Astragalus

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a perennial herb.  The therapeutic part of astragalus is the root.

Astragalus is used for these conditons:

Angina:

Astragalus has been shown to improve some aspects of angina.  One study found two weeks of astragalus treatment improved cardio output by almost 20%.  Another study found that angina patients noticed improvement in their subjective conditon with astragalus treatment.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS):

There are many anecdotal reports testifying to the usefulness of astragalus for CFS patients.  Astragalus appears to increase energy levels in CFS patients.  It is possible that astragalus “works” on CFS by enhancing the immune system in a way that counteracts or eliminates the viruses (cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus) that have been proposed as possible underlying causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Common Cold:

Astragalus helps to protect the body against infection by the viruses that cause the common cold.  It reduces the incidence of the common cold and shortens the duration of the symptoms of the common cold.

Energy:

Although it has not yet been studied in clinical trials, thousands of people who use astragalus claim that it increases their energy levels.

Herpes (Cold Sores)

Chinese researchers have conducted test tube studies that have shown that Astragalus inhibits the herpes simplex type 1 virus that causes cold sores.  Astragalus may therefore help to prevent cold sore outbreaks in persons infected with the herpes virus.

Immune System:

Astragalus has strong immune system restorative properties.  Various studies have found that astragalus increases the production and activity of white blood cells including helper T-cells, macrophages and natural killer cells.  A component of astragalus named astragalan B binds to the outer membranes of viruses which destabilises their defenses, allowing the body’s immune system to attack the newly-weakened virus.

The immune system restorative effects of astragalus result in increased resistance to bacterial and viral infections.

Influenza:

Astragalus is known to increase the body’s production of interferons (immune system chemicals that help to block the reproduction of the viruses that cause influenza).  By stimulating the production of interferons, astragalus may help to prevent influenza or to shorten the duration of its symptoms.  Astragalus has not yet been tested in scientific studies against influenza viruses.

Intelligence:

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that is involved in the storage of memory.  Astragalus has been found to block the effects of an enzyme (named acetylcholinesterase) that breaks down acetylcholine.  This action of astragalus may enhance memory.

Liver Support:

A clinical study has determined that astragalus helps to protect the liver from the damage inflicted by many toxins (for example, carbon tetrachloride).

Sports Performance:

Although not yet tested in scientific studies, there are many anecdotal reports claiming that astragalus improves sports performance.  It may increase energy levels in athletes, reduce fatigue and increase stamina.

Dosage:

750 - 1,500 mg per day.

References

Angina

· Lei, Z. Y., et al.  Action of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function of angina pectoris.  Chung Kuo Chung His I Chief Ho Tsa Chih.  14(4):199-202, 1994.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Wilson, J.  Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus).  The Traditional Therapist.  August 1998.

Common Cold

· Bone, K.  How to Prescribe Herbal Medicines.  MediHerb Pty Ltd.  1992:18.

Energy

· Bone, K., et al.  Astragalus membranaceus - Astragalus.  Mediherb Professional Review.  67:1-4, 1999.

Herpes (Cold Sores)

· Sun, Y., et al.  [Experimental study of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus against herpes simplex virus type 1.]  Di Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao.  24(1):57-58, 2004.

Immunity

· Jiao, Y., et al.  [Influence of flavonoid of Astragalus membranaceus's stem and leaves on the function of cell mediated immunity in mice.]  Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.  19(6):356-358, 1999.

Influenza

· Hou, Y. D.  Interferon induction and lymphocyte transformation stimulated by Astragalus membranaceus in mouse spleen cell cultures.  Zhongua Weisheng Wuxue Hemian Yixue Zazhi.  1(2):137-139, 1981.

Liver Support

· Zhang, Z. L., et al.  Hepatoprotective effects of astragalus root.  Journal of Ethnopharmacology.  30(2):145-149, 1990.

Memory

· Liu, Z. Y., et al.  [Effect of improving memory and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity by invigorating-qi and warming-yang recipe.]  Chung Kuo Chung His I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih.  13(11):675-676, 646, 1993.

Sports Performance

Bone, K., et al.  Astragalus membranaceus - Astragalus.  Mediherb Professional Review.  67:1-4, 1999.

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