Background
- Astragalus products are derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus or related species, which are native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is commonly found in mixtures with other herbs, and is used in the treatment of numerous ailments, including heart, liver, and kidney diseases, as well as cancer, viral infections, and immune system disorders. Western herbalists began using astragalus in the 1800s as an ingredient in various tonics. The use of astragalus became popular in the 1980s based on theories about anti-cancer properties, although these proposed effects have not been clearly demonstrated in reliable human studies.
- Some medicinal uses of astragalus are based on its proposed immune stimulatory properties, reported in preliminary laboratory and animal experiments, but not conclusively demonstrated in humans. Most astragalus research has been conducted in China, and has not been well designed or reported.
- Gummy sap (tragacanth) from astragalus is used as a thickener in ice cream, an emulsifier, a denture adhesive, and an anti-diarrheal agent.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Batey RG, Bensoussan A, Fan YY, et al. Preliminary report of a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation CH-100 in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1998;13(3):244-247.
View Abstract - Firenzuoli F, Gori L, Di Simone L, et al. Important bias in the Astragalus meta-analysis. J Clin Oncol 2006 Jul 1;24(19):3215-6; author reply 3216-7.
View Abstract - Haines CJ, Lam PM, Chung TK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation (Dang Gui Buxue Tang) on menopausal symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese women. Climacteric 2008 Jun;11(3):244-51.
View Abstract - Kobayashi H, Mizuno N, Teramae H, et al. The effects of Hochu-ekki-to in patients with atopic dermatitis resistant to conventional treatment. Int J Tissue React 2004;26(3-4):113-117.
View Abstract - Kusum M, Klinbuayaem V, Bunjob M, et al. Preliminary efficacy and safety of oral suspension SH, combination of five chinese medicinal herbs, in people living with HIV/AIDS ; the phase I/II study. J Med Assoc Thai 2004;87(9):1065-1070.
View Abstract - Lee HJ, Lee JH. Effects of medicinal herb tea on the smoking cessation and reducing smoking withdrawal symptoms. Am J Chin Med 2005;33(1):127-138.
View Abstract - Liu ZG, Xiong ZM, Yu XY. [Effect of astragalus injection on immune function in patients with congestive heart failure]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2003;23(5):351-353.
View Abstract - McCulloch M, See C, Shu XJ, et al. Astragalus-based Chinese herbs and platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: meta-analysis of randomized trials. J Clin Oncol 2006 Jan 20;24(3):419-30.
View Abstract - Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Sheng ZL, Li NY, Ge XP. [Clinical study of baoyuan dahuang decoction in the treatment of chronic renal failure]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1994;14(5):268-70, 259.
View Abstract - Tan BK, Vanitha J. Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects of some traditional Chinese medicinal herbs: a review. Curr Med Chem 2004;11(11):1423-1430.
View Abstract - Weng XS. [Treatment of leucopenia with pure Astragalus preparation--an analysis of 115 leucopenic cases]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1995;15(8):462-464.
View Abstract - Wu XS, Chen HY, Li M. [Clinical observation on effect of combined use of Astragalus and compound salviae injection in treating acute cerebral infarction]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2003;23(5):380-381.
View Abstract - Yin X, Zhang S, Kong Y, et al. Observation on efficiency of jiangtang capsule in treating diabetes mellitus type 2 with hyperlipidemia. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine 2001;7(3):214-216.
- Zhang JG, Gao DS, Wei GH. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus injection on left ventricular remodeling and left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2002;22(5):346-348.
View Abstract