Posted 3/16/07 |
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| NAME: | Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) |
 Astragalus membranaceus |
| DESCRIPTION: | Botanical
A member of the bean family, astragalus is a major Qi tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, astagalus is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Qi - pronounced “chee" - means vital energy or life force in Chinese. |
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| FUNCTION: | Astragalus is considered a strong immune booster and an energy herb and may help to restore depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow.
Astragalus contains flavones - which help with circulation and blood production. Flavones belong to a group of phytochemicals found in plants called flavonoids. Some evidence indicates that it stimulates the body's natural interferon production, helps adrenal function, is a diuretic for edema and inflamed kidneys and helps cancer patients withstand the side effects of chemotherapy. |
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| SOURCES: | The roots of the plant Astragalus membranaceous. | |
| DOSAGE: | Astragalus is available in: capsule, tablet, and fluid extract form, and as dried root and prepared tea.
A suggested dose (capsule or tablet), is two or three 500-milligram pills 3 times a day. To make your own tea: boil 1 ounce of Astragalus root in 1 cup of water for 15 to 20 minutes. In Chinese medicine, Astragalus is prepared by combining 1 part honey, 4 parts dried root, and a small amount of water . Simmer the mixture until the water evaporates and the herbs are slightly brown. |
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| DATA: | In test-tube studies, Astragalus has been found to promote the formation of antibodies and increase the production of T-cells, one of the body's key lines of defense against disease. A recent clinical trial verified the herb's ability to boost the supply of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Astragalus also has a proven ability to boost heart function and improve cardiac output. It helps relieve chest distress and breathlessness due to a weakened heart, discourages retention of salt and water, and tends to combat clots. Studies suggest that it may also help protect the heart from damage caused by the Coxsackie B virus. Astragalus has also shown an ability to reverse artificially induced memory deficits, to improve muscle tone in the digestive tract, and protect the liver from mild toxicity. Astragalus' value for speeding recovery from cancer chemotherapy is, unfortunately, less encouraging: when given in conjunction with the cancer drug cyclophosphamide, in at least two studies it made no difference. |
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| CAUTIONS: | Because of the astragalus' clot-fighting properties, it's best to avoid combining it with other blood-thinners.
Contraindicated with constipation or high fever. As a general rule, caution and moderation are advised with all supplementation during these conditions. Not recommended for use by: pregnant or nursing women. Side effects are rare and generally limited to the usual mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. |
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| FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
The Physician's Desk Reference website has an excellent entry on astragalus, as does Brigham Women's Fallkner Hospital's website.
Click here for links to health care providers familiar with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). |
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| RELATED PRODUCTS: |
Astragalus (MMS) Each bottle, 100 capsules. Each capsule, 470 mg of astragalus root | |
| PRODUCT NOTES: | MMS Pro's premium Astragalus root is harvested from the wild in northern China and Mongolia. Early Chinese writings refer to it as "The Superior Tonic." It is a rich source of saponin glycosides, astragalosides, and polysaccharides. | |
| DISCLAIMER: | These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. | |
