Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Free Radical Damage
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has gained interest in recent years for its potential antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from free radical damage. Scientific investigations have identified several bioactive compounds in astragalus, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins, many of which have demonstrated antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. For example, in vitro and animal research has shown that astragalus extracts can increase the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and decrease markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Some studies also indicate that astragalus may modulate signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, such as the Nrf2 pathway.
However, while these preclinical findings are promising, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. Few well-designed, large-scale human studies have directly evaluated the efficacy of astragalus for preventing or treating free radical damage or related oxidative stress in the context of disease. Most available human data address broader health effects or are limited to small trials with surrogate endpoints. As a result, while there is a scientific rationale and some experimental support for using astragalus to counteract free radical damage, the overall strength of evidence in humans remains modest. More clinical research is needed to confirm these potential benefits and to establish appropriate dosing and safety.
Other ingredients used for Free Radical Damage
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
amino acids
anthocyanins
apricot
ascorbyl palmitate
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
berry flavor
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caffeine
camu camu
catalase
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chokeberry
chrysin
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
delta-tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginseng
grape
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
lentinula edodes mycelia
lutein
matcha
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
phospholipids
pine bark
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
spirulina
strawberry
ubiquinol
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
papaya
bee pollen
lingzhi
ferulic acid
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
fulvic acid
wheat germ
goji berry
algae
cocoa
1,2-di-galloyl-4,6hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
3-Isomangostin
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
Amethoflavone
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Auricularia
Autumn Olive
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Amentoflavone
Acacetin
Allophycocyanin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ascorbigen
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Acer Truncatum bunge
anthocyanosides
Argan nut oil
Apocarotenal
Apocynin
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bok Choy
Baccosides
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Bioflavonoids
bacoside
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
Chebulic acid
Cashew
Cichoric acid
Chocolate
Capsorubin
Carnosol
Cupric ascorbate
C-Phycocyanin
Carotene (unspecified)
Chebulinic acid
Crocetin
Canthaxanthin
Crypthecodinium
Capsanthin
Carnosic acid
Dunaliella salina
Dismutase
Delphinidin
Dunaliella
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dumontiaceae
Desoxyrhaponticin
Dragon Fruit
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Ellagic Acid
Ergothioneine
Emblicanin
Erythorbic acid
Ethylgallate
Eriodictyol
Ecklonia
walnut
Other health conditions supported by astragalus
Adrenal FatigueAging (prevention)
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cold Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestive Heart Failure
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emphysema
Epstein Barr Virus
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Menopause
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Radiation Sickness
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wasting
Wounds and Sores
Products containing astragalus
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Astragalus
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine CC-A With Yerba Santa Combination Extract
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Colostrum (With Immune Factors)
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine KB-C
Nature's Sunshine KB-C TCM Concentrate
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Chi TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nervous Fatigue Formula (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nervous Fatigue TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
Nature's Sunshine Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw)
Nature's Sunshine Urinary System