What is Astragalus?what is function of Astragalus?.
Content:
- .Botanical Description of Astragalus.
- .Astragalus Root Spices and Preparation.
- .Constituents and Phytochemicals of Astragalus Root.
- .Narrative History of Astragalus.
- .Modern Uses and Application of Astragalus root.
- .Improve immune function:Astragalus as antiviral agent.
- .Astragalus Cardiovascular effects.
- .Research Update:Anti-aging effect of astragalosides.
- .Astragalus Root combination and Suggestions.
- .Astragalus Observational Studies Case Reports.
- .Quantitative Analysis of Astragloside IV.
- .Uses based on tradition or theory.
- .Application,Administration and Dosing.
Modern Uses and Application of Astragalus root.
1.General Tonic:
In China, it has long been used as a classic energy tonic and is considered to be superior to ginseng for young people. It is believed to warm and tone wei qi (a protective energy that circulates just beneath the skin), helping the body to adapt to external influences, especially to the cold. It raises immune resistance, improves physical endurance, and encourages the body systems to function correctly.
By encouraging blood flow to the surface, the herb is effective in controlling night sweats, relieving fluid retention, and reducing thirstiness.
2.Invigorates qi to elevate yang:
Invigorates qi to elevate yang, consolidates superficies to stop sweating, induces diuresis to remove edema, and promotes pus discharge and tissue generation.
Milk vetch root is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
Sweet and warm for invigorating qi and elevating yang, it is good for invigorating the spleen-qi and lung-qi and elevating the middle-jiao yang. It is always an important herb used to treat deficiency of the lung, lingering cough, deficiency of the spleen and stomach, and sinking of qi in the middle-jiao. Sufficient spleen-qi and lung-qi enable superficial qi to protect the body from diseases.
The herb is often used for deficiency of qi and spontaneous perspiration. In addition, sufficient qi can help blood and water circulation, controling and generating blood. Therefore, the herb can be used in proper compatibility with other herbs to treat blood stasis due to deficiency of qi, hemorrhage due to cold of deficiency type, paleness due to deficiency of blood, edema (abnormally large amounts of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces) due to deficiency of the spleen and other syndromes.
3,Astragalus benefit uterine bleeding:
Astragalus is used to treat prolapsed organs and is beneficial in uterine bleeding.
In Chinese medicine, the herb Astragalus has been used alone, or in combination with other herbs, to treat liver fibrosis, acute viral myocarditis and other viral infections, heart failure, and small cell lung cancer, liver and kidney diseases, and amenorrhea.
4,Astragalus increase immune system:
Taken internally, Astragalus is commonly used to strengthen the immune system, especially in such immuno-compromised individuals as those with HIV or during chemotherapy.
Astragalus is the primary herb used in Chinese medicine to tone the immune system of the lungs. It is useful for conditions of immune deficiency that lead to spontaneous sweating. It is also used for spleen qi deficiency with symptoms of weak, low metabolism; edema; and prolapse of internal organs, as it raises the spleen yang and qi. It can be used for qi and blood deficiency caused by loss of blood or after childbirth.
Astragalus contains numerous active compounds which bolster immunity. The polysaccharides seem to stimulate white blood cell production and spurs the activity of killer T cells, increasing the number of cells and the aggressiveness of their activity. Increased macrophage activity has been measured as lasting up to seventy-two hours.
Astragalus increases the number of stem cells in the marrow and lymph tissues, stimulates their maturation into active immune cells, increases spleen activity, increases the release of antibodies, and boosts the production of hormonal messenger molecules that signal for virus destruction.
Studies at the University of Texas Medical Center found that astragalus was able to restore completely the function of cancer patients compromised immune cells.
Immune stimulation :Astragalus has been suggested as an immune system stimulant in preliminary laboratory and animal research, and in traditional accounts. Reliable human studies are lacking. High quality human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Huang Qi can enhance mice's humoral and cellular immune functions. Astraglalan can enhance the phagocytic activity of mice's abdominal macrophage, and increase the number of their macrophagocytes. It can also increase PHA-induced in-vivo lymphocyte transformation rate. Astragaloside has a limited stimulatory effect on immunity and humoral immunity. Astraglalan can increase mice's spleen size, and promote the proliferation of their intrasplenic cells, and promote anti-body synthesis.FAM has a stimulatory effect on the immunity of mice with low immunity and can regulate their immune function.
5. Astragalus benefit liver and act as antibiotics.:
Astragalus also increases production of interferon, a natural protein that stimulates production of other proteins that help prevent and fight viral infections.
