Astragaloside IV

In a study published in the November 2008 Journal of Immunology, researchers studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of Astragalus. Astragalus is a primary active ingredient in several advanced herbal formulas such as CardioPhase, OsteoPhase and Vital Cell. And it is widely used in Asia for centuries. In this paper researchers from the UCLA found that a new extract derived from astragalus root could boost production of telomerase, which would not only slow the aging process of immune cells, but also improve human immune system. Telomeres, chemical bindings at the end of our chromosomes that hold our DNA in place, play a vital role in cell replication, human aging and cancer.
Astragaloside IV is just a 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl cycloastragenol derived from the traditional Chinese medical herb named Astragalus membranaceus. Astragalus is considered as a quintessential protective super tonic herb in the Orient as well as one of the world's premier immune regulating substances.

Astragalus is a very complex constituent profile with active constituents such as astragalus including triterpene glycosides, polysaccharides and flavonoids, and various other components like numerous amino acids and trace elements.

The study of researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center shown that astragalus extract could boost the cell-destroying ability, or cytotoxicity, of the conventional immune system drug interleukin-2 by helping cells of the immune system. The study was done using cells instead of humans.

Astragalus also has remarkable anti-inflammatory fuction. Astragalus may stimulate the body to produce interferons for our body to defend against viral infections. Besides, Astragalus also has been shown to improve sperm motility to improve male fertility.

The primary active constituents of astragalus, the triterpene glycosides, are similar to the ginseng, though all astragalus have their own chemical identities. Astragaloside IV is one special astragaloside in Astragalus and it is considered to be the primary active ingredient in Astragalus extract. Astragaloside IV is believed to be likely to protect telomeres and to slow down their deterioration because of stress and toxicity as aging has been related to the degeneration and loss of telomeres.

Besides, Astragalus has long been considered a major tonic for athletes and those who work hard physically for the reason that it can relieve fatigue and is used by athletes around the world. And Astragaloside IV is also neuroprotective to brain cells.

Astragaloside IV is a plant extract, generally thought to be safe, but people with autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), people taking drugs that suppress the immune system (such as corticosteroids or cyclosporin) or people with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using it.