Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone are similar to natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These steroids relieve inflammation and suppress the immune system, making them useful for treating numerous health disorders. Astragalus root, in contrast, is an herbal remedy from traditional Chinese medicine. Depending on the health condition you wish to treat, it may be inadvisable to combine astragalus with methylprednisolone. Consult your doctor before doing so.
Astragalus
Like methylprednisolone, astragalus has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has antioxidant effects and protects cells against free radicals, which are harmful substances that cause cell damage and disease. The herb has not been linked with any serious side effects when taken at recommended doses, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. It does interact with some medications you might be taking, UMMC continues, including methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids. That's because astragalus may boost your immune system, while corticosteroids suppress it.
Astragalus as Immune Booster
One use for astragalus supported by research involves stimulating the immune system during cancer therapy, as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can deplete immunity and make the patient susceptible to infections. Some studies indicate that astragalus may extend life expectancy for these patients, according to UMMC. People with HIV/AIDS also take astragalus to boost immunity, but research results are inconclusive for this use, remarks the medical center's website.
Methylprednisolone and the Immune System
Doctors prescribe methylprednisolone for suppressing the immune system in patients with autoimmune disorders. The corticosteroid can be effective, for example, if you have a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis. Although the anti-inflammatory properties of this medicine may be helpful on their own for relieving symptoms of flare-ups, suppressing the immune system in patients with these disorders also has positive effects.
Considerations
Methylprednisolone also is sometimes prescribed to relieve inflammation that isn't associated with an immune system disorder, such as that of bursitis or tendinitis. In these cases, taking astragalus could be beneficial to boost your immune system and counteract the corticosteroid immunosuppressant effects. Consult your doctor about whether you should be taking any herbs that stimulate your immune system while you're taking methylprednisolone.
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