| | BOTANICAL NAME: Astragalus species
PART USED AND HABITAT: Astragalus is native to northern China and the elevated regions of the Chinese provinces Yunnan and Sichuan. The portion of the plant used medicinally is the four- to seven-year-old dried root collected in the spring. The Chinese version has been extensively tested, both chemically and pharmacologically.
INDICATION AND USAGE: ( 1) Secondary Uses: Cancer. ( 2) Other Uses: Common cold/ sore throat; Heart attack; Hepatitis; Immune function; Infection; Systemic lupus erythemaotsus.
HISTORICAL OR TRADITIONAL USE: ( may or may not be supported by scientific studies) : Shen Nung, the founder of Chinese herbal medicine, classified astragalus as a superior herb in his classical treatise Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching ( circa A.D. 100) . The Chinese name huang qi translates as ? yellow leader, ? referring to the yellow color of the root and its status as one of the most important tonic herbs. Traditional Chinese medicine used this herb for night sweats, deficiency of chi ( e.g., fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite) , and diarrhea.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: Astragalus contains numerous components, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides ( e.g., astragalosides I? VII) , amino acids, and trace minerals. A polysaccharide called Astragalan B. Animal studies have shown that Astragalan B is effective at controlling bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system, and protecting the body against a number of toxins. Astragalan B seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of viruses, destabilizing their defenses, and allowing for the bodys immune system to attack the weakened invader. Several preliminary clinical studies in China have demonstrated that astragalus can benefit immune function and improve survival in some people with cancer. Given the poor quality of these studies, it is difficult to know how useful astragalus really was. One Chinese study also found that astragalus could decrease overactive immunity in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease. Much more study is needed to know if astragalus is safe in lupus or any other autoimmune disease. A randomized study found that intravenous astragalus in people undergoing dialysis for kidney failure improved one facet of immune function compared to untreated controls. Further study is indicated to determine if astragalus can help prevent infections in people undergoing dialysis. Early clinical studies in China suggest astragalus root might also benefit people with chronic viral hepatitis, though it may take one to two months to see results. In preliminary studies in China, astragalus has been used after people suffer heart attacks. More research is needed to determine whether astragalus is truly beneficial in this situation
70% Polysaccharides | | |
|
)