What is Astragalus? The unknown truth about Astragalus

It has been determined that 'Astragalus', or as it is known among the public, geven otu, contains antioxidant components that help protect the body against free radicals, which can also help reduce cellular damage and slow down aging.

Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Medicine faculty member Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay Karabulut explained the health benefits of Astragalus, known among the public as geven otu.

'PREFERRED IN THE FIELD OF MEDICINE'

Stating that Astragalus is actually a true steppe plant, Karabulut said, “Astragalus comes from the legume family. Astragalus, which shows structural changes depending on the regions where it grows, is called Chinese milkvetch because it grows in China. Astragalus, which has begun to be preferred as an alternative in herbal medicine, has a dark brown root.”

Reminding that the first findings regarding the use of Astragalus date back to some written sources from the 1st century BC, Karabulut said that this plant, which is used for strengthening the immune system and in various infections, has many benefits in the field of health.

'THERE ARE 415 SPECIES IN TURKEY'

Stating that there are approximately 3 thousand species of Astragalus in the world, Prof. Dr. Karabulut said, “According to scientific sources, there are 415 species in Turkey. Astragalus, which is connected to the ground by a single taproot, grows in a semicircle, and the top of the semicircle is covered with thorns. Its roots are very long and strong. It can grow everywhere, from plains with plenty of soil to slopes where the rock has almost emerged,” she stated.
Stating that Astragalus is also used for medical purposes, Karabulut said, “A substance called tragacanth is obtained from Astragalus. Substances obtained from Astragalus can be used in a very wide range of areas from the paint industry to the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, more than 200 components have been isolated and identified from Astragalus membranaceus,” she said.

'STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM'

Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay Karabulut listed the benefits of the Astragalus plant in traditional Chinese medicine and some other traditional medical systems as follows:

“Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) is considered one of the most important Coenzyme Q10-triggering plants in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has a long history of medical use. Astragalus membranaceus is valuable because it strengthens the body's main energy, that is, immune system, metabolic, respiratory, and excretory functions.

In particular, the components of the dried roots of Astragalus radix astragali provide significant protection against heart, brain, kidney, intestinal, liver, and lung damage in disease models associated with oxidative stress. According to a scientific study conducted by Chinese scientists in the journal Anti-Aging in 2017, it can help them develop new target-specific and effective therapeutic agents that lack major systemic side effects, thus establishing a better treatment regimen in the fight against aging.

Containing active ingredients thought to help strengthen the immune system, Astragalus can therefore also increase resistance against colds, flu, and other infections. Astragalus is a plant thought to help increase energy levels. For this reason, it can be used in the fight against fatigue and weakness. Containing antioxidant components that help protect the body against free radicals, Astragalus can also help reduce cellular damage and slow down aging.

Some research shows that Astragalus may help regulate blood sugar, which may aid in diabetes management. Astragalus has been associated with effects that may help support heart health. It may lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.”