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Astragin Proprietary Blend

Also known as: AstraGin Proprietary Blend, Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng blend, AstraGin

Overview

AstraGin is a proprietary blend derived from *Astragalus membranaceus* root and *Panax notoginseng* root, both of which are traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. It is primarily used to support gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, and potentially offer cardiovascular and immune benefits. Key components include astragalosides (e.g., astragaloside I) and ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenoside Rb1). AstraGin contains 1.5-5% total saponins, 0.1-0.5% ginsenoside Rb1, and 0.01-0.1% astragaloside I. Research on AstraGin is in its early stages, with some human clinical trials and preclinical studies suggesting positive effects, but more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and benefits. The quality of available evidence is considered limited, with small sample sizes in human trials, but supported by preclinical and some human studies. Safety assessments have been conducted by regulatory bodies like the EFSA.

Benefits

AstraGin has shown potential benefits in improving intestinal barrier integrity and promoting a healthy gut microbiota. A human clinical trial indicated a significant increase in beneficial gut bacteria such as *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* (420%) and *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* (180%), along with a decrease in harmful bacteria like *Prevotella* (98%). It also demonstrated an enhanced immune response, with an 11% increase in neutrophil cells and a 20.5% increase in lymphocyte immune cells. Furthermore, AstraGin has been shown to improve the absorption of L-arginine and positively impact the appetite hormone ghrelin. These benefits were specifically studied in ulcerative colitis patients, showing improvements in gut health and immune response over a three-month period. However, the sample size in the human clinical trial was small (n=8), limiting the strength of the conclusions.

How it works

AstraGin's mechanism of action involves the interaction of its components, such as astragalosides and ginsenosides, with various biological pathways. These pathways include anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and immunoregulatory mechanisms. It affects the gastrointestinal system by improving intestinal barrier integrity and promoting a healthy gut microbiota. Preclinical studies suggest potential cardiovascular benefits by reducing myocardial infarct size and improving left ventricular function. At the molecular level, AstraGin regulates calcium balance, promotes antiapoptosis, and exhibits antifibrotic and cardioprotective effects via numerous signaling pathways. Additionally, AstraGin has been shown to enhance the absorption of various nutrients such as amino acids, omega-3s, creatine, and hemp cannabidiol.

Side effects

AstraGin is generally considered safe, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) setting a safe intake level of 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day, corresponding to a maximum daily intake of 35 mg for adults, excluding pregnant women. No common side effects have been reported in available studies. Due to the limited data, uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented. While no significant drug interactions have been reported, caution is advised due to the lack of comprehensive interaction studies. AstraGin is contraindicated for pregnant women based on EFSA guidelines. Safety data is primarily for the general adult population, excluding pregnant women, and there is no specific data for other special populations like children or the elderly. Further research is needed to establish a comprehensive safety profile.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of AstraGin is not clearly established, as the human clinical trial used a proprietary blend without specifying exact amounts per component. The EFSA recommends a maximum daily intake of 35 mg based on safety assessments, while the applicant proposed a maximum of 350 mg of the novel food. In the human clinical trial, AstraGin was administered before breakfast and dinner. It is available as capsules containing the extract blend. AstraGin enhances the absorption of various nutrients. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its function. The maximum safe dose is considered to be 35 mg per day, as recommended by the EFSA. More research is needed to determine optimal dosage ranges for different purposes.

FAQs

How often should AstraGin be taken?

In the clinical trial, AstraGin was administered before breakfast and dinner. This timing may optimize its effects on gut health and nutrient absorption.

Is AstraGin safe for everyone?

AstraGin is not recommended for pregnant women, according to EFSA guidelines. More research is needed to determine its safety for other special populations.

What are the potential benefits of AstraGin?

Potential benefits include improved gut health, enhanced immune response, and better nutrient absorption. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Is AstraGin a cure for any condition?

No, AstraGin is not a cure for any condition. It is a supportive supplement that may help improve gut health and immune function.

What is the safe upper limit for AstraGin?

The EFSA recommends a maximum daily intake of 35 mg for adults, excluding pregnant women, based on available safety data.

Research Sources

https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/astragin-a-branded-astragalus-ginseng-ingredient-blend-supports-gut-health-in-ulcerative-colitis-patients-early-study-shows – This article discusses a study on AstraGin's effects on gut health in ulcerative colitis patients. The study showed improvements in intestinal barrier integrity and gut microbiota composition, suggesting potential benefits for individuals with ulcerative colitis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33792129/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study evaluating the effects of AstraGin or its components. Further investigation of the study details is needed to provide a more specific summary of its findings and methodology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00795/full – This preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis found that Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a component of Astragalus, significantly decreased myocardial infarct size and improved left ventricular function in animal models. The review included 22 studies with 484 animals, demonstrating a comprehensive analysis of AS-IV's cardioprotective effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37649518/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study evaluating the effects of AstraGin or its components. Further investigation of the study details is needed to provide a more specific summary of its findings and methodology.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6099 – The EFSA safety assessment concluded that AstraGin is safe at an intake level of 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day, corresponding to a maximum daily intake of 35 mg for adults, excluding pregnant women. This assessment was based on subchronic and subacute toxicity studies, providing a rigorous evaluation of AstraGin's safety profile.