Astragalus May Help Heal Wounds

Astragalus is used in herbal formulas to treat wounds, including ulcers of the foot caused by diabetes. Modern research supports this traditional use. Preclinical studies suggest the topical use of astragalus extracts may indeed be useful in treating open skin wounds. Oral astragalus supplements could also help with recovery from severe nerve injuries.^(73, 223)

In one such study, astragalus applied for 11 days to open wounds made to anesthetized rats reduced inflammation and stimulated new skin cell and blood vessel growth. This therapeutic activity was most noticeable in the first few days of treatment, and overall healing time was significantly reduced.⁽⁷³⁾

In another animal study, topical application of astragalus compounds showed the following effects which help wounds heal faster:⁽²²⁴⁾

• Suppressed inflammation.
• Boosted skin growth by accelerating skin cell cycle.
• Promoted secretion of proteins that help repair wounds.

Finally, compounds in astragalus may also help heal burn and scald wounds. Animal studies modeling deep 2nd degree burns show astragaloside IV hastens wound healing from burns by:⁽²²⁵⁾

• Promoting formation of new blood vessels.
• Regulating collagen, a primary structural protein in skin.

In fact, silk wound dressings loaded with the same astragalus compound both:⁽²²⁶⁾

• Improved the quality of skin grafts.
• Reduced scarring from burns.

Lab studies on human skin lines show similar effects of astragalus, herbal formulas containing astragalus as a main ingredient, and astragalus compounds.^(224, 227)