Astragalus

Botanical Name(s):

Astragalus membranaceus, A. echidnaeformis, A. gossypinus, A. microcephalus, A. parrowianus. Family: Fabaceae

Other Name(s):

Huang Qi, milk-vetch root

General Description:

Astragalus is a low shrub with gray branches that grows in the Middle East. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is now being evaluated scientifically to establish its effectiveness in treating the ailments for which it was historically used.

Current research strongly suggests that astragalus acts as a cardiotonic agent (it enhances heart muscle tone). It may also interfere with platelet adhesion and increase fibrinolysis (prevent abnormal blood clots from growing). All of these functions are beneficial to the cardiovascular system.

Astragalus root contains cycloartane saponins and a variety of polysaccharides, which stimulate factors of the immune system (lymphocytes and phagocytes) and may help treat a damaged immune system.

Medically Valid Uses:

There are no clearly defined valid medical uses for astragalus.

Unsubstantiated Claims:

Please note that this section reports on claims that have NOT yet been substantiated through scientific studies.

Astragalus may have a beneficial effect on cardiac function. It may help prevent heart failure and angina and aid in recovery from a heart attack.

Astragalus may also help with digestion and adrenal gland function, increase metabolism, provide energy to help reduce fatigue and increase stamina. Astragalus may assist the immune system in lessening the severity of colds and flu. Unproven claims suggest that astragalus may be helpful in fighting immune deficiency-related conditions such as AIDS, as well as cancer and chronic lung weakness.

Dosing Format:

Astragalus is generally provided in capsules or tablets. Follow packaging instructions for correct dosage.

Side Effects, Toxicity and Interactions:

There are no known side effects associated with astragalus.

Do not use astragalus if you have a fever.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should consult a physician before taking any herbal medicines.

There are no known significant food or drug interactions. In theory, astragalus affects the stickiness of platelets in the same way aspirin does; therefore, if you are taking anticoagulant medications, avoid both astragalus and aspirin.

Additional Information:

Click here for a list of reputable Web sites with general information on nutrition.

References:

1. Huang WM, Yan J, Xu J. [Clinical and experimental study on inhibitory effect of sanhuang mixture on platelet aggregation]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1995 Aug;15(8):465-7.

2. Luo HM, Dai RH, Li Y. [Nuclear cardiology study on effective ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus in treating heart failure]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1995;15(12):707-9.

3. Zhang WJ, Wojta J, Binder BR. Regulation of the fibrinolytic potential of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells: astragaloside IV downregulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and upregulates tissue-type plasminogen activator expression. J Vasc Res. 1997;34(4):273-80.

4. Gu W, Yang YZ, He MX. [A study on combination therapy of Western and traditional Chinese medicine of acute viral myocarditis]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1996;16(12):713-6.

5. Miller AL. Botanical influences on cardiovascular disease. Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(6):422-31.

6. Li Y, Liu X, Xue SZ. Antidotal effect of glucoside extracted from Astragalus membranaceus on dimethoate intoxication in guinea pigs. Med Lav. 1998;89 Suppl 2:S136-41.

7. 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.