Branded astragalus-ginseng ingredient blends support for nitric oxide production, says recent study

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NuLive Science (Brea, CA) has announced that publication of its third human study¹ on the company’s flagship ingredient, Astragin, which is a standardized blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng saponins. The study investigated the effects of Astragin on nitric oxide levels in humans by enhancing arginine absorption and reducing levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (AMDA). In the study, 31 subjects (24 subjects finished the study) were given 5 g of arginine powder and either one capsule with 50 mg of Astragin or placebo, twice, with a washout period between administration.

Results showed that after supplementation with Astragin, the area under the curve for arginine was significantly increased by 17.3% and the maximum concentration increased by 11.1%. Additionally, the ratio of arginine to AMDA saw a significant increase of 167.1% (enhanced arginine absorption and reduced levels of AMDA). Subjects taking Astragin also had increased urinary nitrate by 20.8% and cGMP levels by 18.9%.

Ultimately, the researchers concluded that Astragin enhanced NO production by increasing arginine absorption and decreasing AMDA levels. Therefore, the addition Astragin to arginine supplements could be beneficial for pre-workout and cardiovascular health, the researchers say.

Previous research on AstraGin found that the ingredient could be helpful for patients with ulcerative colitis by increasing the growth of good bacteria and decreasing the growth of harmful bacteria.

Reference

1. Lin C-P.; Lin C-T.; Wu I-C.; Pan T-Y.; Shen Y-C. Pharmacokinetic Effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng saponins on Arginine Absorption and Nitric Oxide Production in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial. Functional Foods in Health and Disease. 2023; 13(6): 307-319. DOI: 10.31989/ffhd.v13i6.1104