Astragalus is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for immune health.
Traditionally, it was used to treat weakness, wounds, anemia, fever, multiple allergies, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, uterine bleeding, and uterine prolapse (Kim et al., 2003).
Clinically, it is used to treat chronic phlegmatic disorders and general gastrointestinal disturbances including stomach ulcers and diarrhea.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of astragalus, its safety, and its history.
Table of Contents
What is Astragalus?
Astragalus is a perennial herb in the Fabaceae (i.e. legume) family. It was originally native to Asia, growing throughout inner Mongolia and Tibet.
The scientific name for this herb is Astragalus membranaceus, but it’s commonly called astragalus, huangqi (china), astragali radix, or Mongolian milkvetch.
There are many different types of astragalus, in fact, it’s reported that there are 2,000 different varieties of astragalus.
This plant contains a unique group of phytochemicals known as astragalosides, which are thought to be the key to astragalus health benefits.
Astragalus is classified as an adaptogenic herb by some.
It was traditionally used throughout Asia to treat weakness, wounds, anemia, fever, multiple allergies, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, uterine bleeding, and uterine prolapse (Kim et al., 2003).
Clinically, it is used to treat chronic phlegmatic disorders and general gastrointestinal disturbances including stomach ulcers and diarrhea.
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Health Benefits of Astragalus:
There are many health benefits of astragalus. Most of the scientific research on this herb has been done via test-tube research or animal studies, there are only a handful of human clinical trials.
1. May Support Immune Health
Astragalus benefits the immune system via its immunoregulatory properties.
Evidence suggests that astragalus can increase macrophage activity. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and remove pathogens from the human body. Macrophages are a key part of the body’s innate immune response. Innate immunity can be thought of as your immune system’s quick response team, its goal is to quickly attack and destroy invading pathogens.
A clinical study conducted in the 1970s showed that high doses of astragalus (15.6g daily) helped to increase various markers of immune health, including serum IgM, IgE, and cAMP.
One study found that astragalus has a significant immunological activity when compounded with human vaccines.
An animal study found that astragalus was effective in avian influenza virus in chickens. The researchers also noted that this herb worked to increase overall immunity.
A lab-based study found that astragalus displayed anti-influenza virus activity.
In line with its other antiviral benefits, astragalus has been shown to be effective in combatting the Epstein-Barr virus in the lab.
Summary:
Lab-based studies indicate that astragalus is an effective herb for improving innate immunity. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
2. May Support Heart Health
Astragalus has been studied extensively for its ability to help with viral myocarditis.
Viral myocarditis is defined as an inflammatory disease that injures the muscular tissues of the heart.
Research indicates that astragalus may be able to support individuals with viral myocarditis through its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
All of the clinical research on astragalus and myocarditis has been conducted in China. In these studies, a traditional patented form of astragalus is utilized. It is administered via an IV drip.
A meta-analysis of astragalus and myocarditis, which involved over 2,522 participants across 28 clinical trials, found that astragalus significantly reduced serum myocardial enzymes and cardiac troponin I levels and improved clinical treatment efficiency compared with the control group. The researchers noted that there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions.
The researcher who conducted the meta-analysis noted that some of the clinical trials had poor execution and/or methodologies. They advocated for more in-depth, robust studies to be conducted to further verify the effectiveness of astragalus for myocarditis.
Summary:
It appears that astragalus may be beneficial for helping to treat those with myocarditis. More robust clinical trials are needed to verify exact dosing and protocols.
3. Cancer-Fighting Properties
Astragalus has been heavily studied in the laboratory for its potential anti-cancer properties.
In recent years, over 20 different studies have looked at astragalus and its potential for helping fight against cancer.
It’s thought that astragalus’ characteristic antitumor properties work by enhancing the body’s immunity.
It’s studied via three different mechanisms:
- Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation
- Promote tumor cells apoptosis
- Inhibit tumor cell metastasis