General Information
Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s. There are actually over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the two related species Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the ones primarily used for health purposes.
Common Names(s)
astragalus, bei qi, huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch, membranous milkvetch, mo jia huang qi, huang qi, milk vetch root
Scientific Names(s)
Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus
How is Astralagus usually used?
The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.
What is Astralagus used for?
Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.
It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections.
Astragalus has also been used for heart disease.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
What else should I be aware of?
The evidence for using astragalus for any health condition is limited. Results from small or preliminary studies suggest that astragalus may benefit heart function and help the immune system fight infections.
A few studies have shown potential benefits for using astragalus - in combination with another herb, glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. In general, however, these studies were not well designed.
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the effects of astragalus on the body, particularly on the immune system.
Astragalus is considered safe for most adults. Its possible side effects are not well known because astragalus is generally used in combination with other herbs.
Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as the drug cyclophosphamide taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients.
People should avoid using astragalus species such as "locoweed" that grow in the United States, as these other species may have different effects and side effects.
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.
Source(s)
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Herbs at a Glance. Astragalus. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/
