- High concentration Astragalus root extract with standardized Astragaloside IV content.
- 500 times more concentrated than native roots – 20mg of extract = 10g of root.
- Guaranteed supply of half its Astragaloside IV content (50%).
- 100% single-ingredient dietary supplement – No added nutrients.
- Certified Astragalus membranaceus species – No mixing with other Astragalus species.
- Raw material extraction from 100% root, the most valued part of Astragalus – No use of leaves or stems.
- Encapsulated with DRCaps® – Greater protection and resistance to digestive passage – Gastro-resistant vegetable capsules.
Astragalus Root Extract – Discover the ‘Chinese Qi Herb’
Astragalus extract (500:1) 20mg from Essentialseries is a dietary supplement in gastro-resistant vegetable capsules (DRCaps®) made from a 500 times more concentrated root extract of the plant Astragalus membranaceus, standardized to 50% of the most recognized subtype of Astragaloside from the plant: Astragaloside IV.
Astragalus is a family of plants, commonly referred to as ‘Astragalus’, which refers to the most studied and used species of the plant, Astragalus membranaceus. This species grows mainly in Northern China, Mongolia, and Siberia. Known as Huang-Qi in China, Ogi in Japan, and Hwanggi in Korea, in China, the primary region of traditional use, it is used for purposes related to classic beliefs associated with qi and forms part of many of the main herbal preparations of this Asian culture.
Astragalus has been a plant of traditional use for centuries, its use has transcended to the present day where its commercialization as a dietary supplement has positioned it as an essential aid in the diet and culture of many people, not only from eastern regions but also from the west.
The Best Raw Material in an HSN Quality Supplement
Astragalus – A Traditional Asian Plant
Astragalus has traditionally been used in different Asian cultures, where ethnobotany has been a more studied field since ancient times, besides the region’s rich natural plant diversity being greater than in the West.
However, over time and traditional use of the plant by Asians, we have imported Astragalus to the West to incorporate it into our regular diet.
The name ‘Huang-Qi’ in China means ‘yellow leader,’ referring to the inner coloration of the roots, which were cut and sometimes crushed to make traditional preparations. The first reference to Astragalus in an important reading was in a key text on the use of plants by Chinese culture, written by Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, which classified plant use into low, medium, and high levels based on importance and properties; Astragalus was positioned in the highest class of the high level.
Astragaloside IV – What Is It and Why Is It Important?
The nutritional properties of plants come not from the plant itself but from its characteristic chemical compounds, as these define the physiological and nutritional properties of a specific botanical species.
Astragalus has a very rich and varied nutritional composition, although this is particularly characteristic of the root of the plant, which is the main part used for the preparation of Astragalus derivatives. However, it is not uncommon for many dietary supplement companies to offer Astragalus powder or Astragalus extract powder in general, mixing different parts of the plant, which is undesirable since the root is what is interesting.
The main group of characteristic compounds in Astragalus are steroidal saponins, specifically those subtypes named after the plant, as they are specific to it; they are called Astragalosides; and among all of them, it is the Astragaloside IV subtype, with a specific structure, that is of particular nutritional interest and has piqued the curiosity of the scientific community.
Other compounds of general interest in Astragalus include isoastragalosides, astragalus polysaccharides, astragalin, and other compounds notable for their content.
Single-Ingredient Supplement – Only Astragalus Extract
At HSN, you have many different formulas to help with all your goals; and just as you have formulas, you can also use products prepared with a single central ingredient, sometimes combined with small amounts of vitamins and/or minerals that support the overall function of the main compound.
Additionally, our Astragalus extract is protected by DRCaps®, a patent for gastro-resistant vegetable capsules from the prestigious Swiss company Lonza, which ensures the safety and protection of the delicate Astragaloside IV content throughout the product’s shelf life and during the digestive passage after ingestion.

HSN’s Astragalus extract uses such high-quality raw material, so concentrated and with such outstanding nutritional properties that it requires nothing else in its preparation. It is 100% high-quality, highly concentrated Astragalus extract.
