AstraGin® - Clinical Research Data Summary

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AstraGin® Astragalus membranaceus & Panax notoginseng Botanical Complex

AstraGin® is a clinically studied ingredient that will be used in an upcoming Silver Fern™ Brand product.

Introduction

AstraGin® is a clinically studied botanical complex derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng, standardized for key bioactive compounds and designed to support healthy nutrient absorption. Unlike some traditional bioavailability ingredients, AstraGin® works by supporting normal intestinal function and the activity of nutrient transport pathways involved in amino acid uptake. Preclinical and human research suggest it supports the integrity of the intestinal lining, promotes efficient nutrient utilization, and helps maintain normal cellular energy production.*

Research suggests AstraGin® may help maintain a healthy gut environment, support microbiome balance, and promote normal immune function. At low daily doses (50–100 mg), AstraGin® serves as a foundational ingredient that supports how the body absorbs and utilizes nutrients, making it a valuable addition to comprehensive wellness and nutrition formulations.*

These are the studies for AstraGin®. Below, we provided a summary of each key data for each study, along with a link to the complete clinical research.

  1. Summary of Study 1 – Full Study: https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/effect-of-astragalus-membranaceus-and-panax-notoginseng-extract-on-arginine-absorption-intestinal-permeability-microbiota-populati-24081.html
  2. Summary of Study 2 – Full Study: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/fstr/29/2/29_FSTR-D-22-00116/_html/-char/en
  3. Summary of Study 3 – Full Study: https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/1104
  4. Summary of Study 4 – Full Study: https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/BioactiveCompounds/article/view/1846
  5. Summary of Study 5 – Full Study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12435-y

Ingredient Manufacturer Link: https://nulivscience.com/ingredients/astragin/



Study 1 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/effect-of-astragalus-membranaceus-and-panax-notoginseng-extract-on-arginine-absorption-intestinal-permeability-microbiota-populati-24081.html

Effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng Extract on Arginine Absorption, Intestinal Permeability, Microbiota Population, and Immune Markers
Journal of Biochemistry & Biotechnology. 2023.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated AstraGin® (APS combination) at 50 mg twice daily before meals in adults with altered gastrointestinal function over 3 months, assessing intestinal barrier markers, amino acid absorption, microbiome composition, immune-related cell markers, and appetite hormone signaling.

Study Design Highlights

  • Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot
  • Population: Adults with altered gastrointestinal function
  • Dose: 50 mg AstraGin® twice daily before meals
  • Duration: 3 months
  • Outcomes: Intestinal barrier markers, L-arginine absorption kinetics, gut microbiome composition (microbial diversity), immune cell markers, appetite hormone signaling

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

  • Favorable changes in markers related to intestinal function and gut environment vs. placebo
  • Improvements in markers associated with intestinal barrier integrity vs. placebo
  • Increased absorption of L-arginine with improved uptake and bioavailability metrics
  • Shifts in microbiome composition including increases in beneficial bacterial species and maintained microbial diversity
  • Changes in immune cell markers consistent with support for normal immune system function
  • Favorable influence on markers related to appetite regulation, suggesting support for normal gut–brain communication

Benefits of AstraGin® Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the study findings, AstraGin® was shown to:
✓ Support nutrient absorption (L-arginine bioavailability)
✓ Help maintain intestinal barrier integrity markers
✓ Promote a balanced gut microbiome while maintaining diversity
✓ Support normal immune system activity markers
✓ Support healthy appetite signaling pathways

Why This Study Matters

This study highlights AstraGin® as a multi-functional botanical ingredient that supports several aspects of gastrointestinal health and nutrient utilization simultaneously. Rather than acting through a single pathway, the findings suggest a broader role in supporting digestive function, microbiome balance, and nutrient uptake.*

Reference Link: https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/effect-of-astragalus-membranaceus-and-panax-notoginseng-extract-on-arginine-absorption-intestinal-permeability-microbiota-populati-24081.html



Study 2 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/fstr/29/2/29_FSTR-D-22-00116/_html/-char/en

APS (Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng Saponins) and Amino Acid Absorption and Nutrient Transport Activity
Food Science and Technology Research. 2023.

This multi-model study evaluated an AstraGin®-type APS combination across intestinal cell models (Caco-2), animal models evaluating intestinal function, and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in healthy adults (50 mg APS with L-arginine), assessing amino acid absorption, bioavailability, and nutrient transport pathway activity.

