Astragalus

Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Family: Fabaceae
Common Names: astragalus, yellow leader, Huang Qi

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Astragalus

The genus Astragalus contains more than 2000 species but it's A. membranaceus that most people know simply as "astragalus". And it's the species that may someday offer a real herbal alternative to technology-based cancer treatments.

Traditional Medical Uses for Astragalus

It's Chinese name, huang qi, translates as "yellow leader" and while we don't know exactly why it has this name, there's no doubt that astragalus is a leader in herbal medicine. It's considered a tonic useful for strengthening the immune system, negating the effects of environmental pollution and replenishing the various life forces.

Throughout the years, astragalus has been used to treat cancer, lower blood pressure and fight viral infections. It's considered a diuretic that can increase urination, reduce thirst and relieve swelling.

Astragalus in Native American Healing

A 1905 paper in American Anthropologist suggests that the Cheyenne people may have used A. nitidus for various forms of poison ivy but since A. membranaceus was unknown outside of Asia until fairly recently, it seems unlikely that any Native Americans would have known about the plant we most often call astragalus.

Astragalus in Ayurveda

Very little has been written about astragalus and its role in Ayurveda. Perhaps this is because Ayurveda had its own native plants like Ashwagandha that performed many of the same roles.

Astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is known as Huang Qi, or "yellow leader". It is used topically to dilate blood vessels and speed wound healing. Orally, astragalus is used mainly for its anti-microbial properties and is believed to be a potent antibacterial and antiviral agent.

Chinese physicians prescribe astragalus for diabetes, inflammation and as a general tonic. It is given to patients undergoing mainstream cancer treatments like chemotherapy and is also prescribed for a number of chronic degenerative health conditions.

Astragalus in Traditional European Herbalism

Little has been written about how (or even if) the Medieval healers of western Europe used astragalus. In preparation for this article, we could find no reference to the use of astragalus in Europe prior to the 20th century.

Astragalus in Modern Herbalism

Modern herbalism only became widely aware of the potential healing benefits of astragalus in recent years so there isn't just a whole lot of information on it at this time. When astragalus is used, it's generally employed for the same reasons Chinese physicians use it--as a general tonic for the entire body.

Serious Medical Studies on Astragalus

Most of the current research we have on astragalus comes to us from Chinese researchers. Unfortunately, the widespread reliance on a belief in Qi has caused many U.S. researchers to view some of these studies with suspicion.

Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious issues faced in the fight against diabetes. But a study in a 2007 issue of Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that an extract made from astragalus roots may help reverse or even prevent this leading cause of end-stage kidney failure.

Cancer

Here in the U.S., astragalus may be most popular as an alternative cancer treatment. However, of the "big three" immune stimulators--echinacea, ginseng and astragalus, astragalus is the least studied.

Safety Issues

Like many herbs, astragalus has not been extensively tested for long-term use in humans. In preparation for this article, we could find no peer-reviewed studies specifically looking at the potential safety issues associated with this herb.

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References:

Foster, S., Johnson, R. (2006). Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine.

Kasper, S., et al. (2006). Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial [ISRCTN77277298].

Vogel, V. (1970). American Indian Medicine.

Bensky, D., Gamble, A. (1993). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.

Zhang, Y., et al. (2007). Merit of Astragalus polysaccharide in the improvement of early diabetic nephropathy with an effect on mRNA expressions of NF-kappaB and IkappaB in renal cortex of streptozotoxin-induced diabetic rats.

Block, K., et al. (2003). Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review.