Your immune system contains a number of organs and many millions of cells specialized to defend your body against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It also recognizes damaged or abnormal cells and removes them, protecting you from cancer and other disorders. Lymphocytes are immune cells that are crucial in helping the immune system carry out its functions. Astragalus is an herbal remedy that may help strengthen and support your lymphocytes. Discuss its use with your doctor to determine if the herb is appropriate for you.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are small round cells made in lymph nodes, your bone marrow and other organs. B lymphocytes produce antibodies in response to invasion by a particular pathogen. When bacteria or viruses enter your body, B cells multiply and make specific antibodies that circulate in your blood and destroy the pathogen. Other lymphocytes called T cells also help fight disease. Some T cells, called helper cells, activate other types of immune cells, while other T cells, called killer cells, attack infected or abnormal cells directly and destroy them. Astragalus may help stimulate and support the immune system's network of lymphocytes.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a plant that grows as a wild perennial in Asia. Its root has been part of Chinese and Indian herbal medicine for thousands of years. The traditional use of astragalus is to strengthen the immune system and help the body fight off diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Practitioners also recommend astragalus as a general health tonic. The herb has several properties that may make it beneficial for the immune system in general and for lymphocytes in particular.
Properties and Research
Astragalus contains many natural compounds that may help support your immune system. Several laboratory studies with an astragalus extract found that the herb supports and stimulates lymphocytes. For example, a study published in 1983 in the "Journal of Biological Response Modifiers" concluded that astragalus extract increased the rate of division of lymphocytes grown in culture. Another study, published in the "Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology" in 1988, found that astragulus extract made cultured lymphocytes more active against cancer cells. In a recent study in the "Journal of Ehtnopharmacolory," published in 2010, large carbohydrate molecules extracted from astragalus stimulated the function of T lymphocytes in the laboratory. These are promising findings, although clinical trials of astragalus with human subjects are still needed.
Recommendations and Precautions
Astragalus root is available as a supplement from most health food stores, in capsules or tablets. The usual dose of powdered root is 500 to 1,000 mg, three or four times daily. The herb is generally considered safe and produces no significant side effects. However, it may interact with prescription medications that affect the immune system. Consult your doctor to discuss whether you should add astragalus to your regular regimen.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: ImmuneSystem - Immune Cells and Their Products
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astragalus
- "Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology"; Fractionated Extract of Astragalus Membranaceus, a Chinese Medicinal Herb, Potentiates LAK Cell Cytotoxicity...; D. Chu et al.; August 1988
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Astragalus
- "Journal of Biological Response Modifiers"; Preliminary Observations on the Effects of the Chinese Medicinal Herbs Astragalus....on Lymphocyte Blastogenic Responses; Y. Sun et al.; ff1983
- "Journal of Ehtnopharmacology"; Astragalus Polysaccharides Regulate T Cell-Mediated Immunity ...; Q. Liu et al.; July 2010
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