Long regarded in Chinese herbal medicine as a curative for various illnesses, astragalus root has begun to gain credibility in Western medicine as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, astragalus is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body respond to various types of stresses, both physical and emotional. Although astragalus is thought to have various benefits, they haven't been medically proven, and you should talk to your doctor before embarking on this herbal approach.
Antioxidant benefits
Astragalus is known to contain antioxidants, which may play a role in combating damaging free radicals in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the antioxidants in astragalus may be helpful to those with heart disease, providing relief from symptoms and improving heart function. Antioxidants are also thought to have benefits in fighting cancer, diabetes and other conditions related to oxidative damage.
Antibacterial Benefits
Astragalus offers potential antibacterial properties, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is sometimes used as a topical treatment for wound healing, and is also thought to have an antiviral mechanism. Because of these properties, astragalus may also be used to prevent and manage common colds and respiratory infections, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Asthma and Allergy Benefits
Astragalus may also have benefits against allergic asthma. According to Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, studies on mice suggest that astragalus may inhibit airway hyperreactivity that occurs in cases of allergic asthma. However, human studies have not substantiated this data, and astragalus is not proven as a treatment for allergic asthma.
Immune Benefits
Researchers are investigating astragalus for its ability to bolster the immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Scientists have been studying astragalus' ability to assist people whose immune function has been weakened by chemotherapy treatments. Although astragalus supplementation has yielded positive results in this respect, further studies are needed to substantiate this data.
Member Comments