It protects the liver from a variety of liver toxins, including carbon tetrachloride and the anticancer compound stilbenemide.
Chinese experiments indicated that the herb was able to protect against the absorption of toxic chemicals into the liver. Studies have shown that patients given the herb suffered less angina and had a greater improvement in the EKGs and other measurements than patients given such standard heart drugs as nifedipine. Chinese researchers report that the herb improves funtion of the heart's left ventricle after a heart attack, which they theorize may derive from the herb's antioxidant effects. Other Chinese researchers found heart-protective effects in people with Coxsackie B virus which can cause viral myocarditis. Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Proteus mirabilis.
Liver protection:Several animal and human studies report that astragalus may protect the liver from damage related to toxins or hepatitis B and C. Overall, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Astragalus alone has not been well evaluated. Better quality research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
6,Astragalus used for old disease and more others:
Astragalus is useful for the treatment of:Alzheimer's disease,Chemotherapy support,Common cold/sore throat,Immune function
Infusions are used to ward off or help treat colds and other infections, to improve heart function especially after a heart attack, to improve memory and learning, to temporarily increase urinary output, and to promote the healing of burns and skin sores.
A decoction of Astragalus root in combination with Chinese angelica is used to treat anemia but when combined with cinnamon, it is used to treat cold and numbness.
When Astragalus root is dry-fried alone or with honey added, it is used as a stimulating tonic and eaten with meals.Asragalus boosts the spleen when symptoms indicate that it is not functioning as it should. These symptoms include chronic fatigue, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite.
The herb is also used to treat anorexia, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, kidney inflammations, painful urination, prolapsed uterus, uterine bleeding or weakness, edema, water retention, skin ulcers that will not heal, fever, lack of stamina, and generalized weakness.
Tinctures are often used for night sweats.
7,Astragalus used for treatment of the kidneys:
Milk vetch root is used especially for treatment of the kidneys and also to avoid senility. The plant is often used in conjuction with other herbs such as Atractylodes macrocephala and Ledebouriella seseloides.Huang Qi can increase the albumin level in the plasma, decrease output of urinary protein, increase muscle protein, which in turn help provide the necessary amino acids, and improve the dysfunctional protein metabolism in glomerulopathy. This effect of Huang Qi can effectively prevent glomerular sclerosis. Moreover, administered to mice with experimental diabetes, Huang Qi has a protective effect on their kidneys.
8,Astragalus used to treat infertile men:
In traditional Chinese medicine, milk vetch root and milk vetch seed were used to treat infertile men. Tests have shown that the herb does increase sperm motility, or the vigorous activity of sperm.
9,Astragalus treatment for cancer:
Astragalus root is also used in the treatment of cancer, prolapse of the uterus or anus, abcesses and chronic ulcers, chronic nephritis with oedema and proteinuria. Recent research in the West has shown that the root can restore normal immune function in cancer patients. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy recover faster and live longer if given milk vetch root concurrently.
In addition,Astragalus root could be used in combination for treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head,treatment of Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar,Cardiovascular Diseases,Gastro-Intestinal Cancers,Treatment and Prevention of Liver Fibrosis,Coxsackie Virus Infections,Vitiligo,Hepatitis C Treatments,Treatment of Throat and Voice Disorders,Treating Scleroderma,Pain,Treatment of Alopecia,Patients with Renal Failure,Mind and Brain Disorders,Promote Well-Being,treat for Iron Deficiency Anemia
One of the problems of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients is a pronounced lowering of the body's already low immune response. Astragalus assists the recovery of the immune system through these difficult treatments. Experiments on different cancer sufferers in China have shown the herb to be effective against the cancer itself. The herb was shown to increase the productivity of T-cells and killer cells to both fight the cancer and enhance natural defence functions.
Astragalus also finds application in the treatment and prevention of virally contracted colds and flu, bronchitis, cardiovascular problems including heart disease, blood pressure and glandular problems including those of the liver (hepatitis), kidneys (nephritis), spleen and adrenal gland. Astragalus strengthens the lungs, especially where they are chronically weak and there is a shortness of breath, and it aids in the recovery of any illness or injury requiring long-term immune system support. Most importantly, studies to date have shown Astragalus root to be non-toxic and safe to use on a long-term regular basis.
Cancer :Although early laboratory and animal studies report increased immune cell function and reduced cancer cell growth associated with the use of astragalus, there is no reliable human evidence in these areas. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn.
10,Astragalus treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS):
Contention still surrounds the actual origins of this debilitating condition, but general consensus agrees that it results from severe viral infiltration of the body. The very chronic nature of CFS means that sufferers may greatly benefit from the anti-viral, long-term immune strengthening and overall tonic effects Astragalus exerts on the body.
