Astragalus is a plant that is native to Northern China. The medicinal portion of this plant is the root, which is collected in the spring, needs to be dried for four to seven years. Some of the known active components include flavonoids, free amino acids, trace minerals and polyphenols. It has been used to stimulate energy and general weakness, lack of appetite, treatment of colds, flu, abdominal ulcers and Diabetes. Astragalus has been said, that no single compound has such wide anging effects in the treatment or enhancement of cellular communication. Several studies also show Astragalus proffer heart-protecting effects, including protection against oxidative damage.