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Astragalus root is derived from a perennial plant that grows in northern China and Mongolia. The herb is a staple of Chinese medicine, where it has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and treat a variety of ailments.
History; Source
Ancient people used astragalus root to enhance strength and regulate metabolism. The herb has only recently gained popularity among herbalists and practitioners of alternative medicine in the West.
Roots of astragalus plants that are at least four years old are dried and used for medicinal purposes.
Astragalus root is available in the form of powdered extracts, tinctures, and teas. There are also ointments containing astragalus that can be used topically to treat wounds. These ointments should contain 10% astragalus.
Function; Reasons For Use
Astragalus root contains several compounds that are thought to help strengthen the immune system. These include polysaccharides, saponins, astragalosides, flavonoids and triterpenes.
The active ingredients in astragalus root make it useful topically to help sores on the skin to heal.
As an herbal remedy, astragalus root is said to ward off infections and possibly even cancer. It works in part by helping the skin to eliminate toxins.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine use astragalus root to enhance the body's energy, known to them as "qi" (pronounced as "chee"). Astragalus root is a mild diuretic, and it can help to reduce sweating as well. In traditional Chinese medicine, all of these uses are attributed to the ability of astragalus root to replenish "qi" so a person who is afflicted with an ailment can regain strength and immunity.
Studies conducted in America support the assertion that astragalus root can enhance the immune system. The herb appears to be effective in strengthening immune response in people who undergo radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer. People who used astragalus root during cancer treatment had fewer side-effects and faster recovery time. Astragalus root appears to induce production of interferon, a chemical that is an essential part of the immune system and has been widely studied for its ability to fight the development of cancer.
As an immune system enhancer, astragalus root may also be a promising treatment for HIV and for autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Astragalus root is also said to protect the adrenal cortex, the gland that produces hormones related to stress. It may also help allergy sufferers by strengthen the immune system's response to allergens in the environment.
In addition, the saponins in astragalus root may have an effect on cardiovascular disease. Saponins have an anticoagulant effect that can prevent the development of blood clots that may lead to heart attacks and stroke.
Directions
Capsules that contain standardized extracts of powdered astragalus root should be taken in doses of 100 to 150mg per day. Teas can be made by steeping up to 10gm of dried astragalus root in 12 ounces of water. Tinctures vary in potency and should be taken according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Astragalus root can be used safely with few side-effects.
Since astragalus root can increase the effects of certain antiviral medicines, people who are taking such medications should consult a physician before using the herb.
Also, astragalus may interfere with immune system suppressants that are prescribed to people who receive organ transplants, so it should not be used by these patients. Because of its anticoagulant activity, astragalus root may increase the risk of bleeding for people taking blood thinners such as Coumadin.
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Astragalus Root can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Adrenal Cortex
The outer covering of the two adrenal glands that lie atop each kidney. Embryonically derived from gonad tissue, they make steroid hormones that control electrolytes, the management of fuels, the rate of anabolism, mineral metabolism, glucose metabolism, the general response to stress, and maintenance of nonspecific resistance.
Allergen (Allergens)
A substance that is capable of producing an allergic response in the body.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Anticoagulant
A substance that prevents or delays blood clots (coagulation). Examples: Heparin (endogenous), Dicumarol and
Warfarin (drugs), Melilotus (coumarin-containing).
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Chemotherapy
A treatment of disease by any chemicals. Used most often to refer to the chemical treatments used to combat cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Most anticancer drugs are given by injection into a blood vessel (IV); some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Usually, a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient (at the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home). However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, a short hospital stay may be needed.
Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Interferon
A protein formed by the cells of the immune system in the presence of a virus, etc. It prevents viral reproduction, and is capable of protecting noninfected cells from viral infection. Several kinds of interferon exist including alpha, beta, and gamma.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Saponin (Saponins)
Any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapwort or soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Last updated: Jun 28, 2008
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