11,Astragalus used to treat AIDS:
AIDS(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) develops from the HIV virus and invades and destroys parts of the immune defences of the body, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer. The HIV virus is perhaps the most prominent medical example of immune dysfunction and Astragalus may prove very beneficial in helping delay the onset of AIDS through its anti-viral properties. It may also improve immune strength for AIDS sufferers.
12.Anti-viral activity:
Anti-viral activity has been reported with the use of astragalus in laboratory and animal studies. Limited human research has examined the use of astragalus for viral infections in the lung, heart (pericarditis), liver (hepatitis B and C), cervix (papilloma virus), and in HIV disease. Studies have included combinations of astragalus with the drug interferon, or as a part of herbal mixtures. However, most studies have been small and poorly designed. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
13.Chemotherapy side effects:
In Chinese medicine, astragalus-containing herbal mixtures are sometimes used with the intention to reduce side effects of cancer treatments. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn.
14.Coronary artery disease:
In Chinese medicine, herbal mixtures containing astragalus have been used to treat heart diseases. There are several human case reports of reduced symptoms and improved heart function, although these are not well described. High quality human research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
15.Heart failure:
In Chinese medicine, herbal mixtures containing astragalus have been used to treat various heart diseases. There are several human case reports of reduced symptoms and improved heart function, and diuretic ("water pill") effects, although these are not well described. High quality human research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
16.Low white blood cell count :
Astragalus has been suggested as an immune system stimulant in preliminary laboratory and animal research, and in traditional accounts. There are published reports from China of white blood cell counts increasing during the use of astragalus preparations, although details are limited. Reliable scientific study has not been conducted in this area. High quality human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
17.Myocarditis/endocarditis (heart infections) :
Anti-viral activity has been reported in laboratory studies and animal models of myocarditis/endocarditis. Human research is limited in this area, and further research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
18.Renal failure:
Several animal and human studies report that kidney damage from toxins and kidney failure may be improved with the use of astragalus-containing herbal mixtures. Overall, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Astragalus alone has not been well evaluated. Better quality research is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn.
19.Upper respiratory tract infection:
Astragalus is often used in Chinese medicine as a part of herbal mixtures to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections. Anti-viral activity has been reported in laboratory and animal studies, and in limited human reports. However, most studies have been small and poorly designed. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn.
20.Diuretic effect:
Administered by hypodermic injection to rats, or by IV to dogs under anesthesia, the water decoction of Huang Qi at 0.5g/kg has a significant diuretic effect. The water decoction of Huang Qi at 0.2g/kg also has a diuretic effect on healthy humans.
21.Effects on the heart and blood vessels:
Administered to rats with spontaneous hypertension, Huang Qi can control the rise of their blood pressure. Huang Qi can also lower the blood pressure of cats, dogs, and rats under anesthesia. One study has used Huang Qi injection to treat 14 cases of heart failure due to qi deficiency, and reported increases in cardiac output, cardiac index, stroke output, and stroke index. Experiments on animals further show that Huang Qi has a positive cardiac effect, it can effectively protect the activity of 5'-necliotidase, increase coronary blood flow, decrease coronary circulation resistance and troponin-T release, and generally help with postmyocardial infarction recovery.
22.Ant-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects:
Experiments show that Huang Qi has a protective effect on virus-infected cells, can counteract carrageenin-induced swelling in mice's hind feet, and inhibit increase in rats' capillary permeability induced by histamine and 5-HT.
23.Effects on the circulatory system:
Huang Qi has a corrective and stimulatory effect on the transformability of pathologically defective or damaged red blood cells. For red blood cells that have been incubated in vitro for a extended period of time, Huang Qi can help retain their transformability.
24.Anti-aging and anti-stress effects:
Huang Qi can improve the memory of aged mice, enhance the activity of cerebral and liver tissue SOD, and decrease the liver MDA level. Fed to mice at the dosage of 50g/kg, the water decoction of Huang Qi can increase the oxyproline hydroxyproline level in skin tissue, increase the weight of adrenal glands, and improve their tolerance of oxygen deprivation.
25.Anti-neoplastic effect:
Huang Qi can significantly improve the immunity of mice with solid tumor.Furthermore, Huang Qi has an anti-neoplastic effect on GNM cells, promotes the proliferation of thymocytes in mice with tumors, and inhibits S180 solid tumors.
Reference:
1.What is Astragalus?what is function of Astragalus?
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