Astragalus root has been very familiar to traditional Chinese medicine and as of 2011 is on the official national Chinese drug list. It has been popular in the U.S. only for the past several decades where it is available as an herbal supplement. Clinical studies evaluating astragalus are generally not available and currently there is insufficient proof that astragalus is effective for any health problem. First talk with your doctor before using astragalus for medicinal purposes.
Identification and Dosing
Astragalus is also called milk vetch, bei qi, huang chi, huang qi, hwanggi and ogi. The dried astragalus root is used to make medicine. Available preparations include teas, extracts or pills and usually contain other herbs such as ginseng and licorice. The generally recommended daily dose range of astragalus is 2 to 6g of the powdered root.
Medicinal Benefits
According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, the most common use of astragalus is to boost the immune system after cancer treatment. It is also commonly used for treating human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Other uses include chronic hepatitis, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney problems, diabetes, elevated blood pressure and prevention and treatment of the common cold and upper respiratory infections, reports the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, or NMCD.
Effectiveness
There is not enough evidence form clinical trials to rate the efficacy of astragalus for any health problem. However, preliminary scientific data show that astragalus administered either alone or in combination with other herbs may have beneficial effects on the immune system, heart and liver, says the NCCAM.
Considerations
Astragalus is generally considered to be safe, although its safety is not well documented as it is often administered with other herbs. It should be avoided in conditions that require suppression of the immune system, such as after organ transplant. According to the NCCAM, some astragalus varieties may contain a toxic substance called swainsonine, but these types are generally not used in human dietary supplements.
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