Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus
Common Names: Huang-qi, Milk-Vetch Root
Overview
Plant Description
Parts Used
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Available Forms
How to Take It
Precautions
Possible Interactions
Supporting Research
- Review No.2
Overview
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 produced 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 Description
Astragalus 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.
Parts Used
The dried root is used medicinally.
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Traditional uses include the treatment of the following:
· Colds and influenza
· Persistent infection
· Fever
· Night sweats
· Multiple allergies
· Shortness of breath
· Chronic fatigue
· Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy
· Anemia
· Wounds
· Stomach ulcers
· Uterine bleeding
· Prolapsed uterus
It is also used to treat general digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Available Forms
Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:
· Capsules for internal use
· Injectable forms for use in clinical settings
· Ointments for application to the skin
· Tea Infusion Bags
How to Take It
Pediatric
Astragalus may be used in children to support the immune system but should not be used if the
child has a fever. 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 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose of astragalus for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage. This dose should be taken once daily
for up to one month.
Adult
Recommended doses are as follows:
· Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3 to 6 g of dried root per 12 oz water
· Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2 to 4 mL three times a day
· Powdered extract (solid): 100 to 150 mg of a product standardized to 0.5%
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone. Note: this chemical is only used as a manufacturing marker, not as a guarantee of potency or effectiveness.
· Ointment: 10% astragalus applied to surface of wound
· Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 3 to 5 mL three times a day
Precautions
Astragalus 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 Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Antiviral medications
Astragalus may increase the effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon.
Cyclophosphamide
Astragalus may also counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients.
Supporting Research
Castillo 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¢-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.
White L, Mavor S. Kids, Herbs, Health. Loveland, Colo: Interweave Press; 1998: 22, 25.
Review Date: December 2000
Reviewed By: Participants in the review process include: Gary Kracoff, RPh (Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Johnson Drugs,
Natick, MA; Steven Ottariono, RPh (Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Veteran's Administrative Hospital, Londonderry, NH; Marcellus
Walker, MD, LAc, St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center, New York, NY; David Winston, Herbalist, Herbalist and Alchemist, Inc., Washington, NJ.
Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc
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BUY ASTRAGLAUS
 Review No.2.ASTRAGALUS is an organ toning and balancing herb,
particularly stimulating to the immune system; Primary Uses; as a specific in immune/resisance building formulas. Secondary Uses; as a toning diuretic herb in
kidney inflammation formulas. (Source:"How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist" by Linda Rector-Page N.D., Ph.D.)
Tones the spleen and is useful in spleen dificiency problems such as poor appetite, fatigue and diarrhea. Also useful for prolapse syndromes such as prolapsed uterus, stomach, or anus, and
also for uterine bleeding. Is an effective diuretic and promotes the discharge of pus. (Source: "Naturopathic Handbook of Herbal Formulas" by Herbal Research Publications Inc.)
Astragalus is derived from the root of a plant (Astragalus Membranaceus) in the pea family. It is also known as milk vetch root (referring to astragalus species that grow in the United States)
and huang-qi. It is an adaptogen, that is, it has a balancing effect on bodily functions. Astragalus is used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen or tone the
body's overall vitality, improve digestion, and support the spleen. Studies confirm it contains medicinally active compounds, including a polysaccharide that stimulates the immune system.
Research has also shown that subjects with advanced cancer showed a two to three fold increase in the strength of their immune response after being given astragalus. A second study
showed that astragalus boosted immune response, even in animals that were treated with an immunosuppressive drug, cyclophosphamide. Astragalus is taken in China by cancer patients
to boost immunity after drug or radiation treatment. It may protect body cells against heavy metals and chemical toxins.
Astragalus is a good source of the essential trace mineral selenium. It is often combined in formulas with ginseng and other Chinese herbs. Herbal companies offer it fresh or dried and in
capsules. concentrated drops, tintures, and extracts.(Source: 1996 Natural Health Handbook from the editors of "Natural Health")
ASTRAGALUS: AN UNIQUE HERB
Astragalus has been used as an immunity booster in China for nearly 4,000 years, according to Rob McCaleb, founder of the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colorado.
Belonging to the Leguminosae family, Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most frequently used food supplements and remedies in China. Herb specialists call it an adaptogen, a type of
nontoxic natural substance that helps the body maintain its normal balance of health and wholeness as defined by Dr. I. I. Brekman of the Institute of Biologically Active Substances,
Academy of Vladivostok, Russia. "Make up energy and redress balance" is the most central quality of Astragalus. Chinese often keep it in their water container to get the tonic effect constantly.
Analysis shows that Astragalus contains polysaccharides, monosaccharides, flavonoid, alkaloid, including choline and betaine, folic acid, various amino acids, mucoitin, gum,
cellulose, picrorhiza, and fourteen mineral trace elements, including selenium, zinc, iron, etc, which are inperative for man and animals. It is believed and used in Chinese traditional
medicine for its following pharmacological functions:
1.It strengthens immunity to disease. It has certain inhibiting effects on molecular pathological
changes caused by viruses, increases growth of plasma cells, stimulates synthesis of antibodies, and builds up body defense.
2.It deters aging process and facilitates longevity. It delays the natural aging process of diploid blastocyte, prolonging by one third the life span of the cells.
3.It enhances body energy. It promotes metabolism of serum and liver proteins, stimulates growth of antibodies, increases white blood cells, and thus increases resistance to viruses. It
also induces production of interferon. 4.It is diuretic, detoxicating and reduces proteinuria and cures kidney disease.
5.It inhibits gastric secretions, reduces gastric acid, and thus helps cure stomach ulcers. 6.It is cardiotonic. It has even more remarkable effects on heart failure due to poisoning or exhaustion.
7.It protects the liver and alleviates liver injury caused by stilbenemidine. 8.It relieves impotence and frigidity.
Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the medicinal value of astragalus.
Immunopharmacology (1990;20) and Mutation Research (1992) found enhancement response by Astragalus extract, Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990) reported a hepatoprotective effect
and indicated that ethanol extract of Astragalus alleviates liver injury, Archivos del Instituto de Cardiologia de Mexico (1993) announced the vasodilator and antihypertensive properties of
Astragalus extract.
Since the 1950s, scientists have discovered the potential use of Astragalus for treatment of
cancer (The Journal of Urology 1991;146:486-490). Investigations conducted by institutions for cancer research indicated that in areas where selenium content in foods is high, rate of
stomache cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer, etc, is low.
Selenium content prevents cell damage caused by hydrogen peroxide and oxidative lipids.
Antioxidation effect of selenium is 500 times that of vitamin E. Recently the immunity enhancing properties of Astragalus have led medical scientists to use it in experiments of AIDS treatment
(Virology, March 1992). It is considered one of the most promising herbs. Back to Top
BUY ASTRAGLAUS
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