Astragalus is a common Chinese herbal formula taken from a plant known as Astragalus membranaceus, which is extensively used to support the immune system for treating various diseases. In modern Chinese medicine and culture, astragalus is applied to reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. People often use astragalus alone or in combination with other herbs, usually as liquid extracts or herbal teas.
Plant Description
Astragalus is an herbaceous, leguminous plant of Asian origin. It is indigenous to the northern and eastern regions of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. These annual or perennial legumes reach up to 16 to 36 inches in height, with slender branches. The portion of the plant used medicinally is the dried root, which is normally harvested from four-year-old plants.
Composition
Astragalus root contains numerous health promoting phytochemicals and nutrients, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, folic acids, amino acids, alkaloids, such as choline and betaine, and a range of trace elements, including zinc, iron and selenium.
Cancer
Astragalus has shown potential for treatment of cancer. The herb acts as immune booster and helps the body fight against tumors. Thus, astragalus is often used as an adjunct in cancer therapy as well as in preventing cancer recurrence after successful treatment. Astragalus root contains polysaccharides and flavonoids, which may be important the herb's anti-cancer agents, according to the University of Colorado, Denver.
Precautions
Astragalus appears to be relatively safe. At high one-time doses, as well as long-term administration, astragalus has no serious adverse effects. However, people using medications that suppress the body's immune system, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine, must not use astragalus without first talking to their doctors.
