Home › Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

  • Astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in combination with other herbs, to stimulate the immune systemThe organs specialised to fight infection.. It is also used to enhance the effects of chemotherapyThe use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. and reduce possible side effects. Based on traditional use and clinical experience, astragalus is generally considered to be safe.

  • Astragalus is a huge genus of over 2,000 species. The main medicinal species are Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus. Other astragalus species, such as Astragalus mollissimus (locoweed), may be toxic.

  • Gummy sap (tragacanth) from astragalus is used as a thickener in ice cream, a denture adhesive, and an antidiarrheal agent.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

Allergic rhinitis

C

Anorexia

C

Aplastic anemia

C

Asthma

C

Athletic performance

C

Attention-deficit disorder

C

Burns

C

Cerebral palsy

C

Chemotherapy

C

Chronic fatigue syndrome

C

Cognitive function

C

Diabetes

C

Diabetic complications

C

Heart disease

C

Helicobacter pylori infectionInvasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites.

C

Hepatitis

C

Herpes

C

HIV

C

Immune stimulation

C

Infection

C

Kidney failure

C

Liver protection

C

Menopausal symptoms

C

Menstrual disorders

C

Mental performance

C

Myasthenia gravis

C

Neck pain

C

Prostate inflammationThe body’s response to injury.

C

Smoking cessation

C

Stroke

C

Systemic lupus erythematosus

C

Tuberculosis

C

Upper respiratory tractThe parts of the body that are involved in respiration. The respiratory tract includes the nasal passages, throat (pharynx), windpipe (trachea), bronchi and lungs. infectionInvasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites.

C

Viral myocarditisInflammation of the heart muscle.

C

Weight loss

C

*Key to grades:

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

  • Use cautiously in patients using immunosuppressantA drug that suppresses the immune system, reducing the body’s resistance to infection. agents or those who have autoimmuneAny condition caused by the body’s immune response against its own tissues. disease. Use cautiously in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking agents that may increase the risk of bleeding. Use cautiously in patients with diabetes or low bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar, and in those taking agents that affect bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar. Use cautiously in patients with high blood pressure or those taking agents that affect bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. pressure. Use cautiously with agents that increase urination, anesthetics, beta-blockersA group of drugs that block beta-receptors to slow the heart rate, or constrict the airways and arteries. , colchicines, dopamineA type of neurotransmitter - chemicals that help the communication between nerve cells (neurons). agonists, growth hormones, neuromuscular blockers, and stimulants. Astragalus is not suggested during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Astragalus membranaceus, its constituents, or other members of the Fabaceae family. In theory, patients with allergies to members of the Leguminosae (pea) family may react to astragalus. Cross-reactivity with quillaja bark (soapbark) has been reported. A positive skin reaction to Huangqi powder injection has been reported.

  • Changes in bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. pressure, chest pain, dehydrationWater deficiency in the body., diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal effects, immune stimulation, increased bleeding risk, increased growth hormoneA substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect. levels, increased urination, inflammationThe body’s response to injury. of the vulva (the external female genitalia), inflammationThe body’s response to injury. of the nasal passages and sinusMay describe one of a set of air spaces within a bone, or a wide channel within the body that contains blood (usually venous blood). cavities, low bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar, metabolic abnormalities, neurological syndromes, palpitationsThe feeling when you become aware of your heartbeat - when frightened, for example., pneumoniaInflammation of one or both lungs., sore throat, and stimulant effects.

  • Agents for anxiety, agents for the heart, agents that affect bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. pressure, agents that are toxic to the liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats., agents that increase bleeding risk, agents that increase urination, agents that lower bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar, agents that protect against radiation, agents with hormoneA substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect. activity, amino acidsOrganic compounds that are the basic building blocks of all proteins., anesthetics, antiadrenergic agents, antiaging agents, antiarthritic agents, antibioticsMedication to treat infections caused by microbes (organisms that can't be seen with the naked eye), such as bacteria., anticancer agents, anti-inflammatoryAny drug that suppresses inflammation agents, antiobesity agents, antioxidants, antiseizure agents, antiviralA substance that acts against viruses, for example and antiviral drug. agents, beta-blockersA group of drugs that block beta-receptors to slow the heart rate, or constrict the airways and arteries. , bone agents, cholesterolA substance present in many tissues and an important constituent of cell membranes although high concentrations of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood are unhealthy.-lowering agents, chronotropic agents, colchicine, cyclophosphamide, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dopamineA type of neurotransmitter - chemicals that help the communication between nerve cells (neurons). agonists, gastrointestinal agents, growth hormoneA substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect., hematological agents, immunosuppressants, inotropes, interferons, nalbuphine, neuromuscular blockers, neuroprotective agents, procarbazine, propoxyphene, Rauwolfia alkaloids, rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, sedatives, selenium, steroids, stimulants, vaccines, and herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Adults (18 years and older):

  • In Chinese medicine, astragalus is used in soups, teas, extracts, and pills. Powdered dried whole root, capsules, fluid extracts, decoctions, and tinctures have been taken by mouth. In practice and in most scientific studies, astragalus is one component of multi-herb mixtures. Astragalus is also applied to the skin or given as an injection.

Children (younger than 18 years):

  • Children have been given adult doses proportional to their body weight. Astragalus has been given to children by mouth and as an injection.

Licensed by Natural Standard.

Copyright © 2012 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com) Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The above monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

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