03/26/2019 / By Michelle Simmons
The nervous system plays a big role in how the different parts of our body communicate among themselves. Research shows that astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), a fundamental herb in traditional Chinese medicine, can help keep this body system healthy.
Earlier research has shown that astragalus extract can potentially be used as a nerve growth-promoting factor, which can be beneficial for the growth of peripheral nerve axons. For the current study, researchers from Taiwan investigated the effects of astragalus extract on regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model, which is a model of neuropathic pain or nerve pain. Nerve pain is an intense type of chronic pain, often described as sharp, stinging, or burning. It occurs due to damaged nerves or a problem with the nervous system.
In conducting the study, the researchers examined three groups of rats: a control group and two astragalus treatment groups. Rats in the control group received normal saline, while those in the treatment groups received 1.5 grams per kilogram (g/kg) or 3 g/kg of astragalus extract, respectively. The researchers gave the treatments every other day for four weeks. The researchers also measured the rats’ neuronal electrophysiology, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, expression levels and location of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and expression levels of both nerve growth factors and immunoregulatory factors.
The results revealed that treating rats with 3 g/kg of astragalus extract led to significant improvements in neuronal electrophysiological function, as well as expression levels of CGRP and macrophage density. Both doses of astragalus extracts also significantly reduced expression levels of fibroblast growth factor, nerve growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin-1, and interferon-gamma. These results, which were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, indicate that astragalus is beneficial for the nerves and inflammation.
From these findings, the researchers conclude that astragalus can help regulate local inflammatory conditions, enhance nerve regeneration, and potentially increase recovery from a severe peripheral nerve injury.
Also known as huang qi or milkvetch, astragalus has many potential health benefits. Its root contains many active compounds that are believed to be responsible for its health benefits, such as:
Astragalus root is made into different forms of supplements, such as liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas. There is no dosage recommendation, but taking up to 60 g per day for up to four months appears to be safe for most people.
Read more news stories and studies on the health benefits of astragalus by going to ChineseMedicine.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, astragalus, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, Herbs, huang qi, medicinal plants, natural cures, natural medicine, nerve pain, nerve regeneration, nervous system, neuropathic pain, pain relief, TCM