Astragalus

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Astragalus

The medicinal herb Astragalus as an alternative herbal remedy to enhance the immune system - Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s.Common Name--astragalus, bei qi (In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.), huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetchLatin Name--Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus Picture of Astragalus

Plant Description: Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 - 36 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 - 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal part, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants.

What Astragalus Is Used For

• Herbal remedy to boost immune system. Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.
• It is a very useful protector of adrenal cortical function and regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections.
• Astragalus has also been used for heart disease.
• Recent research confirms the positive effect of Astragalus on immune functioning and its ability to help the body fight against disease.
• Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries as a natural rejuvenator tonic. Currently, much of the pharmacological research on Astragalus is focused on its immune-stimulating polysaccharides and other active ingredients useful in treating immune deficiency conditions.

How Astragalus Is Used

• The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.
• Use the herb in tea to improve immunity or to reduce symptoms of an existing cold or flu. Use 1 tbsp. of the dried herb and steep in warm water.
• Reduce the chance of stress on the immune system and the overall health by taking Astragalus supplements in the colder months, since stress from daily life can break down the immune system and cause more sever illness.

What the Science Says about Astragalus

• The evidence for using astragalus for any health condition is limited. Results from small or preliminary studies suggest that astragalus may benefit heart function and help the immune system fight infections.
• A few studies have shown potential benefits for using astragalus--in combination with another herb, glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum)--as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. In general, however, these studies were not well designed.
• NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the effects of astragalus on the body, particularly on the immune system.

Side Effects and Cautions about Astragalus

• Astragalus is considered safe for most adults. Its possible side effects are not well known because astragalus is generally used in combination with other herbs.
• Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as the drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients.
• People should avoid using astragalus species such as "locoweed" that grow in the United States, as these other species may have different effects and side effects.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Overview of the Astragalus plant

From the University of Maryland Medical Center

Astragalus ( Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.

Astragalus has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic (helps eliminate fluid from the body) properties. It is sometimes used topically for wounds. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it is indeed effective at preventing colds.

In the United States, researchers have investigated astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy. Research on using astragalus for people with AIDS has produced inconclusive results.

Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low to moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications.

The Astragalus Roots

The dried root is used medicinally.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Traditional uses of Astragalus include the treatment of the following:

Colds and influenza, Persistent infection, Fever, Multiple allergies, Asthma, Chronic fatigue, Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with, chemotherapy, Anemia, Wounds, Heart disease, Kidney disease, Hepatitis, Stomach ulcers

It is also used to treat general digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

Astragalus Root Available Forms

Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:

Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)

Capsules

Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings

Ointments for the skin

How to Take It the Astragalus Herb

• Pediatric
  • Astragalus may be given to children to support the immune system but should not be used if the child has a fever because, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it may make the fever last longer or grow stronger. The dose should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of astragalus would be 1/3 of the adult dosage. However, because strengths and concentrations will vary with different preparations, dosages should be determined on an individual basis. Any long-term dosage should be determined by your doctor.
• Adult

Doses from 1 - 25 g per day are sometimes used. Higher doses may suppress the immune system. Recommended doses are as follows:

• Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3 - 6 g of dried root per 12 oz water, three times per day
• Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2 - 4 mL three times a day
• Powdered root: 500 - 1,000 mg three or four times per day
• Powdered extract (solid): 100 to 150 mg of a product standardized to 0.5% 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone. Note : this chemical is used only as a manufacturing marker, not as a guarantee of potency or effectiveness.
• Ointment: 10% astragalus applied to surface of wound. Do not apply to open wound without your doctor's supervision.
• Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 3 - 5 mL three times a day

• Precautions

At recommended doses, astragalus has no serious side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with other herbs and medications (see " Possible Interactions ")

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

• Possible Interactions

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first talking to your health care provider:

Antiviral medications -- Astragalus may increase the effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon.

Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Astragalus may counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, as well as corticosteroids.

Diabetes medications -- Astragalus may lower blood sugar, making the effects of diabetes drugs stronger.

High blood pressure medication -- Astragalus may lower blood pressure, making the effects of these drugs stronger.

Diuretics (water pills) -- Astragalus is a diuretic and may make the effects of other diuretics stronger.

Anti-coagulants(blood thinners) -- Astragalus may make the effects of these drugs stronger, increasing the risk of bleeding and stroke.