What Is AstraGin®? The Absorption Enhancer Behind BIG D and PUMP

AstraGin is the 50mg absorption-enhancer ingredient tucked into both BIG D and PUMP. Here's what it actually does.

What Is AstraGin®? The Absorption Enhancer Behind BIG D and PUMP What Is AstraGin®? The Absorption Enhancer Behind BIG D and PUMP

AstraGin® shows up in two different Beast formulas, BIG D and PUMP, always at a small 50mg dose, always alongside other ingredients. It's never been given its own page until now. Here's what it actually does.

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What Is AstraGin®?

AstraGin® is a patented ingredient combining extracts of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng (a type of ginseng), developed by NuLiv Science. It isn't an active ingredient in the way creatine or caffeine are, it doesn't directly build muscle or provide energy. Its job is different: helping your gut absorb more of the other ingredients sitting alongside it in the same formula. That's why it always turns up in small doses tucked into more complex formulas, never sold as a standalone product.

How It Works: Absorption, Not Stimulation

Absorption enhancers work by increasing the permeability and transport activity of the intestinal lining, effectively opening more doorways for nutrients like amino acids to cross from the gut into the bloodstream. A randomised, double-blind crossover trial examined this directly in 24 healthy adults. When AstraGin® was combined with arginine supplementation, the area under the curve for plasma arginine increased by 17.3% compared to arginine alone.1 The ratio of arginine to ADMA, a compound that interferes with nitric oxide production, increased by 167.1%, evidence the extract improves how efficiently that arginine converts into useful nitric oxide signalling.1

Which Beast Products Contain It

BIG D contains 50mg of AstraGin® alongside Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Peak ATP®, and Wellmune®. PUMP contains the same 50mg dose alongside L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, and Pine Bark Extract. In both formulas the logic is identical: rather than only adding more of the headline ingredients, Beast pairs them with something designed to help you actually absorb what you're taking.

AstraGin® FAQs

Eddie Hall

Eddie's take: "Doesn't matter how good a formula looks on paper if half of it doesn't get absorbed. That's the whole point of AstraGin® being in BIG D and PUMP, it's not about adding more, it's about making sure you actually use what you're already taking."

Beast BIG D and PUMP

A container of Beast Pharm BIG D Daily Saturation Formula in cranberry flavor, with a predominantly black label featuring pink and white text.BIG D - Daily Saturation Formula
BIG D - Daily Saturation Formula 30 Servings£34.99
Creatine. Evolved. Beast BIG D is the daily saturation formula. 200 mesh creatine monohydrate plus five additional clinical-grade ingredients in one scoop. Same daily habit as plain creatine. Six times the formula. Peak ATP® delivers ATP directly, not a precursor. Wellmune® protects immune health during hard training blocks. AstraGin® maximises absorption of everything else. Beta-Alanine extends endurance. Betaine Anhydrous supports power output. The daily non-negotiable. Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man. WARNING: BIG D will likely produce a temporary tingling sensation. That's Beta-Alanine paraesthesia, harmless, well-documented, and proof the formula is working. It fades with consistent use. †Consuming at least 3g of creatine daily increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise. Directions Mix 1 scoop (13g) with 500ml to 750ml of water. Consume 1 serving per day. Do not exceed recommended dosage.  Ingredients Creatine Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (as Peak ATP®) Bakers Yeast Beta Glucan Saccharomyces cerevisiae (as Wellmune®), Astralagus membranaceus Extract (root) (as Astragin®) Flavouring, Citric Acid, Sweetener (Sucralose). NET WT. 390g. No artificial colours.  Warnings Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Allergens Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide. Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
A container of Beast Pharm Stimulant Free PUMP Pre-Workout in sour cherry flavor with 30 servings, featuring a black and pink design.PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout
PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout 30 Servings£34.99
Maximum pump. Zero stimulants. Beast Pharm PUMP is built around 8g of pure L-Citrulline per serving, the premium form of citrulline for maximum nitric oxide production and one of the highest doses in any pre-workout on the market.† Alongside Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, CellFlo6™, Pine Bark Extract, and AstraGin® for absorption. No caffeine. No crash. No compromise on the pump. Most stim-free pre-workouts are just underdosed citrulline and a prayer. PUMP is the real thing: built for evening training, stimulant-free days, or anyone who knows the pump is driven by blood flow, not caffeine. Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man. †L-Citrulline at 8g per serving supports nitric oxide production and blood flow to working muscles. Directions Mix 1 scoop (15g) with 250ml to 350ml ofwater. Consume approximately 20-30 minutes prior to workout. Do not consume more one serving in any 24 hour period.  Ingredients L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinesis) (as CellFlo6™), Pine Bark Extract, Astragalus membranaceus Extract (root) & Panax notoginseng Extract (root) (as AstraGin®), Flavouring, Citric Acid, Anti-caking agent (Aerosil®, Sipernat®), Sweetener (Sucralose). NET WT. 450g. No artificial colours.  Warnings Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding.  If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  Allergens Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide. Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.

References

  1. Lin, C-P., Lin, C-T., Wu, I-C., Pan, T-Y., & Shen, Y-C. (2023). Pharmacokinetic effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng saponins on arginine absorption and nitric oxide production in healthy subjects. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 13(6), 307-319.

This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, or are sensitive to stimulants.