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==News About Astragalus== | ==News About Astragalus== | ||
'''Astragalus & Blood Sugar''' | |||
*Source:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/astragalus-blood-sugar-5138.html | |||
:By Tracey Roizman, D.C. (Demand Media) | |||
Astragalus, a perennial native to China and Korea, grows as tall as 3 feet and bears pink, purple or white flowers. Considered an adaptogen -- a substance that helps the body adapt to stress -- astragalus' roots are harvested when the plant is four years old. Herbalists use them to treat a variety of conditions, including anemia, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis and allergies. Some scientific studies have supported the use of astragalus for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. | |||
:AGEs | |||
A study published in the December 2009 issue of the journal "Acta Pharmacologica Sinica" found that astragalus may decrease the toxic effects of high glucose levels. Excess glucose binds to cells and molecules throughout the body, forming complexes known as advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, that promote inflammation, oxidation and accelerated aging. In the eight-week laboratory animal study, polysaccharide extracts of astragalus decreased glucose toxicity by activating an important enzyme involved in maintaining proper energy levels in cells. The enzyme, known as AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, influences fat breakdown and storage and controls the secretion of insulin. Researchers concluded that astragalus may be helpful in managing type 2 diabetes. | |||
:Insulin Sensitivity | |||
Astragalus may improve insulin sensitivity, according to a study published in the January 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." In the laboratory animal study, doses of 700 milligrams per kilogram body weight of astragalus polysaccharide extract per day for eight weeks lowered blood sugar levels and reduced insulin resistance. In particular, researchers noted that astragalus extract improved glucose transport in muscle tissue. These results indicate that astragalus may be useful for improving insulin sensitivity in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. | |||
:Fasting Blood Sugar | |||
Fasting blood sugar levels may improve with astragalus supplementation, notes nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing." A laboratory animal study published in the July 2012 issue of the journal "Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao" found that astragalus lowered fasting blood sugar and insulin levels after four weeks of supplementation. Researchers noted that astragalus extract regulated several key liver enzymes involved in energy production and insulin sensitivity. | |||
:Considerations | |||
Astragalus is considered safe with only mild side effects such as digestive complaints reported from high single doses or long-term use, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. However, Chinese herbal medicine practitioners avoid using astragalus during an infection. Common dosages range from 9 to 30 grams of dried root per day, taken as a tea. Standardized extracts are also available. Use astragalus under the supervision of a healthcare professional well-versed in Chinese herbalism. | |||
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'''Benefits of Astragalus ''' | '''Benefits of Astragalus ''' | ||
*Source:http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/astragalus.aspx | *Source:http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/astragalus.aspx | ||