Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that causes respiratory problems, headaches, fever and exhaustion. There are several types of flu but the most common is the seasonal flu that causes yearly outbreaks, usually in fall and winter. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, between 5 and 20 percent of Americans contract the flu yearly. Astragalus is a traditional herbal remedy that may boost your immune system. It is also recommended to prevent and treat colds and flu. Consult your doctor to discuss astragalus before adding it to your regimen.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a perennial plant that is native to several regions in Asia. It has been part of Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. Practitioners recommend astragalus root as a general preventive that increases resistance to disease and to treat certain ailments. It is taken internally to boost the immune system and to fight off infection, and it is also applied topically to wounds and other skin irritations to help prevent skin infection. Astragalus has several properties that may make it helpful in preventing or treating the flu.
Properties
Astragalus contains several natural compounds that give it medicinal properties. These include saponins and isoflavonoids that stimulate the immune system. The root causes certain immune cells to become more active. These include natural killer cells and monocytes, cells that respond to bacteria and viruses to combat infection. Astragalus increases the ability of these cells to produce antibodies and also to engulf and digest pathogens. The herb is also an antioxidant that helps remove free radicals, potentially damaging byproducts of digestion that can interfere with the body's defense mechanisms.
Evidence
Several laboratory studies suggest that astragalus may boost your immune system and help prevent the flu or hasten your recovery after the flu. In one study, published in 2011 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," saponins extracted from astragalus were effective in stimulating immune cell responses and antibody production in laboratory animals. In another study published in the journal "Vaccine" in 2010, astragalus stimulated the immune responses of blood cells in laboratory animals exposed to infectious viruses. These are very promising results, although large clinical studies with human subjects are still needed to confirm these findings.
Recommendations and Precautions
Astragalus root is available as a supplement from most health food stores, usually in capsules or tablets. The recommended dose is 500 to 1,000 mg of powdered root, two or three times daily. Astralagus is considered a safe supplement with no significant side effects. However, it may interact with some prescription medications, especially those that affect the immune system. Discuss with your doctor whether taking astragalus is appropriate for your situation.
References
- National Institue of Allergy and Infectious Disease: Flu (Influenza)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astragalus
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Adjuvant Effects of Astragalus Saponins Macrophyllosaponin B and Astragaloside VII; A. Nalbantsoy et al.; April 2011
- "Vaccine"; Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Immunologic Function of Erythrocyte...; J. Jiang et al.; August 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Astragalus
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Astragalus
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