.
Astragalus -based dietary supplements that contain potent levels of cycloastragenols and astragalosides — and which reportedly have the ability to activate the production of telomerase in the body — have been on the market for many years.
The extracts can be purchased in powder, capsule or liquid form from supplement companies or health food stores. The Geron Corporation offers a patented form of the highly-concentrated extract which is called TA-65. It’s a proprietary regimen that studies show “was associated with a statistically significant ‘age-reversal’ effect” — and it’s administered through licensed physicians.
Many health practitioners agree that astragalus root extracts can be used safely by healthy adults with few side effects. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as people taking prescription medications should consult with their doctor or health practitioner before using astragalus.
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/benefits-of-astragalus
