Complementary and alternative medicine is slowly moving westward, and modern medicine is finally taking notice. Touted for its immune-boosting properties for thousands of years, the medicinal root of the astragalus plant shows promise for the future. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, astragalus is an adaptogen, an herb that increases resistance to stressors on the body with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This ancient Chinese legume is under research for properties that may aid in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Remember to always get a doctor's approval before using herbs for any medicinal purposes.
Cancer
A scientific review of Chinese herbal medicines was published in the journal "BioScience Trends" in November 2010. In Western countries, an estimated 80 percent of cancer patients now use alternative medicine in conjunction with chemo- and radio-therapy. Pharmacological research on astragalus reveals that it may increase the release of interferon, a chemical in the body that fights tumor cells, and act as "an adjunct anticancer agent that increases resistance to the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy drugs," state study authors. In combination with Western medicine, state the authors, astragalus may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Cardiovascular Disease
The active ingredient in astragalus is astragaloside, a chemical compound that fights inflammation, oxidation and viruses. A study published in the "Biological Pharmaceutical Bulletin" investigated the effects of astragaloside on the vascular system. Through a series of laboratory tests on mice, researchers discovered for the first time that astragaloside may improve the damage in artery walls caused by homocysteine, proteins that in high levels have been associated with heart disease, and may lead to the development of new treatment options for cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes
Adiponectin, a hormone secreted from stored fat, helps regulate the processing of glucose and fatty acids to be converted into energy. Although research is in the early stages, a study published in the February 2009 issue of "Endocrinology" may have identified astragaloside as having the ability to increase secretion of adiponectin. This laboratory study demonstrated in diet-induced and genetically obese mice showed "significant improvement in hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance" from the treatment of astragaloside. Because adiponectin is abundant within the body, researchers say this discovery may be more economical and effective in treating diabetes than insulin.
Considerations
More definitive research on this ancient root is needed. It is sold as a dietary supplement; its health effects have not been evaluated by the FDA. The UMMC warns that astragalus should not be given to a child with fever, as it may prolong recovery, and to avoid taking if pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently taking any medications or herbs that suppress the immune system. Seek medical advice before taking any herbal supplements.
References
- "Public Library of Science"; Regulation of Inflammatory Gene Expression in PBMCs by Immunostimulatory Botanicals; Karen L. Denzler, et al; September 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astragalus
- "Bioscience Trends"; Chinese Herbal Medicine as Adjuvant Treatment During Chemo- or Radio-therapy for Cancer; F. H. Qi, et al; November 2010
- "Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin"; Astragaloside IV Improves Homocysteine-Induced Acute Phase Endothelial Dysfunction via Antioxidation; Li-Hong Qui, et al; January 2010
- "Endocrinology"; Selective Elevation of Adiponectin Production by the Natural Compounds Derived from a Medicinal Herb Alleviates Insulin Resistance and Glucose Intolerance in Obese Mice; Aimin Xu, et al; February 2009
Member Comments