Astragalus May Help Treat Diabetic Nephropathy

Astragalus compounds helps protects kidneys from the effects of high blood sugar from diabetes.

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. It can even progress to kidney failure. Chronic high blood sugar levels damage and destroy kidney tissue, and is characterized by abnormal levels of proteins in urine.^{(44, 45, 200)}

Research suggests astragalus may be a natural way to treat diabetic nephropathy. Astragalus helps regulate the immune system and reduces inflammation. Both of these properties appear to protect kidneys.^{(44, 45, 200)}

Clinical Evidence of Benefit

Studies show that herbal formulas containing astragalus reduce excess protein in urine. The herbal formulas work by themselves, but results are better when combined with conventional treatment drugs. Additionally, astragalus compounds have been shown to reduce both blood and urine markers for diabetic nephropathy.^{(103, 201, 202)}

Injections of astragalus also protect kidneys from diabetes. Multiple clinical trials involving thousands of patients with diabetic nephropathy have tested astragalus with various treatment drugs. Results show the herb improves the effectiveness of conventional therapy for the condition.^(200, 202)

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed physician. If you require any medical related advice, contact your physician promptly. Information presented on this website is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard medical advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.

For example, the TCM formula Tangshenqing.⁽²⁰¹⁾

Specifically, astragaloside IV taken from Astragalus alexandrines, which is also a prevalent active compound in other astragalus species, including Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.^(103, 202)