Astragalus root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a powerful adaptogenic herb and is said to support immune function. Astragalus has gained popularity recently as research has emerged about the possibility that it can protect DNA and increase longevity. Recent research has shown that Astragalus may protect the telomeres from degradation.

Improve Sickness and Heal Wounds:
Reduces the amount of nitric oxide released from cells, which reduces inflammation
Causes certain genes and metabolic pathways to be shutdown which would otherwise cause blood and chemicals to flow to wounds
Activates other genes and pathways which activates different immune cells

Good For Diabetics
Astragalus seems to be a decent food for diabetics. For a reson that’s not entirely clear patients who take astragalus exhibit better blood sugar control. The different polysaccharides protect against radical scavengers, and the benefits astragalus provides to cellular health seem to carry over in its ability to metabolize different nutrients.

Stops Aging
Astragalus is uniquely healthy for your cellular health because of its ability to protect your body’s telomeres from degradation. Telomeres are small pieces of DNA located at the edge of your chromosomes.  When your cells replicate telomeres help prevent your DNA from unraveling and keep it locked into place. They serve a similar function as the plastic caps on the edges of your shoelace.

Whenever your cells replicate telomeres shorten a wee bit.  After so many replications the stubby telomeres reach a critical point where they’re no longer usable and cells begin their programmed death, a process called "apoptosis." The gradual shortening of telomeres is an important component of ageing and different types of cancer.