New extraction method can potentially improve the health benefits of astragalus

The use of herbal supplements has gained traction in recent years due to the increasing number of studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of traditionally used medicinal plants. The potency of herbal supplements relies heavily on the method used to extract the plant’s active components. The type of solvent used for extraction also affects not just the safety, but also the chemical composition, of the supplements.

In a new study published in the journal Chinese Medicine, researchers from the University of Macau and the Hong Kong Baptist University reported a new extraction method that produces extracts with higher potency. They compared the immune-modulating effects of extracts obtained from astragalus using older methods and those of the new extract and found that the latter exhibits higher activity.

Whole ingredients extract can be used to prepare more effective supplements

According to the researchers, water extract (WAE) and ultrafine powder (UFP) are the two types of extract commonly used to prepare pharmaceutical products and functional foods. However, for many years, doctors and patients have had concerns about the chemical composition of WAEs and the safety of UFPs.

To test the effectiveness and safety of the new extract, the researchers prepared a whole ingredients extract (WIE) of astragalus using the gradient solvent extraction method. They used spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods to compare the chemical compositions of WIE and WAE. They also compared the in vivo immunomodulatory effects of astragalus WIE, WAE, and UFP using mice with cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppression.

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The researchers found that WIE contained higher amounts of the main active ingredients of astragalus than WAE. In mice with Cy-induced immunosuppression, oral administration of low dose WIE (1.0 gram [g] herb per kilogram [kg] per day) for 18 days significantly improved immune-related responses, such as:

• Bodyweight
• Number of peripheral white blood cells
• Thymus and spleen indexes
• Splenocyte proliferations
• Natural killer (NK) cell activity
• Splenic lymphocyte subset
• Serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM

The researchers also reported that WIE showed the highest immunomodulatory activity among the three types of astragalus extract.

Based on these results, the researchers concluded that WIE has higher therapeutic effectiveness than UFP and WAE because it maximally retained the chemical integrity of astragalus. They hope that WIE can be further developed as a medicinal or edible herb-derived supplement for pharmaceutical and health care applications.

Astragalus: health benefits and side effects

Astragalus, also known as huang qi, is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. Besides boosting the immune system, the root of the astragalus plant can also slow down aging and reduce inflammation. According to several studies, astragalus is an effective alternative treatment for minor ailments, such as allergies, fatigue, and the common cold. It can also be used to treat chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Numerous health benefits are associated with the use of astragalus. These include:

• Increased production of white blood cells
• Improved heart function
• Reduced inflammation
• Relief from the side effects of chemotherapy
• Regulation of blood sugar levels
• Improved kidney function
• Anti-cancer activity
• Reduced symptoms of allergy

Astragalus is used by many as a dietary supplement for various conditions, which include diarrhea, anorexia, upper respiratory tract infections, hepatitis, fibromyalgia, and heart disease. It is also used as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapy.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) considers astragalus supplements safe for many adults but warns that it may cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal-related problems. People with blood disorders, diabetes, or hypertension are advised to avoid using astragalus (unless with professional recommendation) due to its effect on blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Astragalus may also interact with certain medications, especially those designed to suppress the immune system.

If you wish to take astragalus supplements, consult with your health care provider first for your safety.

Sources include:

Science.news

CMJournal.BiomedCentral.com

Healthline.com

NCCIH.NIH.gov