Astragalus(Astragalus membranaceus)
background
Astragalus products are derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus or related species, which are native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is commonly found in mixtures with other herbs, and is used in the treatment of numerous ailments, including heart, liver, and kidney diseases, as well as cancer, viral infections, and immune system disorders. Western herbalists began using astragalus in the 1800s as an ingredient in various tonics. The use of astragalus became popular in the 1980s based on theories about anti-cancer properties, although these proposed effects have not been clearly demonstrated in reliable human studies.
Some medicinal uses of astragalus are based on its proposed immune stimulatory properties, reported in preliminary laboratory and animal experiments, but not conclusively demonstrated in humans. Most astragalus research has been conducted in China, and has not been well designed or reported.
Gummy sap (tragacanth) from astragalus is used as a thickener in ice cream, an emulsifier, a denture adhesive and an anti-diarrheal agent.
synonyms
Astragalus gummifera, Astragalus lentiginosus, Astragalus mollissimus, Astragalus mongholicus, Astragalus trigonus, astragel, baak kei, beg kei, bei qi, buck qi, Fabacea (family), goat's horn, goat's thorn, green dragon, gum dragon, gum tragacanthae, gummi tragacanthae, hoang ky, hog gum, huang-chi, Huang Qi, huangoi, huangqi, hwanggi, ji cao, Leguminosae (family), locoweed, membranous milk vetch, milk vetch, Mongolian milk, Mongolian milk vetch, neimeng hhuangqi, ogi, ougi, radix astragali, spino santo, Syrian tragacanth, tai shen, tragacanth, wong kei, yellow vetch, Zhongfengnaomitong.
evidence table
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.
Anti-viral activity
(Grade: C)
Anti-viral activity has been reported with the use of astragalus in laboratory and animal studies. Limited human research has examined the use of astragalus for viral infections in the lung, heart (pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis), liver (hepatitis B and C), cervix (papilloma virus), and in HIV disease. Studies have included combinations of astragalus with the drug interferon, or as a part of herbal mixtures. However, most studies have been small and poorly designed. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
Anti-viral activity has been reported with the use of astragalus in laboratory and animal studies. Limited human research has examined the use of astragalus for viral infections in the lung, heart (pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis), liver (hepatitis B and C), cervix (papilloma virus), and in HIV disease. Studies have included combinations of astragalus with the drug interferon, or as a part of herbal mixtures. However, most studies have been small and poorly designed. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
Athletic performance
(Grade: C)
Few clinical trials have investigated the effect of astragalus-containing products in athletes. Preliminary evidence from two combination studies using Chinese herbal formulas have shown positive results, however further research is needed before recommendations can be made.
Few clinical trials have investigated the effect of astragalus-containing products in athletes. Preliminary evidence from two combination studies using Chinese herbal formulas have shown positive results, however further research is needed before recommendations can be made.
Burns
(Grade: C)
Few clinical trials have been investigated in terms of astragalus and burn patients. Limited research suggests that astragalus may have positive effects. Further research is required before recommendations can be made.
Few clinical trials have been investigated in terms of astragalus and burn patients. Limited research suggests that astragalus may have positive effects. Further research is required before recommendations can be made.
Cancer
(Grade: C)
Although early laboratory and animal studies report increased immune cell function and reduced cancer cell growth associated with the use of astragalus, there is no reliable human evidence in these areas. A recent study reports that astragalus-based Chinese herbal medicine may increase effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy when combined with chemotherapy. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn.
Although early laboratory and animal studies report increased immune cell function and reduced cancer cell growth associated with the use of astragalus, there is no reliable human evidence in these areas. A recent study reports that astragalus-based Chinese herbal medicine may increase effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy when combined with chemotherapy. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn.
Chemotherapy side effects
(Grade: C)
In Chinese medicine, astragalus-containing herbal mixtures are sometimes used with the intention to reduce side effects of cancer treatments. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn.
In Chinese medicine, astragalus-containing herbal mixtures are sometimes used with the intention to reduce side effects of cancer treatments. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn.
