04/17/2019 / By Michelle Simmons
Astragalus, also known as huang qi, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and its medicinal effects have been backed by scientific studies. In a new study, a team of Chinese researchers discovered that polysaccharides derived from astragalus may be used to improve the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
In the study, the Chinese research team looked at the effect of astragalus polysaccharides on pulmonary arterial hypertension. In conducting the study, they administered monocrotaline in rats to induce pulmonary arterial hypertension. Then, they treated the animals with 200 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of astragalus polysaccharides once every two days for two weeks.
Based on the results, the research team found that treatment with astragalus polysaccharides reduced monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension. In addition, the treatment eliminated oxidative stress, promoted vasodilation, and reduced inflammation — all of which contribute to lowering high blood pressure.
From these findings, the team concluded that polysaccharides derived from astragalus may be used to improve the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension by improving the dilatation of blood vessels and reducing inflammation. The findings of the study were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a form of a broader condition called pulmonary hypertension, which means high blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary arterial hypertension develops when the very small arteries throughout the lungs become narrow in diameter. As a result, the resistance of blood flow through the lungs increases. Over time, elevated blood pressure can damage the heart. While pulmonary arterial hypertension is a very serious disease, it is a very rare condition, affecting about 15 to 50 people out of one million Americans.
Various studies have looked at the potential health benefits of astragalus. Here are some of them:
Astragalus is available in various forms of supplements, such as capsules, liquid extracts, powders, and teas. However, if you want to try astragalus, it is best to consult a health professional first.
ChineseMedicine.news has more on the health benefits of astragalus.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, astragalus, cardiovascular disease, herbal medicine, huang qi, hypertension, natural cures, natural medicine, pulmonary arterial hypertension, remedies, research
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