Astragalus is otherwise known as Astragali, milk vetch, goat’s horn, green dragon, ogi or Syrian tragacanth. Chinese have been using astralagus’ roots for more than thousands of years and are considered as one of the most essential and popular herbal medicine for a restorative life, promoting health, and strengthening Qi or the life energy. In 1880s, Herbalist in Western countries began using astralagus in different tonics. However, the gummy sap or tragacanth is still used as an antidiarrheal agent, food thickener and as an emulsifier.
It is mainly composed of saponins such as astragalosides, cyclocanthosides, and cycloastragenol and suspected to be one of the major ingredients forming this powerful herb. Phytosterols, polysaccharides, essential oil, amino acid and flavonoids are as well incorporated. Astragalus is available either in oral and injectable forms.
What are the health benefits of Astragalus?
Main Actions
Astragalus has not been tested with humans. However animal test conducted inside the laboratory provide enough proof for its pharmacological actions.
- Boosts immune system
- Improves cardiac function, as well as, blood pressure
- Antioxidant
- Anti-Cancer or anti-tumor effects- can be use as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of some debilitating cancers.
- Digestive effects – strengthen the muscle tone and movement of the intestines
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improved sperm count and motility
- Protect liver function
Other Action
- Menopause
Known Uses:
Astragalus is often tested in combination with other herbal medicines. Thus, it is difficult from these trials to come to a decision the correct role of astragalus as a stand-alone management.
- Viral infection – commonly used as treatment against common colds and influenza
- Viral myocarditis
- Cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina pectoris
- Cancer – enhances effectiveness of chemotherapy, while reducing side-effects.
- Its traditional use belongs to Chinese herbal medicine system. Astragalus is used to vigor, tonify Qi (life energy) and the blood.
- Severe blood loss, sweating, shortness of breath, chronic diarrhea, organ prolapsed, anorexia, fatigue and to enhance recuperation.
- Lowers blood cholesterol level
- Asthma
- Memory deficit
Dosage Range
- Decoction: 8–12 g divided into two doses a day on an empty stomach.
- Dried root: 2–30 g/day.
- Liquid extract with ratio of 1:2 or solid dose equivalent: 4.5–8.5 ml/day.
Toxicity
Animal studies have shown very little incidence of toxicity that tends to occur to individuals with liver and kidney disease.
Adverse Reaction
- No known effects
Significant Interactions
- Immunosuppressant
- Positive Inotropic drugs
- Chemotherapy
Contraindications and Precautions
Astralagus should be avoided during the acute stage of an infection which is according to the principles of TCM.
Pregnancy Use
Safety is still not known. However, studies in animals reported no evidence of fetal damage.
Supplement Reference:
- It appears to be very well tolerated however, necessary precaution is a must.
- Astragalus is widely used as medicine to boost the immune system, reducing the incidence of common cold and influenza.
- Promote healing and reduce stress and fatigue.
- It is widely used to revitalize life and strengthen Qi or life energy and blood.
- Never use astragalus during periods of acute infection.
- It is often utilized in combination with other herbs such as Scutellaria baicalensis, Bupleurum chinense, and Codonopsis pilulosa in clinical practice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there any health safety issues that I need to consider prior to taking this herb?
- In general, astragalus appears to be safe, although it has the ability to interact with other medicines.
What will this herbal supplement do for me?
- Astragalus appears to have many health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, promote good digestion and adequate heart muscle contraction. Early research shows that it plays a great role in treatment of elevated cholesterol level, treatment of asthma, memory deficits and as an adjunct to chemotherapeutic drugs.
When can I see full-benefits of this herb?
- It actually depends on the dosage and current health condition of person taking this drug. However, several studies have shown that satisfying effects can star within the first two weeks of religiously taking the health supplement.
