Astragalus is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years as a means to strengthen the body against various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, liver and heart disease. Astragalus appears to be safe, with very few side effects, but as with any herb, there may be contraindications with other medications, including anticoagulants and high blood pressure drugs, so it is imperative to discuss this herb with your doctor before using it.
About Astragalus
Astragalus, native to the northern and eastern parts of China, is an adaptogen herb that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This herb can be used to support the immune system against colds and upper respiratory infections, to treat diabetes, to lower blood pressure and to improve heart function, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Astragalus can be found in tincture, capsule, tablet and injectable forms. It may also be found as a topical cream. Although astragalus appears to have few side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it does interact with many different prescription medications, so before using astragalus, consult a doctor.
Heart Disease
One of the many benefits to using astragalus is that it may help prevent and treat heart disease as well as improve heart function. In a study published in the 2009 issue of "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine," astragalus was shown to have cardioprotective effects, significantly improving cardiac function and increasing the survival rate from heart failure. In another study published in the February 2011 issue of the "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine," researchers proved that astragalus improved the quality of life for those who suffer from chronic heart failure; however, it was dose-dependent. At a moderate dose--4.5 g taken twice per day--astragalus was effective in improving heart contraction, improving overall quality of life without interfering with any other treatments or prescription medications.
Medication Interactions
Before using astragalus, especially while taking any other medication, a physician should be consulted. Astragalus can interact with blood thinners, making the effects of the drugs stronger, which could then lead to a stroke or excessive bleeding. This herb can also interact with high blood pressure medication, diuretics, antiviral and diabetes drugs, possibly increasing the medication's strength. Other drugs that astragalus may interact with are immune suppressants such as cyclophosphamide, which could counteract the effects the immune drugs are supposed to have. For instance, if an immune suppressant was taken with astragalus, it could increase the chance of organ rejection rather than decrease it.
Other Precautions
Although astragalus appears to be safe, there are some minor side effects that may be experienced, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. According to Drugs.com, allergies to astragalus are uncommon, but if you experience any kind of rash, hives, itching, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips or face, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately. Other severe side effects of astragalus may also include black or bloody stools, difficult or painful swallowing, severe abdominal pain and failure to have a bowel movement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astragalus
- Drugs.com: Astragalus Side Effects
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Astragalus
- "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine"; Clinical Effect of Astragalus Granule of Different Dosages on Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure; Q.Y. Yang et al.; February 2011
- "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Astragalus Improved Cardiac Function of Adriamycin-Injured Rat Hearts by Upregulation of SERCA2a Expression; D. Su et al.; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions With: Astragalus
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