What Does Astragalus Polysaccharides(APS) Work For Animal?

Astragalus(Radix Astragali), referred to as the root of Astragalus membranaceus, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. In recent years, Astragalus membranaceus extract has been widely used for the treatment and prevention of countless pet infections, including distemper, West Nile Virus, Influenza A viruses, etc due to its good antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a medicinal herb often used to boost the immune system to fight infections, or treat chronic illnesses in dogs, cats, fish, and horses. It’s a broad-spectrum treatment that is also useful in treating known and unknown bacterial and viral infections in aquarium fish.

The roots of Astragalus include polysaccharides and triterpenoids (such as astragalosides), as well as isoflavones (including kumatakenin, calycosin, and formononetin) and their glycosides and malonates. And The main component for this purpose is astragalus polysaccharide(APS), Astragalus polysaccharides can improve the utilization of nutrients and promote the growth of animals. Astragalus polysaccharide contains amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and other nutrients and unknown growth factors (UGFs). As a feed additive, it can significantly increase the growth rate of livestock and poultry, enhance body resistance, and improve the quality and yield of meat, egg and milk.

Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes use it on the skin for wound care. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds. Astragalus polysaccharide is uniquely capable of stimulating some immune functions while depressing others. In the United States, researchers have looked at astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer.

Astragalus was often combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease and use as an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. One theory is that it stimulates the function of macrophages and T cells, increases the number of E-ring forming cells, induces cytokine production, promotes interleukin production, and causes the animal body to produce endogenous interferon, thus achieving the purpose of antiviral, used in the treatment of piglet circovirus disease, infectious bursa disease of chicken, influenza and HIV viral infections. Astragalus can prevent colds and reduce the incidence by more than 50%, and the combined application with interferon can reduce the incidence by more than 70%.

Recent research in China suggests that, because Astragalus polysaccharide is an antioxidant, it may help people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving heart function. Astragalus polysaccharide also improves kidney circulation, normalizes heart function, stimulates T-cell activity, strengthens digestion, increases metabolic activity, and enhances DNA synthesis in the liver of pets.

The Astragalus membranaceus herb is available in dry or extracts forms. The best results from of Astragalus polysaccharide for animal feeding are obtained from daily use. Most experts recommend extracts for animals as it’s easier to get them to ingest them. The most commonly recommended dosage is up to one drop of extract per pound weight of the animal, twice each day. However, we recommend consulting with a veterinary professional before administering Astragalus to avoid drug interactions or issues with existing conditions (such as autoimmune diseases). Looking for Astragalus membranaceus powder? Purchase from a reputable supplier like Rainbow Biotech to ensure you are getting the right species.

Reference: Astragalus_propinquus