Astragalus
It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs (echinacea), primarily to boost immunity but also as a tonic to lift mood and increase strength in chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
Usage
In the present day, astragalus is used for bolstering the immune system, often in combination with different herbs. The general strengthening of immune function is an imperative of the modern-day lifestyle, so astragalus had its big comeback in recent years.
Anti-inflammatory
It has been associated with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
Fight viral infections
By increasing the production of interferon, an immune factor that prevents the virus from multiplying.
Raises the energy levels
For chronic fatigue and exhaustion.
How to add astragalus to your diet?
The usual way of consuming astragalus is within a herbal tea or in the form of a supplement, often in combination with ginseng and echinacea.
Make a Tea
Astragalus flavor is sometimes described as sweet yet sharp.
As a Supplement
Available in liquid extracts, capsules, and powders.
Since ancient times, it has been used in China as folk medicine. It is one of the 12 fundamental herbs used in traditional Mongolian medicine.
Native to China, Mongolia and North Korea.
The root is the medicinal part of the plant, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants.
Of the more than 2,000 species of astragalus, just 2 are typically used in dietary supplements.
Ancient Herbal Therapy
Natives used astragalus in combination with the root of Indian ginseng as strong protection against stress, while in combination with echinacea, it is a protection against common infections of the mucous membrane (for colds and fever).
Chinese traditional medicine recommends the use of a drink from this plant with echinacea at the first sign of a cold. In addition to being used to protect and support the immune system and thus prevent colds and respiratory infections, it is also recommended for diabetics to lower blood pressure and for prevention of liver diseases.
About
Astragalus (lat. Astragalus membranaceus) is a perennial species that naturally occurs in China, Mongolia, and Korea. Historically, it has been used for strengthening chi or qi—life force—and conditions related to general weaknesses in the body, such as fatigue, anemia, poor appetite, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions associated with “insufficient qi.”
Composition
Chemically and biologically active substances of astragalus include more than 40 saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, glycosides, amino acids, free fatty acids, trace minerals (such as selenium, a stimulator of antioxidant activity and defense mechanism), and polyphenols.
These are essential in maintaining a healthy immune response. The immune system is the army of our body: it fights bacteria, viruses, fungi. Astragalus enhances the activity of the entire immune system.
Science
Researchers have been interested in astragalus because of the possibility of treating immunocompromised patients. During clinical trials, astragalus supplements significantly accelerated the recovery.
Research reviews have generally concluded that most studies are of poor quality.
Safety
Although generally considered safe, the recommended daily doses of astragalus should not be exceeded. Dietary supplements are not recommended for sensitive individuals, pregnant and breastfeeding women. It has shown some interaction with medication.
People with autoimmune diseases should speak with their doctor first before taking Astragalus because it may stimulate the immune system. Practitioners suggest that using an adaptogenic plant regularly might not be optimal.
Fun Facts
The Chinese name of the herb, Huang qi, means "yellow leader", because of its color and importance.
Research
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Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, et al. Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002;23(8):757-761.
Cheng Y, Tang K, Wu S, et al. Astragalus polysaccharides lowers plasma cholesterol through mechanisms distinct from statins. PLoS One. 2011;6(11):e27437.
Duan P, Wang ZM. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002;22(7):515-517.
Hao Y, Qiu QY, Wu J. Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in promoting neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(5):427-430.
Hei ZQ, Zhang JJ, Lin SQ, et al. [Effects of Astragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin concentration of intestinal mucosa after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion in rats]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004;29(5):444-447.
Huang XY, Zhang SZ, Wang WX. Enhanced antitumor efficacy with combined administration of astagalus and pterostilbene for melanoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(3):1163-9.
Jia XH, Yin BH, Li JC. [Effect of astragalus injection on U937 leukemia cells proliferation and apoptosis and relevant molecular mechanisms]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2013;15(12):1128-33.
Kim SH, Lee SE, Oh H, et al. The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinesemedicine astragalus. J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):127-137.
Li M, Wang W, Xue J, Gu Y, Lin S. Meta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathy. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;133(2):412-9.
Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF. [Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(2):121-123.
Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2010;24:175-81.
Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;320(4):1103-1111.
Shi FS, Yang ZG, Di GP. [Effect of Astragalus saponin on vascular endothelial cell and its function in burn patients]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001;21(10):750-751.
Wang D, Zhuang Y, Tian Y, Thomas GN, Ying M, Tomlinson B. Study of the effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus on atherosclerosis formation and potential mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longrev. 2012;2012:282383.
Yang QY, Lu S, Sun HR. Clinical effect of Astragalus granule of different dosages on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Chin J Integr Med. 2011;17(2):146-9.
Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Xu C, Leung C, Chan LS. Astragalus (a traditional Chines medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;10:CD008369.
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Al-Snafi, A. E. (2015). Chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Astragalus hamosus and Astragalus tribuloides grown in Iraq. Asian J of Pharm Sci & Tech, 5(4), 321-328.
Shahrajabian, M. H., Sun, W., & Cheng, Q. (2019). Astragalus, an ancient medicinal root in traditional Chinese medicine, a gift from silk road. International Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. 2019f, 3(06), 27-38.