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Astragalus Is The Safe and Effective Immune System Enhancer!
Your amazing immune system is composed of white blood cells, antibodies (proteins in the blood), the thymus, spleen and liver, all of which help supervise, and control the immune system. It even has its own network of vessels—the lymphatic system—which drains waste products from tissues, and transports it from lymph to lymph node where macrophages filter out debris.
When a foreign invader enters the body, your immune system counter-attacks in two ways: 1) White blood cells-macrophages and phagocytes which are activated by polysaccharides and are manufactured in your bone marrow and thymus—directly attack the invader. Polysaccharides also stimulate T-cell formation and differentiation which seek out and destroy bad bacteria. 2) Antibodies either damage the invaders directly, or alert white cells to mount an attack.
Astragalus also enhances T-cell production and stimulates macrophages,10 which in turn help other immune cells fight bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, toxins, and diseased cells.11 In a small Chinese study, ten people whose heart muscles were infected with Coxsackie B virus—the cause of myocarditis or heart inflammation—received injections of Astragalus extract for three to four months. The activity of their natural killer cells rose 11 to 45 percent. European studies suggest that many of the immune-stimulating compounds in Astragalus are active when taken orally.9
Benefits
- Astragalus has been especially helpful to people with low energy, and those who tend to get sick easily.
- Several preliminary clinical trials in China have suggested that Astragalus can benefit immune function and improve survival in some people with cancer.12
- It has also been found to suppress tumor growth and restore immune function compromised by tumor growth.13
- Astragalus reduces autoimmune response and may help people who suffer from allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
With a renowned history of being beneficial for heart and cardiovascular ailments, Astragalus is one of the primary herbs used in Chinese medicine for cardiovascular problems and has a lot of research to back it up. Astragalus has been shown to effectively:
- Prevent heart failure14 15
- Relieve anginal pain and prevent heart attack16
- Regulate high blood pressure17
- Treat angina, along with providing dramatic improvements in EKG and cardiogram readings18
- Strengthen the beating and force of contraction of the heart muscle, while also increasing the level of energy production within heart cells19
Play it safe
Astragalus is safe to take on a regular basis and does not appear to suppress the immune system with long-term use. It has no known side effects when used as recommended.20
The cold and flu season is already upon us, and it looks like influenza is going to hit especially hard this year. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Don't let another week go by without building up your immune defense with Astragalus. And if you do get sick—remember to drink lots of liquids, take extra vitamin C, and extra Astragalus, of course.
Editor's Note:
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This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a physician before embarking on a dietary supplement program.
References
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Klepser T, Nisly N. Astragalus as an adjunctive therapy in immunocompromised patients. Alt Med Alert 1999;Nov:125-8 [review].
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Liang H, et al. The effect of astragalus polysaccharides on cell mediated immunity (CMI) in burned mice. Chin J Plast Surg Burns 1994 Mar;10(2):138.
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Ma J, Peng A, Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Chin Med J (Engl) 1998 Jan;111(1):17-23.
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Luo HM, Dai RH, Li Y. Nuclear cardiology study on effective ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus in treating heart failure Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1995 Dec;15(12):707-9.
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Castillo C, Valencia I, Reyes G, Hong E. An analysis of the antihypertensive properties of 3-nitropropionic acid, a compound from plants in the genus Astragalus Arch Inst Cardiol Mex 1993 Jan-Feb;63(1):11-6.
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Li SQ, Yuan RX, Gao H. Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1995 Feb;15(2):77-80.
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Wang Q. Inotropic action of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. saponins and its possible mechanism Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 1992 Sep;17(9):557-9.
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