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Astragalus, commonly known as milk vetch, is native to China and grown also in Japan and Korea. Although there are over 2,000 species of this herb the two species Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are primarily used in herbal medicine. One of the most important herbals in traditional Chines medicine, astragalus root has been used for centuries, Astragulus became popular in the United States in 1980's. Other common names for astragulus are bei qi, huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, tragacanth and milk vetch.
Traditional and Reported Uses
Usually used in combination with other herbs such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice, astragalus has been used to treat bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colds, flu, gastrointestinal conditions, weakness, fatigue, chronic hepatitis, ulcers, hypertension, and viral myocarditis (by injection). It is also used as during radiation and chemotherapy treatment to help with the side effects of these treatments. This herb is still widely used in China to treat chronic hepatitis and as a cancer therapy. According to traditional Ayurvedic uses it is said to build energy, strengthen digestion, improve immunity, and benefit wasting conditions. It is frequently recommended to prevent the common cold and this recommendation is widespread on the internet. It is most widely used as a general tonic and improve immunity.
Usages and Dosing
Only the root of the astragalus plant is typically used, which come as 15 to 20 cm long pieces that have a tough, fibrous skin with a lighter interior. It can be added to soups used used in tea, decoction, capsules, fluid extract, solid extract, and tincture. in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. There is no clinical evidence to guide dosing but generally reported dosages are:
- Capsules: 400-500 mg 8-9 times a day
- Decoction: .5 to 1 liter daily, up to 120 g whole root per liter of water, boiled 1-2 hours and drained
- Fluid Extract: 1:2 dilution, 4-8 ml per day in divided doses
- Solid Extract: 100-150 mg tid
Astragalus Membranaceus
image by Doronenko via wikimedia
Scientific Research on Astragalus
There is not much evidence for using astragalus for any health condition. There have been only a limited number of clinical trials and high quality studies are lacking. The majority of the research has focused on astragulus's immunostimulatory activity based on it's purported ability to restore a suppressed immune system. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that astragalus, either alone or in combination with other herbs, may have potential benefits for the immune system, heart, and liver, and as an adjunct therapy for cancer.
Safety, Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and Precautions
Astragalus is a Class 1 herb which means it is considered generally safe when used appropriately. It can be given to children and allergic reactions are rare. There is very little information concerning the safety of astragalus during pregnancy or lactation. One review reported it to have no mutagenic effects and based on what is known about it's pharmacological and toxicological effects, there is no reason to suggest the herb should be limited during lactation. However it may be best to avoid the herb when pregnant or lactating. Some have suggested that pregnant women should avoid the herb because of a purported increase in Th-1 cytokine activity and decrease in Th-2 activity. Astragalus should not be used during periods of acute infection or inflammation.
The possible side effects of astragalus 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 taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients. Generally, astragalus may be inappropriate for use in autoimmune diseases or in combination with immunosuppresive therapies. Those with skin grafts or who have undergone organ transplants should not take use this herb. There is evidence that it may potentiate the effects of interleukin-2 but research is still inconclusive. The immunostimulating polysaccharide in astragalus may stimulate histamine release thereby aggravating allergy symptoms.
It may also affect blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure. Do not take it if you are on blood thinning medication. It is not expected to be toxic even at the upper dosage levels, however.
Some Species of Astragalus are Poisonous
Please be aware that some species of astragalus, besides the ones usually used in herbal medicine and dietary supplements, can be toxic. For example, several species that grow in the United States contain the neurotoxin swainsonine and have caused "locoweed" poisoning in animals. Locoweed is a danger to livestock who inadvertently dine on the weed. Other species contain potentially toxic levels of selenium.
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References
- Coates, Paul M. "Astragulus. Upton, R." Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York: Informa Healthcare, 2010: 25-30. Print.
- Skidmore-Roth, Linda. Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby, 2010. Print.
- "Astragalus [NCCAM Herbs at a Glance]." National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM] - Nccam.nih.gov Home Page. Web. 13 Dec. 2010. <http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/>.
- Phaneuf, Holly. "Astragulus." Herbs Demystified: a Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work. New York: Marlowe &, 2005. 38-41. Print.
- Pitchford, Paul. "Chapter 32: Cancer and the Regeneration Diets." Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic, 1993. 383. Print
Ground Up Strength has provided this page, Astragalus Uses, Evidence and Safety" for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy at Ground Up Strength is not an endorsement by Ground Up Strength unless otherwise indicated.
This page created 13 Dec 2010 16:14
Last updated 10 Sep 2011 02:05
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