Astragalus

Astragalus

(Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus has been reported to support the immune function as well as being useful with chemotherapy and radiation. Has been shown to improve disease resistance and tissue oxygenation and as an adaptogen works as a tonic to enhance endurance and stamina. Strengthens the movement and muscle tone of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates memory improvement. Has been known to increase cardiac output in patients with angina pectoris and to relieve chest distress and dypsnea associated with heart failure.

Adaptogen: Chang, 1986

Immune Function: Geng, 1986

Tissue Oxygenation: Griga, 1977

Chemotherapy and Radiation: Zhao, 1990

Gastrointestinal: Lei, 1994

Memory: Hong, 1994

Angina: Lei, 1994

Heart Failure: Ma, 1998

Whole Herb: (Root powder) 360mg
1 capsule with water 3 x daily

Summary:

Astragalus has been used as an immune stimulant and, unlike Echinacea, does not appear to suppress immune function with long-term use. It is also claimed to improve peripheral tissue oxygen delivery and may also serve as an adaptogen by improving the response to stress by augmenting adrenal activity. Astragalus has been reported to have radioprotective properites. It has been shown to improve left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume and to slow heart rate in heart failure.

Pharmacology:

Astragalus contains isoflavones, triterpenoids, and saponins, including astragalosides I-VIII. Polysaccharides contained in astragalus have been shown to stimulate natural killer (NK) cells, augment T-cell function, and increase interferon production. . Astragalus administration has been shown to increase phagocytosis by reticuloendothelial cells, decrease T-suppressor cell function, and improve T-killer cell function. Triterpenoids and saponins have a structural similarity to steroid hormone precursors and appear to increase adrenal activity Astragalus may decrease cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Caution is to be exercised with patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy (transplant patients and those with autoimmune diseases).

Theoretical Interactions:

May enhance effects of immune stimulants; may limit effects of immune suppressants (e.g. cyclosporine, azathioprine and methotrezate); anticoagulants/antiplatelets/antithrombotic agents may potentiate the risk of bleeding.

References:

Chang H, Pharmacology and Application of Chinese Materia Medica, Philadelphia, PA: World Scientific, 1986, 4.

DeSmet PAGM, D'Arcy PF. Drug interactions with herbal and other non-orthodox remedies. In: D'Arcy PF, McElnay JC, Welling PG, editors. Mechanisms of Drug Interactions. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1996. Pp.327-52.

Geng CS, "Advances in Immuno-Pharmacological Studies on Astragalus membranaceus," Chung His I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, 1986, 6(1): 62-4.

Griga IV, "Effect of a Summary Preparation of Astragalus cicer on the Blood Pressure of Rats with Renal Hypertension and on the Oxygen Consumption by the Tissues," Farm Zh, 1977, 6:64-6.

Zhao KS, Mancini C, and Doria G, "Enhancement of the Immune Response in Mice by Astragalus membranaceus Extracts," Immunopharmacology, 1990, 20(3): 225-33.

Lei ZY, Qin H; Lian JZ. Action of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function of angina pectoris. Chung Kuo Chung His I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1994 Apr; 14 (4): 199-202, 195.

Ma J; Peng A; Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of Astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Chin Med J. (Engl) 1998 Jan; 111(1): 17-23.

Zhang WJ; Wojta J; Binder BR. Regulation of the fibrinolytic potential of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells; astragaloside IV downregulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and upregulates tissue type plasminogen activator expression. J Vasc Res 1997 Jul-Aug; 34(4): 273-80.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs," Facts and Comparisons( The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines(, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Astragalus Herbal Supplement 450 mg 9.99

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