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*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. | *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=== | ===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. | *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=== | ===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. | *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=== | ===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. | *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. | |||