Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are presently examining the full range of benefits that native Asian herbs provide.

Working with the Chungbuk Oriental Medicine Center in South Korea, the American team hopes to prove that the herb Astragalus promotes weight loss by inhibiting the growth of fat cells.

Young-Cheul Kim, a UMass scientist participating in the study, explains that the group is “trying to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of fat cells in the body…with the goal to find therapeutic strategies for…promoting overall health.”

They hope to uncover the full range of active ingredients in Astragalus and determine exactly how it can help prevent obesity and other related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers have already discovered that Rhodiola, commonly known as “golden root,” helps stop the growth of fat cells by blocking certain genes that allow for the growth of fat. However, this testing has only been conclusive on mice thus far, and the team is eager to continue their work with the center in South Korea.

For those who would like to lose weight and increase their energy level, there are many natural health resources to choose from, such as nutritional supplements, massages, yoga, acupuncture and physical exercise.