Study Design Highlights

  • Models: Caco-2 intestinal cell model, animal intestinal function model, human crossover RCT
  • Human dose: 50 mg APS with L-arginine (single dose crossover)
  • Outcomes: L-arginine absorption and bioavailability, amino acid transport pathway activity, intestinal structure and function markers

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

  • Caco-2 model: Dose-dependent increases in L-arginine movement across the intestinal lining, associated with increased activity of amino acid transport pathways
  • Animal models: Improvements in markers related to intestinal condition and physiological resilience during periods of stress; maintained activity of nutrient transport pathways under disrupted intestinal function
  • Human crossover: Single 50 mg dose of APS increased circulating L-arginine following oral intake — demonstrating improved absorption and systemic availability

Benefits of AstraGin® Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the findings, AstraGin®-type APS was shown to:
✓ Support amino acid absorption and bioavailability in humans (single-dose crossover)
✓ Promote activity of amino acid transport pathways in intestinal cell models
✓ Support normal intestinal structure and function in preclinical models
✓ Help maintain nutrient utilization under physiological stress in preclinical models

Why This Study Matters

This multi-model study provides insight into how AstraGin® supports nutrient absorption at the intestinal level — working by supporting the body's natural transport processes and maintaining normal intestinal function, rather than relying on passive absorption alone.*

Reference Link: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/fstr/29/2/29_FSTR-D-22-00116/_html/-char/en



Study 3 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/1104

APS (AstraGin®) and L-Arginine Absorption and Nitric Oxide Metabolism Markers in Healthy Adults
Functional Foods in Health and Disease. 2023.

This randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study evaluated 50 mg APS + 5 g L-arginine in 24 healthy adults (ages 20–80), assessing arginine absorption pharmacokinetics (AUC, Cmax, Tmax), related amino acid metabolites (citrulline), and biomarkers associated with nitric oxide metabolism.

Study Design Highlights

  • Study design: Randomized, double-blind, crossover
  • Participants: 24 healthy adults (ages 20–80)
  • Intervention: 50 mg APS + 5 g oral L-arginine
  • Outcomes: Arginine AUC, Cmax, Tmax; citrulline; biomarkers associated with nitric oxide metabolism and circulation-related signaling

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

  • APS supplementation increased circulating L-arginine following oral intake including improvements in overall exposure (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax)
  • Citrulline and related metabolites were also elevated, indicating enhanced amino acid utilization
  • Changes in biomarkers associated with nitric oxide metabolism observed including improved balance between L-arginine and naturally occurring compounds that influence its utilization
  • Markers related to downstream nitric oxide activity were elevated, suggesting support for normal physiological signaling processes involved in circulation

Benefits of AstraGin® Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the clinical outcomes, AstraGin® (APS at 50 mg) was shown to:
✓ Enhance absorption and bioavailability of L-arginine (improved AUC and Cmax)
✓ Support efficient utilization of amino acids (elevated citrulline)
✓ Promote balance in pathways associated with nitric oxide metabolism
✓ Support normal circulatory signaling process markers

Why This Study Matters

This study provides human clinical evidence that AstraGin® can enhance the absorption and utilization of key nutrients involved in important physiological pathways. By supporting amino acid bioavailability and normal metabolic signaling processes at just 50 mg, AstraGin® helps optimize how the body responds to orally consumed nutrients.*

Reference Link: https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/1104



Study 4 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/BioactiveCompounds/article/view/1846

APS (AstraGin®-Type Composition) and Intestinal Barrier Function, Cellular Energy, and Beneficial Bacteria Interaction in Cell Models
Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease. 2026.

This in vitro study evaluated an AstraGin®-type APS combination in Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells under a cellular stress model, assessing intestinal barrier integrity markers, tight junction protein expression, intracellular ATP levels, and beneficial bacteria growth and adhesion.

