Gentle Reader {subtag:name},
Our last time, we discovered a strange coincidence between the findings of modern research and the ancient correspondences articulated in Chinese medicine insofar as “the trinity” of digestion, muscle mass, and cognition are concerned. It was next reasoned that, instead of a complex cocktail of isolated nutrients to advance the trinity’s cause, a single, well-researched Chinese herb could probably perform the same function at considerable savings regarding convenience, safety, and cost. The herb settled upon was astragalus.
To test the spleen, muscle, cognition correspondence, I reviewed the research findings. Astragalus is a well-researched herb. Both rat models and controlled human studies have been employed where astragalus was used in isolation or with a simple two to five herb formulation. Below is a digest of the findings:
Spleen— Diabetes is considered a spleen/kidney pathology in Chinese medicine. Research on astragalus shows it to have positive effects for diabetics, both in terms of muscle-wasting and weight gain, in addition to insulin resistance and glucose tolerance.
Muscles— In Chinese medicine astragalus is said to “generate flesh,” which makes it useful in cases where muscle atrophy is involved. Astragalus suppresses expression of the molecule responsible for suppressing muscle growth, myostatin. As a “flesh-generator,” research confirms the use of astragalus for diabetic ulcers and certain types of dermatitis.
Memory— Astragalus has been shown to have protective effects against factors causing Alzheimer’s and memory loss.
The following site has a comprehensive assessment of astragalus. Safety wise, astragalus is akin to a food-grade herb in terms of the frequency and amount that can be taken. There is an expensive patented astragalus isolate developed based on the presumed “active ingredient,” which is known to be “poorly assimilated,” but serves as grounds for speculation about other “active agents.” A discussion about the varying forms in which it could be taken could ensue, but my perspective favours the “if it ain’t broke” approach. To the extent that controlled studies actually verify the traditional uses, there is little call to deviate from them. If you’d care to try for yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch, 323.936.5152.