Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote the discharge of urine, lower blood pressure, and increase endurance. Clinically, it is used primarily for general digestive disorders such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating, as well as chronic phlegm production. This herb is also used for its immune enhancing properties, especially for the prevention and treatment of the common cold and chronic hepatitis. In the United States, astragalus has been investigated as a possible treatment for patients whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. Astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy in these patients. Research regarding the use of astragalus in people with AIDS has yielded intriguing but inconclusive results. Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits in people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. Because astragalus has many potential applications and few, if any, side effects, it holds promise as an alternative treatment option. Plant DescriptionAstragalus is a perennial plant, approximately 16 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants. Available FormsAstragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:
How to Take ItRecommended doses are as follows:
PrecautionsAstragalus has no known side effects and can be used safely even in individuals who may not tolerate many other supplements. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with your physician before taking any medication, including herbs. Possible InteractionsAstragalus may increase the effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon. Astragalus may also counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients. Consult your healthcare provider before using astragalus with any of these medications. Supporting ResearchCastillo C, Valencia I, Reyes G, Hong E. An analysis of the antihypertensive properties of 3-nitropropionic acid, a compound from plants in the genus Astragalus [in Spanish]. Arch Inst Cardiol Mex. 1993;63(1):11-16. Chen LX, Liao JZ, Guo WQ. Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function and oxygen free radical in acute myocardial infarction patients and mechanism of its cardiotonic action [in Chinese]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1995;15(3):141-143. Chevallier A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. New York, NY: DK Publishing; 1996. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. I. Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro. J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988a;25(3):119-123. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo. J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988b;25(3):125-129. Hong CY, Ku J, Wu P. Astragalus membranaceus stimulates human sperm motility in vitro. Am J Chin Med. 1992;20(3-4):289-294. Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. 2nd ed. New York, NY: CRC Press; 1999. Khoo KS, Ang PT. Extract of Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum does not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Singapore Med J. 1995;36:387-390. Kurashige A, Akuzawa Y, Endo F. Effects of astragali radix extract on carcinogenesis, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity in mice treated with a carcinogen, N-butyl-N cents-butanolnitrosoamine. Cancer Invest. 1999;17(1):30-35. Li SQ, Yuan RX, Gao H. Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus [in Chinese]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1995;15(2):77-80. Li XY. Immunomodulating Chinese herbal medicines. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991;86(suppl 2):159-164. Luo HM, Dai RH, Li Y. Nuclear cardiology study on effective ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus in treating heart failure [in Chinese]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1995;15(12):707-709. Ma J, Peng A, Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of Astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Chin Med J (Engl). 1998;111(1):17-23. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1997. Miller L, Murray W, eds. Herbal Medicinals: A Clinician's Guide. New York, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1998. Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Rocklin, Calif: Prima Publishing; 1998. Peng T, Yang Y, Riesemann H, Kandolf R. The inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B-3 virus RNA replication. Chin Med Sci J. 1995;10(3):146-150. Upton R. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium - Astragalus Root. Santa Cruz, Calif: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia; 1999. Wagner H, Bauer R, Xiao P, Chen J, Offerman F. Chinese drug monographs and analysis - Radix Astragali (Huang Qi). Verlag Fur Ganzheitliche Medizin. 1996;1(8). Wang LX, Han ZW. The effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on endotoxin-induced toxicity in mice [in Chinese]. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao. 1992;27(1):5-9. More Articles: Aloe |
Printable version of the article 