500 Times More Concentrated Extraction – Greater Potency in a Convenient Format
One of the characteristics that define a quality plant extract, although not the only one, of course, is the concentration (extraction degree) of the plant.
It is not a pure quality factor, as it depends on the solvent used for extraction; many companies use solvents that allow for very high plant extractions, but this use of solvents damages and degrades the plant’s natural compounds, which are ultimately the ones with its nutritional effects.
At HSN, we aim to make our plant extracts as concentrated as possible without compromising their bioactive characterization; that is, we never use aggressive solvents that degrade the plant’s natural composition, because no matter how concentrated it is, if it doesn’t have its characteristic compounds that make it a valued plant, the extract loses its interest.
Our plant extracts are mostly standardized to their most relevant compounds, the reason we do this is to ensure with precision that what you are consuming is effective, and so you know precisely what you are using and in what concentration.
Our Astragalus extract, being so concentrated, allows for more practical use, as you only need to use one capsule once a day, nothing more.
What Effects Can I Expect from Astragalus Extract?
Astragalus extract has properties mainly related to the immune and metabolic systems, and its adaptogenic properties.
On the immune system level, Astragalus (membranaceus species) supports natural defenses, which is why it is such a widely used plant extract during the winter and autumn months.
Regarding its metabolic properties, Astragalus can help with the physiological balance of sugars, and it is traditionally well-known for its tonic and stimulating activities that help with physical and mental endurance. These stimulating properties are not like caffeine but from a more adaptogenic perspective, similar to other plants of the same adaptogenic or nootropic type. In fact , although we recommend taking Astragalus in the morning, the important thing is to use it on an empty stomach to maximize its properties, and it can be used at night as it does not interfere with sleep.
The Importance of Cultivation Control – Membranaceus Species
One of the issues with Astragalus is that it belongs to a family of plants composed of over 350 species with taxonomic and botanical similarities, making it easy to confuse.
The problem with confusing Astragalus species lies in the fact that non-membranaceus Astragalus does not have the same composition as the membranaceus species, which has been studied for its properties. However, with Astragalus, it is even more critical because some Astragalus species, although not commonly used in dietary supplements but can be used by mistake when purchasing raw materials with poor quality control; can be toxic, as some Astragalus species (not membranaceus) contain a neurotoxin known as ‘swainsonine’ that is toxic to humans and animals; and many other Astragalus species contain worrying amounts of selenium.
At HSN, we work with quality control documentation certifying the Astragalus species that has been cultivated, harvested, and whose roots have been used to prepare the powdered extract, so you can be completely sure that 100% of the extract you are using belongs to the Astragalus membranaceus species, and not others.
Astragalus + Amino Acids – A Classic Combination
Since the launch of known Astragalus patents, its combination with amino acids has been a classic combo, especially among bodybuilders – Trying it!
Combine Astragalus extract with:
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA).
- Essential Amino Acids (EAA).
- Isolated amino acids: Tryptophan, Arginine, Glutamine, or Lysine.
Make the most of all the uses of Astragalus extract in your diet!
Try Other HSN Supplements – Take Care of Yourself Naturally
At HSN, you have a multitude of plant extracts that you can find in their specific category.
Additionally, dietary supplements for sports nutrition; health and well-being; and natural food.
Bibliographic References
- Gu, Y., Wang, G., Pan, G., Fawcett, J. P., A, J., & Sun, J. (2004). Transport and bioavailability studies of astragaloside IV, an active ingredient in Radix astragali. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, 95(6), 295–298.
- Zhang, W. D., Zhang, C., Liu, R. H., Li, H. L., Zhang, J. T., Mao, C., … Chen, C. L. (2006). Preclinical pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of a natural cardioprotective agent astragaloside IV in rats and dogs. Life Sciences, 79(8), 808–815.
- Zhang, J., Xie, X., Li, C., & Fu, P. (2009). Systematic review of the renal protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus (root) on diabetic nephropathy in animal models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 126(2), 189–196.
- Thorne Research, Inc (2003). Astragalus membranaceus. Alternative Medicine Review, 8(1), 72–77.
- Wu, F., & Chen, X. (2004). A review of pharmacological study on Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials, 27(3), 232–234.