Astragalus Root Extract Supplement

Astragaloside IV is a supplement designed to combat aging, but that also has several reported beneficial properties, particularly immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-glycation ones. Its exceptional properties are due to astragaloside root extract's specific ability to activate telomerase, thus slowing down the shortening of telomeres and extending cell lifespan. The shortening of telomeres is associated with cellular aging and the development of age-related diseases.

What is the Relationship Between Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract and Astragaloside IV?

What is astragaloside IV and how does it relate to an astragalus root extract supplement?

Astragaloside IV is present in minute amounts in the root of astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), a plant that was particularly popular in traditional Chinese medicine.

Through a highly complex and expensive process, it is extracted and concentrated in order to obtain an active amount. Astragalus root has been used for centuries as a tonic and to combat a wide range of discomforts in an effort to increase feelings of wellness and support the ability to reduce illness.

What is Telomerase and how does it Relate to Astragalus Root Extract?

The connection between telomerase and astragalus root is astragaloside IV, the isolated chemical extracted from Astragalus membranaceus. Studies have found evidence that the chemical affects the regulation of telomerase activity.

Telomerase is an enzyme active in gametes, stem, and tumor cells and is responsible for the maintenance and length of telomeres – the end of a chromosome – by adding guanine-rich repetitive sequences to the end of the chromosome.

The function of telomerase in health requires more analysis and study, but what is known is that as DNA polymerase is not fully capable of copying DNA at the very end of chromosomes, and roughly 50 nucleotides are lost during each cell cycle, this results in telomere length shortening.

Cells with critically short telomeres deteriorate and eventually die.

Telomerase therapeutics are not currently approved for clinical use but are being studied for their potential to combat malignancies and increase the viability of cells for therapeutic purposes.

For example, telomere length maintenance includes both the opportunity to activate telomere maintenance that can revert telomere shortening and increase the lifespan of a few target cells.

What are the Benefits Associated with Astragaloside IV Capsules?

Astragalus root extract contains a series of cycloartane glycosides called astragalosides I to VII. The most widely studied of these, in Chinese and European research centers, is astragaloside IV.

Studies suggest, amongst others, that it has the following properties:

• Immunostimulant: studies on astragalus root and immune response show that it acts through several different pathways, especially by increasing the number of stem cells in the spinal cord and lymphatic tissue and encouraging them to develop into active immune cells, as well as by stimulating the production of immunoglobulins and macrophages.
• Anti-inflammatory: studies on astragaloside IV and anti-inflammation found it potentially inhibited inflammasome activation in mice. Additionally, astragalus oral solutions were found to stem inflammation of the airways in those with chronic inflammatory issues.
• Antibacterial: as demonstrated by in vitro studies on Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Antioxidant: studies demonstrate it may inhibit lipid peroxidation by 40% in vitro. These antioxidant properties may go some way to explaining its cardio and neuroprotective effects.
• Cardioprotective: with studies highlighting health benefits for patients with congestive cardiac insufficiency and angina pectoris, astragalus extracts have a cardiotonic effect.
• Neuroprotective: in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus root extract is used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. One study demonstrated the capacity of astragaloside IV to protect 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol neurons - responsible for regulating the reward and pleasure centers in the brain, the degeneration of which can lead to more serious illnesses.

All of these potential astragalus root benefits are impressive and compel healthy individuals to do more research. However, more investigation is required to understand all the potential astragalus extract benefits.

Telomere shortening is currently one of the most widely studied areas of anti-aging medicine. In addition to our astragaloside supplement, there are several other natural active principles available to buy at SuperSmart that have been identified for their ability to protect telomeres or stimulate telomerase.

Two such supplements are Cycloastragenol 98% and Resveratrol.

Other beneficial compounds, such as vitamins C and E, carnosine, and several natural antioxidants, have also been included in the enhanced formulation Telomeres Maintenance Formula.

The shortest telomeres have been observed in octogenarians. Research suggests that individuals aged 60 or older with the shortest telomeres appear to be at a significantly higher risk of death from serious health conditions. However, studies show that stimulating telomerase may increase cell lifespan.

What Should you know About Astragaloside IV Side Effects?

After learning all the potential astragaloside IV benefits, you may feel compelled to take it as a supplement. However, you should always research the astragalus contraindications before starting.

It is best to discuss the potential astragalus root extract side effects with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

If you are taking any other medications, supplements, or over-the-counter medicines, you need to make sure they will not negatively react with an astragaloside IV supplement. Additionally, if you are looking at taking astragalus supplements to soothe discomfort and swelling, you should verify that your current health conditions will not be exacerbated by them, especially if you are taking anything for the immune system. Only a qualified health professional can tell you if a new supplement is right for you.

Until more studies are performed, it is not recommended to take an astragalus root extract supplement while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, the use of these supplements is intended for healthy adults only. They should never be given to or be within the reach of children or pets.

There is always the chance that you will experience side effects once you start taking Astragaloside IV 98%. If that occurs, stop using the supplement immediately and seek medical help from a qualified physician. Only after a healthcare professional has cleared you to restart your supplement regimen should you take any more.