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Astragalus Root Astragalus membranaceous
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An adaptogenic tonic known for its anti-viral & immune-stimulating properties |
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| Astragalus root (also known by its Chinese name, Huang qi) is a member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. It should not be confused with Astragalus gummifer (tragacanth), which produces a gummy exudate used for its laxative properties. Astragalus membranaceous is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine which has recently received attention in the western hemisphere for its medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is associated with the spleen and lung meridians. Symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, poor appetite, and diarrhea are considered to be related to the spleen and are treated with astragalus root, which is traditionally prepared as a tea and has also been added to soups to be taken while sick. Recurring upper respiratory infections, shortness of breath, wasting, and edema are considered to be related to the lung and are also treated with astragalus. The dried root is the part of the plant which is used. In Chinese medicine, astragalus root is often combined with other herbs in various formulas and is thought to have a synergistic effect in combination with other healing herbs. This synergistic effect is often referred to by herbalists, but has not yet been validated by scientific research. Astragalus has traditionally been used to strengthen qi (pronounced chee), an eastern concept also refered to as prana, or life force energy. This concept does not translate well into western medicine, but herbs that strengthen qui are often considered to be adaptogenic in western medicine. Examples of similar adaptogenic herbs would include ginseng root and reishi mushroom. These adaptogens work as tonics that are valued for a wide variety of applications. Astragalus is most famous in western medicine as an immunostimulant that possesses anti-viral properties as well. It has become a popular herbal remedy for warding off colds & flus, infections, and degenerative disease states. It is often used to restore energy (qi) and improve vitality after convalescence or generally when the body is run down and weak, especially after long-term, chronic illness. Some people have used it as a regenerative tonic while recovering from conventional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, and for HIV and other auto immune disorders such as lupus erythematosus and myasthenia gravis. Astragalus extracts have found popular use similar to echinacea. In fact many herbal products have combined both of these herbs together. Astragalus root’s immune-enhancing activities, similar to that of echinacea’s, are attributed to its water-soluble high-molecular-weight polysaccharides. These complex molecules mimic the molecular structure of certain polysaccharides found in bacterial cell walls thus tricking the immune system and triggering its activation. Astragalus root contains a polysaccharide known as astragalan, as well as various flavonoids, saponins, betaine, choline, b-sitosterol, rhamnocitrin, and various plant pigments. Astragalan has been shown to possess antiviral activity and inhibits viral replication in mice infected with Coxsackie B virus, which causes the heart inflammation known as myocarditis. In vivo studies have shown astragalus extracts to increase activity of natural killer cells and to increase the levels of the body’s own antiviral compounds, a- and g-interferon. In vitro studies showed that recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) was tested against cancer cells alone at a large dose and at one-tenth dose in combination with an astragalus extract. Both doses resulted in equivalent activity on the cancer cell lines, possibly indicating that the astragalus extract increased the rIL-2 activity tenfold. Astragalus saponins have been shown to have anticoagulant activity and may have a negative impact on anesthesia, so it is not advised to take astragalus in conjunction with other anticoagulant drugs or if one has a blood-clotting disorder. Do not use prior to surgery. There are no known toxic effects associated with astragalus root. |