Astragalus is valued for its tonic and adaptogenic effects. Astragalus is one of the most popular herbs in China today. Astragalus is native to northern China and the elevated regions of the Chinese provinces, Yunnan and Sichuan. The portion of the plant used medicinally is the four- to seven-year-old dried root, collected in the spring. While over 2,000 types of astragalus exist worldwide, the Chinese version has been extensively tested, both chemically and pharmacologically.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Shen Nung, the founder of Chinese herbal medicine, classified astragalus as a superior herb in his classical treatise Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching (circa A.D. 100). The Chinese name huang qi translates as “yellow leader,” referring to the yellow color of the root and its status as one of the most important tonic herbs. Traditional Chinese Medicine used this herb for night sweats, deficiency of chi (e.g., fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite), and diarrhea.
Active Constituents
Astragalus contains numerous components, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides (e.g., astragalosides I–VII), amino acids, and trace minerals. Several preliminary clinical trials in China have suggested that astragalus can benefit immune function and improve survival in some people with cancer. Given the poor quality of these trials, it is difficult to know how useful astragalus really was. One Chinese trial also found that astragalus could decrease overactive immune function in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease. Further trials are needed, however, to know if astragalus is safe for people with SLE, or any other autoimmune disease.
A double-blind trial found that, in people undergoing dialysis for kidney failure, intravenous astragalus improved one facet of immune function compared to the immune function of untreated people. Further study is needed to determine if astragalus can help prevent infections in people undergoing dialysis. Early clinical trials in China suggest astragalus root might also benefit people with chronic viral hepatitis, though it may take one to two months to see results. In preliminary trials in China, astragalus has been used after people suffer heart attacks. More research is needed to determine whether astragalus is truly beneficial in this situation.
True Selection
Solaray takes pride in offering great new products ... see here what we are delivering fresh to health food stores! No other brand offers a wider selection of vitamins, minerals, herbs and specialty products than Solaray. With over 900 products, Solaray is the most comprehensive supplement brand in the industry! Solaray has their own manufacturing facility to ensure that quality controls are applied at every level. Solaray knows what goes into their products so you can be confident of what goes into your body. Year after year, the Solaray brand is presented with the #1 Full Line Supplement Award by Whole Foods Magazine. Solaray is not just saying they're the best; discerning health food retailers and their educated customers are voting on Solaray's excellence.
True Tradition..A Natural Passion For 35 Years
Solaray began in 1973 as a pioneer in formulating and marketing blended herbal products with complementary effects. From its inception, Solaray focused on encapsulated products, which offer rapid disintegration and are easy to swallow. By 1984, Solaray became a full line manufacturer, carrying not only the highest quality herbs, but also a full line of vitamins, minerals and specialty products. Over the years, Solaray has contributed significantly to the industry through the innovation of products such as CranActin™, PhytoEstrogen™, Cool Cayenne™, PSA Control™, Estro-3™, and much more. Today, Solaray™ products are sold in over 60 countries! Making a healthier world isn't something Solaray aspires to do ... it's something Solaray is doing. This is Solaray's passion for over 35 years.
Solaray Means Quality
Every Solaray™ product is subjected to rigorous testing and screening protocols. The process may vary by ingredient, but typically includes organoleptic (taste, touch, smell) testing to compare it to previous batches, and lab assays for microbial, identity, purity and potency validation. Only when an ingredient has passed all of the required assays is it released to manufacturing. Solaray adheres to all current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and an independent auditing firm audits Solaray's facilities, laboratory and manufacturing protocols for compliance with the latest regulations.
Green Screened
The Green Screened logo represents their commitment at Solaray to providing herbs of the utmost quality. The Solaray brand employs quality control standards in all areas of product development - from ensuring identification and authenticity by laboratory analysis to screening for microbes, herbicides and pesticides to heavy metal testing. Solaray rejects herbs they suspect are irradiated. Only after Solaray's laboratory analysis program confirms that the herbs meet Solaray's strict standards do they give the product their Green Screened approval.