Study Design Highlights

  • Study type: In vitro — Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cell model
  • Conditions: Cellular stress model evaluating barrier function
  • Outcomes: Intestinal barrier markers, tight junction proteins, intracellular ATP levels, beneficial bacteria growth and adhesion

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

  • Improvements in markers related to intestinal barrier integrity including measures of cellular cohesion and permeability
  • Supported expression of proteins involved in maintaining connections between intestinal cells (tight junction proteins)
  • Increased intracellular energy (ATP) levels, suggesting support for normal cellular activity and function
  • Enhanced growth and adhesion of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal cell model, indicating support for a healthy gut environment and microbe–host interactions

Benefits of AstraGin® Demonstrated by This Study

Based directly on the in vitro findings, AstraGin® was shown to:
✓ Support intestinal barrier function markers under cellular stress conditions
✓ Promote tight junction protein expression supporting cellular structure
✓ Support intracellular ATP (cellular energy) levels
✓ Encourage beneficial bacteria growth and adhesion in gut cell models

Why This Study Matters

This cell model study provides mechanistic insight into how AstraGin® supports intestinal health at the cellular level — helping maintain normal barrier function, supporting cellular energy, and promoting a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria through complementary cellular pathways.*

Reference Link: https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/BioactiveCompounds/article/view/1846



Study 5 Summary

Complete Study Information: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12435-y

Astragaloside II Supports Cellular Activity, Amino Acid Uptake, and Intestinal Structure
Scientific Reports. 2017.

This study evaluated Astragaloside II — a key bioactive compound derived from Astragalus membranaceus — in Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells and animal intestinal function models, assessing cellular activity, L-arginine uptake, amino acid transport pathway activity, protein signaling pathways, and intestinal structure markers.

Study Design Highlights

  • Study type: In vitro (Caco-2 cell model) and preclinical animal model
  • Compound: Astragaloside II (key bioactive from Astragalus membranaceus)
  • Outcomes: Cellular activity and growth, L-arginine uptake, transport pathway activity, protein signaling, intestinal structure markers

Key Findings (What the Study Showed)

  • Astragaloside II associated with increased cellular activity and growth in intestinal cell models, suggesting support for normal cellular function
  • Increased uptake of L-arginine and supported activity of transport pathways involved in nutrient absorption
  • Influenced signaling pathways involved in protein metabolism and cellular activity, indicating support for normal cellular processes
  • Animal models: Improvements in markers related to intestinal structure and overall physiological condition

Why This Study Matters

This study identifies Astragaloside II as a key bioactive compound within Astragalus membranaceus that contributes to AstraGin®'s overall function — specifically supporting amino acid uptake and cellular activity at the intestinal level. These findings provide mechanistic support for AstraGin®'s nutrient absorption activity.*

Reference Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12435-y

Big-Picture Integration with Other Studies

  • Study 1: 3-month randomized, placebo-controlled pilot in humans demonstrating AstraGin® supports L-arginine absorption, intestinal barrier markers, microbiome balance, immune cell markers, and appetite signaling simultaneously.
  • Study 2: Multi-model study (Caco-2, animal, human crossover) confirming AstraGin®-type APS increases L-arginine bioavailability in humans and supports amino acid transport pathway activity across models.
  • Study 3: Human crossover RCT in 24 adults demonstrating 50 mg APS improves L-arginine AUC and Cmax, elevates citrulline, and supports markers associated with nitric oxide metabolism and circulatory signaling.
  • Study 4: Caco-2 cell model study demonstrating AstraGin® supports intestinal barrier integrity, tight junction protein expression, intracellular ATP production, and beneficial bacteria adhesion under cellular stress conditions.
  • Study 5: Cell and preclinical model study identifying Astragaloside II as the key bioactive compound driving AstraGin®'s amino acid transport activity and intestinal structural support.

Together, these studies position AstraGin® as a clinically studied, low-dose botanical complex (50–100 mg) that supports nutrient absorption, intestinal function, and overall nutrient utilization through multiple complementary pathways.*

AstraGin® Ingredient Summary & Real-World Relevance

AstraGin® is not a typical absorption ingredient — it represents a comprehensive approach to supporting nutrient utilization. Rather than relying on a single mechanism, AstraGin® works through multiple complementary pathways to support how nutrients are absorbed and utilized within the body.*

Clinically studied at low daily doses (50–100 mg), AstraGin® has been shown to support absorption and bioavailability of key nutrients including amino acids, promote activity of nutrient transport pathways, support intestinal barrier function and cellular integrity, help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, support pathways associated with nitric oxide metabolism, and promote normal cellular energy production.*

From a formulation perspective, AstraGin® is effective at low doses and well-suited for use alongside vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and botanicals — designed to support overall nutrient utilization without disrupting normal gut function.*

Ingredient Manufacturer Link: https://nulivscience.com/ingredients/astragin/

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.