Astragalus: health Benefits And Immune-boosting properties

September 20, 2023

Harness the power of Astragalus: Dive into its remarkable health advantages and immune-boosting properties

Introduction

Astragalus, or milk vetch or Huang qi, is a plant with deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Its root has been utilized as a medicinal herb and dietary supplement for thousands of years. It is renowned for its immune-boosting properties and versatile applications, from addressing common colds to managing diabetes.

Astragalus: A Multifaceted Herb

Astragalus is available in various forms, including liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. It can even be administered via injections in clinical settings. Traditional Chinese medicine often combines it with other herbs, focusing on its root for various health purposes.

Diverse Health Applications

Astragalus has found a place in modern dietary supplements, often blended with other herbs. Recommendations include the use of it for a broad spectrum of health conditions, such as upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever), asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, people praise its potential to fortify and regulate the immune system. It is suggested that topical application of astragalus can improve blood circulation and expedite wound healing.

The Origin of Astragalus

It is a perennial herb found predominantly in parts of China, Mongolia, and Korea. The herb’s earliest references can be traced back to Chinese medical literature, dating as far back as 400-200 B.C., as documented in the journal Aging and Disease.

Choosing the Right Astragalus

It is important to note that when referring to Astragalus, we specifically mean the species Astragalus membranaceus. Other varieties of astragalus, including some native to the United States, possess different components and can potentially cause harm. Dietary supplements typically do not use these less common types of astragalus. To ensure safety, select supplements that indicate “Astragalus membranaceus” on the label.

Astragalus: A Natural Adaptogen

Its root is often powdered and used as a dietary supplement. It belongs to the category of adaptogens, natural substances that support the body’s resilience in the face of stressors, such as infections, illnesses, and various forms of stress. Dr. Kalea Wattles, a naturopathic physician associated with the Institute for Functional Medicine in Washington State, highlights its adaptogenic qualities.

The Quest for Scientific Validation

Despite its rich history in traditional medicine, scientific validation of astragalus’s health benefits remains a subject of ongoing research. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that there are no high-quality human studies directly linking it to specific health conditions. Researchers have conducted most studies suggesting potential benefits on human cells or animals. Dr. Wattles notes that it contains antioxidants, which could imply health benefits akin to other antioxidant-rich substances. However, the research is still in its nascent stages.

Enhancing the Immune System

One of the most celebrated attributes of Astragalus is its potential to enhance and fortify the immune system. Some evidence indicates that it may stimulate the production of white blood cells, a critical component of the body’s defense mechanism against illnesses and infections. While research in this area is limited, another study proposes that it may possess antiviral properties that could potentially assist in fighting common colds and liver diseases.

Improving Cardiovascular Health

Astragalus may also play a role in enhancing heart function, particularly for individuals with specific heart conditions like heart failure. In clinical studies, heart failure patients who incorporated daily astragalus supplementation alongside their standard treatment reported greater improvements compared to those who did not use supplements. Moreover, some research suggests that it might alleviate symptoms associated with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels

For individuals grappling with type 2 diabetes, astragalus shows promise in helping to lower and manage blood sugar levels. Research has indicated that regular its intake can improve fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels when maintained over several months. Notably, in China, people use astragalus to manage diabetes.

Anticancer Properties

Studies conducted on animals and cells have suggested that it may contribute to fighting various cancers, including liver, stomach, breast, and ovarian cancer.

Unveiling Astragalus’s Potential

For patients suffering from nephrotic syndrome, a condition related to kidney damage, astragalus might offer some relief. In 2013, a research review found that children with nephrotic syndrome who took astragalus had a reduced risk of upper respiratory tract infections when compared to those receiving prednisone treatment alone. It’s worth noting that the studies included in the review were of relatively low quality.

In contrast, a small 2009 trial involving an astragalus-based herbal formula did not extend the lives of individuals with advanced lung cancer. This study, comprising only 24 participants, received partial support from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Safety Considerations

Astragalus is generally safe when taken orally and used appropriately.
In fact, people have used doses of up to 60 grams per day for up to four months without reporting adverse effects. However, some possible side effects with oral consumption may include rash, itching, nasal symptoms, or stomach discomfort, although these are relatively uncommon.

It’s crucial to know that astragalus can interact with medications that suppress the immune system. Additionally, some astragalus species, typically not found in dietary supplements, can be toxic to livestock. Certain species that grow in the United States contain the neurotoxin swainsonine, leading to “locoweed” poisoning in animals. Other species have potentially toxic levels of selenium, resulting in diarrhea, irritability, nausea, skin rashes, and nervous system problems.

Limited information is available on the safety aspects of it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. For instance, some animal research has suggested potential toxicity to both the mother and fetus, highlighting the need for caution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is a promising natural remedy with a rich history and potential health benefits. While scientific research is still catching up to its anecdotal acclaim, astragalus’s adaptogenic, immune-boosting, and potential disease-fighting properties make it an intriguing subject of study. Individuals considering it as a complementary health approach should consult their healthcare providers for informed decisions, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions.

Source:

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Astragalus. (https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus). Accessed September 20, 2023

Juber, M. (2022). Health Benefits of Astragalus. WebMD. (https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-astragalus). Accessed September 18, 2023

Thurrott, S. (2022).Everything You Need to Know About Astragalus.(https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-astragalus/). Accessed September 19, 2023