HEALTH MATTERS

 /

Astragalus from Ancient

China, or in Your Backyard
Monogram of a Helpful lb-lerb

BY RENEE LANG, ND

A note to readers: Astragalus
has rqiortedly been used for

4, 000 years in China, where

by at least one account, people
keep the herb in water contain-
ersfor the continual tonic ejfect.
Dr Lang offers the following
morwgmph or description of
this herb, also used in North
America, where related varieties
are lcrwwn as milk vetch.

stragalus, Huang
chi root (Astragalus
membranaceous) _

- Family: Pea Family

Part used medicinally: Root

Taste: Very bitter

General Info: Astragalus, na-
tive to China, can now be found
in multiple countries around
the globe.‘ 'While‘ovér 2000 "spe-
cies of Astragalus exist, only

0 16 can be grown in the United

States. Astragalus, used medici-
nally in China for thousands of
years, strengthens weakened
individuals on multiple levels.

Therapeutic Actions: Astrag-
alus enhances immune system
fimction by increasing white
blood cells. It nourishes the ad-
renals, and balances digestive
and heart functions. Astragalus
also protects the liver from
the damaging effects of toxic
agents. In short, Astragalus
plays a vital role in establishing
health in debilitated and weak-
ened individuals.

Immune system effects:
enhancer, restorative, stimula-
tor,- and modulator. Anti-viral
and anti-bacterial. Adaptogen-
system rebalancer and adrenal
supportive. Heart protective
and hypotensive (decreases
blood pressure). Anti-inflarnma-
tory and anti-oxidant.

Research Supporting the
Use of Astragalus: Multiple
research studies on the benefits
and uses of Astragalus exist.
Conditions studied range from
hepatitis, cancer, heart disease,
fatigue, and immune function.
The following examples pro-
vide a brief introduction to the
information available about
Astragalus:

*A 2003 Chinese study, using
an IV preparation of Astragalus
in patients with congestive
heart failure, showed an im-
provement in heart function,
increased T-cell count (CD4),
an improved T-cell ratio (CD4/

CD8), and decreased inflamma-
tory markers.

*Other Chinese studies show
that Astragalus plays a key role
in complementary can-
cer care. It minimizes
and protects against
chemotherapy toxicity,
increase immune func-
tion, improve quality of
life, and inhibit tumor
development. Multiple
animal studies show
a beneficial effect in
asthma and allergies by
decreasing the negative
effects of histamine. As-
tragalus has been shown
to improve digestive
tone and function in
animals. ’

More information may
be toyed at-Herbmed=9is:
or via search on PubMed,
a major source of medi-
cal information on the
Internet

Indicated Condi-
tions for Astragalus
Use: Lyme disease pre-
vention and in early dis-

depressed immune -
fimction, colds and flus,
infections, inflanunation,

for 20 minutes, strain and drink.
Tincture: 1:5 in 30% alcohol

extract. , l '
Capsule: 300-500 mg of herb

 

Astragalus canadensis, Canadian
Milkvetch. Photo courtesy: Joe F. Duft @
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA
NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field
office guide to plant species. West Region,
_ _ . Sacramento, CA. Said to have been used
easevflepatms B’ fatlguei by the Blackfoot who dug them in the

spring for eating and used as a broth.
Root is analgesic and antihaemorrhagic.

cancer, heart disease,

memory problems, al-

lergies, congestive heart failure,
and liver disease. ‘

Use of Astragalus in persons
with HIV/AIDS remains incon-
clusive by research standards.
Most of the existent studies
use Astragalus in combination
with other herbs, so its effect
as a singular agent is unclear.
One such study, (China, 2006)
showed a positive effect on
immunity, viral load, and
symptoms.

Non-HIV specific studies dem-
onstrate Astragalus’ ability to

increase T-cells, specifically CD4 i

cells, and to enhance the efficacy
of anti-virals. These character-
istics provide a basis for the
reasonable use ofAstragalus in
I-IIV/AIDs health. Again, use un-
der the supeivision of a trained
healthcare provider.

Types 0fMe(12',cinaI Prepara-
lions _f01‘ASf'l‘(l_(](ll’l.(S I,/'.s-cs Spe-
cific dosages vary depending on
severity and condition. Always
use herbal products under the, -

guidance of a trained physician H

or herbalist.
Decoction: 3 to 6 g of dried
root per 12 oz water. Simmer

 

per capsule. Capsules come in
both whole herb and standard-
ized preparations. Products
are usually standardized to 4-
hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone,
either 0.4% or 0.5%. Most of
the Chinese studies done on
Astragalus were done on the
whole herb.
Herb/Drug Interactions:

7 Astragalus may increase or

enhance effects of acyclovir
and interferon. Astragalus

may decrease effects of cyclo-
phospharnide. Speak to your
herbalist or Naturopath before
using Astragalus with the above
medications. ‘

Contraindications: Late
stage Lyme; organ transplants;
if you are pregnant or nursing,
consult with your physician or
herbalist before using this herb.
Toxicity: N 0 lmown to)n‘city.V

if you have a specificliealth
concern or issue that you
would like presented in this
article, please email Dr. Lang
at dr.rlang@thehealingway.
net. The Healing Way is in
Brattleboro, VT.

SEPTEMBER 2006 l.nutln'tlIe Inlluntulns ll

   
  

   
  
   

 

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