Absorption

Wish I could read this paper in full. By the looks of the abstract, this paper not only confirms the 2.2% stomach absorption figure of astragaloside IV, but also indicates that absorption is greater in a solution of astragalus root, versus just astragaloside IV in water. But is that "absolute bioavailability of astragaloside IV" taken from the pure-in-aqueous solution, or from the root-and-all-in-aqueous solution?

On another note, I've found what might be a better way to consume active ingredients from astragalus root. Grinding (Magic Bullet, flat blade) until a mixture of fine yellow powder and short fibers is produced, followed by mixing with hot water and microwaving until just-barely-boiling, then letting steep like tea, then straining out the fibers. Not bad tasting, maybe with a little cinnamon... Definitely produces a foamy, soapy layer - so I'm fairly sure that saponins are being extracted by this method. Still not sure how much, though...enough for about a centimeter-thick layer of fine, persistent foam in a two-cup Pyrex cup, at least. (Real scientific, yeah.)