Astragalus as a dietary supplement
Astragalus is a natural plant product commonly used as a dietary supplement, primarily known for its potential health benefits, particularly in strengthening immunity against common illnesses like colds and flu. Traditionally, the root of the astragalus plant is a staple in Chinese herbal medicine, believed to enhance the body's energy (qi) and support various organs, including the spleen. While many people in the United States take astragalus at the first signs of illness, traditional practices suggest that it is more effective for preventative use when one is healthy, rather than during the early stages of an infection.
Research indicates that astragalus may stimulate the immune system and could offer benefits in managing conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, insomnia, and the side effects of chemotherapy. Although some studies have shown promise, results have been mixed, and more rigorous research is necessary to confirm its efficacy for various health conditions. Astragalus is generally considered safe, with rare side effects, though caution is advised when used alongside certain medications or in specific health situations. As with any supplement, consulting with a healthcare professional, especially for those with existing health concerns or women who are pregnant or nursing, is recommended before starting astragalus.
Astragalus as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Strengthen immunity against colds, flu, and other illnesses
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, atherosclerosis, chemotherapy side effects, chronic active hepatitis, diabetes, genital herpes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, adaptogen against stress, antioxidant, heart health, anti-inflammatory, cancer prevention
Overview
Dried and sliced thin, the root of the astragalus plant is a common component of Chinese herbal formulas. According to tradition, astragalus, among other effects, strengthens organs such as the spleen, the blood, and qi, the body's energy or vital force. The traditional understanding of how astragalus works differs from how it tends to be presented today.
Uses and Applications
In the United States, astragalus has been presented as an immune stimulant helpful in treating colds and flu. Many people believe they should take astragalus, like the commonly used herb Echinacea, at the first sign of a cold.
The belief that astragalus can strengthen immunity has a partial basis in traditional Chinese medicine, which says the root creates a shield against infection. However, according to tradition, astragalus formulas should not be taken during the early stage of infections. To do so is said to cause the infection to be “driven deeper.” Rather, astragalus is considered appropriate only when a person is healthy. Its purpose is to prevent illness.
Scientific Evidence
Although Chinese herbal tradition suggests that astragalus should generally be used with other herbs, modern Chinese researchers have found various intriguing effects when astragalus is taken by itself. Extracts of astragalus have been found to stimulate parts of the immune system in mice and humans, and to increase the survival time of mice infected with various diseases. Astragalus has also been shown to enhance diuresis (urine output) by encouraging the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. One study found that supplementation with astragalus did not extend the lives of patients with lung cancer, and another study found a small but beneficial effect in reducing upper respiratory syndrome in children suffering from nephrotic syndrome. Both studies were of low quality. Other preliminary research suggests that astragalus might be useful in treating atherosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, insomnia, diabetes, chronic active hepatitis, genital herpes, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and to increase the efficacy and reduce the side effects of cancer chemotherapy.
As the twenty-first century progressed, more study of the health benefits of astragalus were undertaken. Several studies indicated its potential to be beneficial to people suffering from certain cardiac conditions, such as myocardial. Astragalus may have additional cardiac benefits, such as lowering bad cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart function. Studies in patients undergoing chemotherapy for several types of cancer indicated astragalus’s effectiveness in reducing the side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Others believed benefits to using astragalus have been identified as well. Many believe it is effective as an adpatogen, allowing the body to cope in times of high stress. Its anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial for various conditions.
Dosage
A typical daily dosage of astragalus involves boiling 9 to 30 grams (g) of dried root to make tea. Newer products use an alcohol-and-water extraction method to produce an extract standardized to astragaloside content, although there is no consensus on the proper percentage.
Safety Issues
Astragalus appears to be relatively nontoxic. High one-time doses and long-term administration have not caused significant harmful effects. Side effects are rare and generally limited to mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. However, some Chinese herb manuals suggest that astragalus at 15 g or lower per day can raise blood pressure, whereas doses above 30 g may lower blood pressure. Care should be exhibited when taking astragalus while taking prescription medicines.
Traditional Chinese medicine warns against using astragalus in cases of acute infections. Other traditional contraindications include “deficient yin patterns with heat signs” and “exterior excess heat patterns.” Understanding what these phrases mean would require an extensive education in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, so one should use astragalus only under the supervision of a qualified Chinese herbalist. Finally, the safety of astragalus use in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Ai, P., et al. "Aqueous Extract of Astragali radix Induces Human Natriuresis Through Enhancement of Renal Response to Atrial Natriuretic Peptide." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007.
"Astragalus." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Aug. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.
"Astragalus Information." Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/astragalus. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
Ma, Leilei, et al. "Total Astragalus Saponins Can Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-related Intestinal Dysbiosis and Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Vivo." Frontiers in Endocrinology, vol. 14, 2023, p. 1190827, doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1190827. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
McCulloch, M., et al. "Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer." Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 24, 2006, pp. 419-430.
Meixner, Makayla, and Rachael Ajmera. "Astragalus (Huáng Qí): Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage." Healthline, 12 July 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/astragalus. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.
Yook, T., et al. "Comparing the Effects of Distilled Rehmannia glutinosa, Wild Ginseng, and Astragali radix Pharmacopuncture with Heart Rate Variability (HRV)." Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, vol. 2, 2009, pp. 239-247.