Astragalus, sometimes called milk vetch or huang qi, is an herb native to China that grows about 3 feet tall and grows wild as a perennial. The root of the plant has been part of Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years. Practitioners of herbal medicine recommend astragalus as an adaptogen, a remedy that helps strengthen the body in general and increases its ability to fight off disease. Discuss astragalus with your health-care provider to decide if it is a good choice for you.
Components
Astragalus root contains a number of natural compounds that may be responsible for its medicinal qualities. Some components are nutrients, such complex sugars, while others are saponins and isoflavonoids, compounds with biological activity that is unique to plants. Some of these natural chemicals are antioxidants that remove free radicals, potentially damaging molecules that your body produces as byproducts of metabolism.
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Astragalus has several effects on your body. It supports your immune system by stimulating certain immune cells, including lymphocytes called natural killer cells that protect against invasion by pathogens, and other cells called macrophages, which engulf bacteria and viruses. It may also increase uptake of oxygen by muscle cells and other cells, potentially increasing your tolerance for exercise and preventing fatigue.
Astragalus and Disease
In addition to its potential to strengthen your immune system, astragalus may also help prevent or speed recovery from some disorders. Several studies suggest it may be useful in treating some diseases. For example, in a case study published in "American Journal of Kidney Diseases" in 2007, the authors concluded that astragalus may benefit patients with kidney disease who are unresponsive to prescription drugs. Astragalus may also be useful in cancer treatment. In a paper published in "Journal of Clinical Oncology" in 2006, the authors reviewed several clinical trials and concluded that astragalus might increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs in some cancer patients.
Recommendations and Precautions
Astragalus is available from health food stores as a standardized extract or as powdered root. The usual dose is 250 mg to 500 mg of extract or 500 mg to 1,000 mg of powdered root, with either form taken three or four times daily. The herb is considered safe and has no significant side effects. However, it may interact with some prescription medications, such as immunosuppressive drugs. Consult your health-care provider to discuss astragalus before adding it to your regimen.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astragalus
- American Cancer Society: Astragalus
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Astragalus
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Astragalus
- "American Journal of Kidney Disease"; Treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephrophathy with the Herb Astragalus...; M. Ahmed et al.; December 2007
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy...; M. McCulloch et al.; January 2006
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