Common Name: Astragalus
Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Synonyms: Huang-qi, beiqi, milk vetch root
Parts Used: Dried root

Overview:

Astragalus membranaceus is a member of a family of plants that is over 2000 members strong.  It is native to the eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia.  Astragalus grows to about 16 inches tall, with hairy stems and leaves that contain 12-18 leaflets.  The roots of this perennial herb are harvested when the plant is four years old.

The use of astragalus in traditional Chinese medicine is recorded as far back as 100A.D. Chinese medicine considers this herb to be one of the most valuable tonic herbs available.  In tradition Chinese medicine, astragalus was used to promote sweating, increase endurance, stimulate the appetite, and treat digestive tract problems such as gas, bloating and diarrhea, as well as it use as a diuretic and blood pressure regulator.

Astragalus membranaceus contains many active ingredients. The most important being:

• polysaccharides or complex starches
• flavonoids
• the triterpenes glycosides, astragalosides I-VII
• amino acids
• trace minerals

Traditional uses:

The many uses of astragalus in traditional Chinese medicine include but are not limited to:

• digestive disorders such as gas, bloating and diarrhea.
• helping to eliminate night sweats
• use as a diuretic
• help treat excess phlegm production
• moderate blood pressure
• enhance the immune system
• increase endurance
• remove pus from and speed up the healing of wounds
• anemia caused by blood loss and childbirth

Clinical uses:

Astragalus has under extensive scientific research, especially in its native China.  This herb has become a very valuable herb in the modern clinical setting.  Astragalus has been found to be an effective treatment for:

• enhancing the immune system. Making it valuable in treating viral infections such as colds and flu as well as chronic hepatitis.
• combating the fatigue and lack of appetite that accompanies the radiation and chemotherapy as well as speeding the recovery and life expectancy of cancer patients. Exciting but not conclusive new studies have shown that Astragalus may actually cause the T-cells (a form of white blood cell) levels to return to normal.
• speeds the healing of wounds

Recommended Dosage:

Pediatric

Pediatric dosages are calculated by a child’s body weight.  Since adult dosages are calculated using a body weight of 150 lbs to calculate a pediatric dose simply take the child’s weight and divide by 150 lbs.  For example, if a child weights 50 lbs and the adult dose for a supplement is 150mg: 50lbs/150lbs=.33 or 1/3 of adult dose so take the 150mg adult dose and divide by 3 to obtain the child’s dose of 50mg.

Adult

1. Decoction (a strong tea): boil 3-6grams of the dried root in 12 ounces of water.
2. Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol:  take 2-4ml three times a day.
3. Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: take 3-5ml three times a day.
4. Powdered extract (capsules): take 100 to 150mg of supplement (or herb) standardized to 0.5% this maybe standard of 4-hydroxy-3-methox-isoflavonoid 3 times per day.

Ointment:10% astragalus as needed to promote healing.

Contra-indications:

Astragalus membranaceus is generally recognized as safe. It is often easily tolerated even by those who cannot take other supplements.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using astragalus.

Drug interactions:

People who are considering using astragalus should consult their health care provider if they are:

• Taking anti-viral medications such as acyclovir or interferon.  Astragalus may cause in increase in the antiviral action of these drugs and dosage adjustments may be needed.

Cyclophosphamide, a drug taken to suppress the immune system following organ transplant surgery.  Astragalus’ immune enhancing properties may suppress this drug’s effectiveness.

Web References

1. University of Maryland Medical Center, Center for Integrative Medicine, Alternative and Complementary Medicine
2. Astragalus membranaceus, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
3. Astragalus membranaceus, Holistic-online

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