AstraGin® – what is it and why is it used in dietary supplements?

AstraGin® is a patented plant extract used in a range of dietary supplements to support the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It is developed by NuLiv Science and consists of a combination of two plant extracts: Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng.

But what does AstraGin® actually do? How does it work in the body? And why is it found in products like IntraUP and HydraUP?

Here we go through everything you need to know.

What is AstraGin®?

AstraGin® is a standardized and patented extract from two herbs with a long history in traditional medicine:

Astragalus membranaceus
An herb that has been used in East Asian herbal medicine for centuries and is known for its adaptogenic properties.

Panax notoginseng
A relative of ginseng with a long history of traditional use in China and East Asia.

The combination of these two extracts is what constitutes AstraGin®, and it is NuLiv Science's patented process for standardizing and combining them that makes the ingredient unique on the market.

How does AstraGin® work in the body?

To understand why AstraGin® is used in dietary supplements, one needs to understand how the body absorbs nutrients.

When you eat or take a dietary supplement, the absorption of nutrients largely takes place in the small intestine. There are specialized transport proteins – so-called transporters – that actively transfer substances from the intestine into the blood.

AstraGin® is thought to influence the expression of these transport proteins in the intestinal wall. The idea is that increased activity of the transport proteins can support the body’s ability to absorb substances such as amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients.

This is why AstraGin® is called a bioavailability enhancer – it is not an active ingredient in itself, but a supplement aimed at making the other ingredients in the formula more available to the body.

Which substances benefit most from AstraGin®?

AstraGin® is primarily used in products that contain:

• Amino acids – especially EAA (essential amino acids) and citrulline
• Electrolytes – sodium, potassium, magnesium
• Plant extracts and adaptogens
• Vitamins and minerals

In intra-workout and electrolyte products, the combination of amino acids and AstraGin® is particularly common, where the goal is to support absorption during and after exercise.

AstraGin® compared to other bioavailability enhancers

There are several ingredients on the market used for a similar purpose. The most well-known is BioPerine® – a patented black pepper extract (piperine) which is also used to support the absorption of nutrients.

The difference between AstraGin® and BioPerine®:

• BioPerine® is based on piperine from black pepper and is common in vitamin supplements and curcumin products
• AstraGin® is based on plant extracts from Astragalus and Panax notoginseng and is often used in amino acid and electrolyte products

The two ingredients have different origins and are used in different types of formulas, but share the goal of supporting the body’s absorption of nutrients.

In which Skytrition products is AstraGin® found?

AstraGin® is used in several of Skytrition’s products:

• IntraUP – Amino Acids & Electrolytes – an intra-workout product with 10 g EAA, hydrolyzed whey, Skydrive™, and electrolytes
• HydraUP – Electrolytes – an electrolyte product with CocoMineral®, PerforMelon®, and a broad electrolyte complex

In both products, AstraGin® is included as part of the formula together with the other active ingredients.

What should one consider when choosing products with AstraGin®?

1. The dose of AstraGin®

Check how much AstraGin® is actually included per daily dose. A clear ingredient list should state the amount separately.

2. Other ingredients in the formula

AstraGin® is a complementary ingredient. Also, look at the active substances in the product – amino acids, electrolytes, or whatever else the product contains.

3. Transparency

Choose products with a clear declaration where you can see exactly what and how much you get per dose – not just a proprietary blend, but specified amounts.

Frequently asked questions about AstraGin®

What is AstraGin® made of?
AstraGin® is a patented extract from Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng, developed by NuLiv Science.

Why is AstraGin® used in dietary supplements?
AstraGin® is used as a bioavailability enhancer – an ingredient aimed at supporting the body’s absorption of amino acids, electrolytes, and other nutrients in the formula.

What is the difference between AstraGin® and BioPerine®?
Both are bioavailability enhancers but with different origins. BioPerine® is based on piperine from black pepper, while AstraGin® is based on plant extracts from Astragalus and Panax notoginseng.

In which Skytrition products is AstraGin® found?
IntraUP, BlowitUP, MessitUP, AminoUP and HydraUP.

Is AstraGin® a plant-based substance?
Yes, AstraGin® is an extract from two herbs and is therefore plant-based.

How much AstraGin® is needed?
It varies between products. Always check the ingredient list to see the exact dose per daily serving.

Summary

AstraGin® is a patented plant extract from Astragalus and Panax notoginseng used as a bioavailability enhancer in dietary supplements. By influencing transport proteins in the small intestine, it aims to support the body’s absorption of amino acids, electrolytes, and other nutrients.

It is included in Skytrition’s IntraUP, BlowitUP, MessitUP, AminoUP and HydraUP as part of each respective formula. When choosing products with AstraGin® – look at the big picture: the dose, other active ingredients, and how clearly the product declares its content.