Coronary artery disease
(Grade: C)
In Chinese medicine, herbal mixtures containing astragalus have been used to treat heart diseases. There are several human case reports of reduced symptoms and improved heart function, although these are not well described. High quality human research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
In Chinese medicine, herbal mixtures containing astragalus have been used to treat heart diseases. There are several human case reports of reduced symptoms and improved heart function, although these are not well described. High quality human research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
Diabetes
(Grade: C)
Although there is experimental evidence that astragalus alone, and in combination with hypoglycemic medication, has significant hypoglycemic properties, the clinical studies are poorly designed and results inadequately presented. The clinical data suggest that astragalus
Although there is experimental evidence that astragalus alone, and in combination with hypoglycemic medication, has significant hypoglycemic properties, the clinical studies are poorly designed and results inadequately presented. The clinical data suggest that astragalus
Heart failure
(Grade: C)
In Chinese medicine, herbal mixtures containing astragalus have been used to treat various heart diseases. There are several human case reports of reduced symptoms and improved heart function, and diuretic ("water pill") effects, although these are not well described. High quality human research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
In Chinese medicine, herbal mixtures containing astragalus have been used to treat various heart diseases. There are several human case reports of reduced symptoms and improved heart function, and diuretic ("water pill") effects, although these are not well described. High quality human research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
Immune stimulation
(Grade: C)
Astragalus has been suggested as an immune system stimulant in preliminary laboratory and animal research, and in traditional accounts. Reliable human studies are lacking. High quality human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Astragalus has been suggested as an immune system stimulant in preliminary laboratory and animal research, and in traditional accounts. Reliable human studies are lacking. High quality human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Kidney failure
(Grade: C)
Several animal and human studies report that kidney damage from toxins and kidney failure may be improved with the use of astragalus-containing herbal mixtures. Overall, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Astragalus alone has not been well evaluated. Better quality research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
Several animal and human studies report that kidney damage from toxins and kidney failure may be improved with the use of astragalus-containing herbal mixtures. Overall, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Astragalus alone has not been well evaluated. Better quality research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
Liver protection
(Grade: C)
Several animal and human studies report that astragalus may protect the liver from damage related to toxins or hepatitis B and C. Overall, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Astragalus alone has not been well evaluated. Better quality research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
Several animal and human studies report that astragalus may protect the liver from damage related to toxins or hepatitis B and C. Overall, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Astragalus alone has not been well evaluated. Better quality research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
Low white blood cell count
(Grade: C)
Astragalus has been suggested as an immune system stimulant in preliminary laboratory and animal research, and in traditional accounts. There are published reports from China of white blood cell counts increasing during the use of astragalus preparations, although details are limited. Reliable scientific study has not been conducted in this area. High quality human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Astragalus has been suggested as an immune system stimulant in preliminary laboratory and animal research, and in traditional accounts. There are published reports from China of white blood cell counts increasing during the use of astragalus preparations, although details are limited. Reliable scientific study has not been conducted in this area. High quality human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Mental performance
(Grade: C)
Based on one clinical trial, astragalus may aid in mental performance of children with low IQ. This trial, however, used astragalus as part of a combination therapy and it is difficult to ascribe the effects to any one constituent. Further, well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
Based on one clinical trial, astragalus may aid in mental performance of children with low IQ. This trial, however, used astragalus as part of a combination therapy and it is difficult to ascribe the effects to any one constituent. Further, well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
Smoking cessation
(Grade: C)
Astragalus has been used traditionally to aid in smoking cessation. Well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
Astragalus has been used traditionally to aid in smoking cessation. Well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
Tuberculosis
(Grade: C)
One clinical trial suggests the potential for benefit of astragalus in patients with tuberculosis. Further well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
One clinical trial suggests the potential for benefit of astragalus in patients with tuberculosis. Further well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
Upper respiratory tract infection
(Grade: C)
Astragalus is often used in Chinese medicine as a part of herbal mixtures to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections. Anti-viral activity has been reported in laboratory and animal studies, and in limited human reports. However, most studies have been small and poorly designed. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
Astragalus is often used in Chinese medicine as a part of herbal mixtures to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections. Anti-viral activity has been reported in laboratory and animal studies, and in limited human reports. However, most studies have been small and poorly designed. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
