Astragalus is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for immune health.
Traditionally, it was used to treat weakness, wounds, anemia, fever, multiple allergies, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, uterine bleeding, and uterine prolapse (Kim et al., 2003).
Clinically, it is used to treat chronic phlegmatic disorders and general gastrointestinal disturbances including stomach ulcers and diarrhea.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of astragalus, its safety, and its history.
Table of Contents
What is Astragalus?
Astragalus is a perennial herb in the Fabaceae (i.e. legume) family. It was originally native to Asia, growing throughout inner Mongolia and Tibet.
The scientific name for this herb is Astragalus membranaceus, but it’s commonly called astragalus, huangqi (china), astragali radix, or Mongolian milkvetch.
There are many different types of astragalus, in fact, it’s reported that there are 2,000 different varieties of astragalus.
This plant contains a unique group of phytochemicals known as astragalosides, which are thought to be the key to astragalus health benefits.
Astragalus is classified as an adaptogenic herb by some.
It was traditionally used throughout Asia to treat weakness, wounds, anemia, fever, multiple allergies, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, uterine bleeding, and uterine prolapse (Kim et al., 2003).
Clinically, it is used to treat chronic phlegmatic disorders and general gastrointestinal disturbances including stomach ulcers and diarrhea.
It can be difficult to choose an astragalus supplement that works for you, but you can click here for a complete guide going over the Best Astragalus Supplements.
Health Benefits of Astragalus:
There are many health benefits of astragalus. Most of the scientific research on this herb has been done via test-tube research or animal studies, there are only a handful of human clinical trials.
1. May Support Immune Health
Astragalus benefits the immune system via its immunoregulatory properties.
Evidence suggests that astragalus can increase macrophage activity. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and remove pathogens from the human body. Macrophages are a key part of the body’s innate immune response. Innate immunity can be thought of as your immune system’s quick response team, its goal is to quickly attack and destroy invading pathogens.
A clinical study conducted in the 1970s showed that high doses of astragalus (15.6g daily) helped to increase various markers of immune health, including serum IgM, IgE, and cAMP.
One study found that astragalus has a significant immunological activity when compounded with human vaccines.
An animal study found that astragalus was effective in avian influenza virus in chickens. The researchers also noted that this herb worked to increase overall immunity.
A lab-based study found that astragalus displayed anti-influenza virus activity.
In line with its other antiviral benefits, astragalus has been shown to be effective in combatting the Epstein-Barr virus in the lab.
Summary:
Lab-based studies indicate that astragalus is an effective herb for improving innate immunity. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
2. May Support Heart Health
Astragalus has been studied extensively for its ability to help with viral myocarditis.
Viral myocarditis is defined as an inflammatory disease that injures the muscular tissues of the heart.
Research indicates that astragalus may be able to support individuals with viral myocarditis through its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
All of the clinical research on astragalus and myocarditis has been conducted in China. In these studies, a traditional patented form of astragalus is utilized. It is administered via an IV drip.
A meta-analysis of astragalus and myocarditis, which involved over 2,522 participants across 28 clinical trials, found that astragalus significantly reduced serum myocardial enzymes and cardiac troponin I levels and improved clinical treatment efficiency compared with the control group. The researchers noted that there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions.
The researcher who conducted the meta-analysis noted that some of the clinical trials had poor execution and/or methodologies. They advocated for more in-depth, robust studies to be conducted to further verify the effectiveness of astragalus for myocarditis.
Summary:
It appears that astragalus may be beneficial for helping to treat those with myocarditis. More robust clinical trials are needed to verify exact dosing and protocols.
3. Cancer-Fighting Properties
Astragalus has been heavily studied in the laboratory for its potential anti-cancer properties.
In recent years, over 20 different studies have looked at astragalus and its potential for helping fight against cancer.
It’s thought that astragalus’ characteristic antitumor properties work by enhancing the body’s immunity.
It’s studied via three different mechanisms:
- Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation
- Promote tumor cells apoptosis
- Inhibit tumor cell metastasis
It should be noted that these studies are all lab-based.
Additionally, a human clinical trial conducted in China showed that astragalus helped to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It also helped to reduce the toxicity of the treatment. This study involved 120 individuals with malignant tumors.
The researchers noted that astragalus combined with chemotherapy could inhibit the development of tumors, decrease the toxic-adverse effect of chemotherapy, elevate the immune function of the organism and improve the quality of life in patients.
Summary:
Research shows that astragalus may have anti-cancer properties. Further human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
4. Anti-Aging Properties
Research shows that astragalus benefits the body’s ability to age healthily.
Research shows that free radicals (i.e. unstable molecules) in the body can break down healthy cells, which accelerates the aging process. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and eliminate them from your body.
Astragalus has strong antioxidant properties, which may lead to its ability to promote healthy aging.
A lab-based study found that astragalus, in combination with angelica (angelica sinensis), demonstrates resistance to oxidation, and is able to scavenge free radicals, improve oxidative stress, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and chelate iron ions.
Another in vitro study found that astragalus increases superoxide dismutase, the body’s front-line defense against reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the researchers found that it blocks the production of malondialdehyde, a reactive molecule that is used as a marker for oxidative stress.
An animal study found that astragalus helped to improve glutathione and total antioxidant capacity.
Summary:
Lab research shows that astragalus has strong anti-oxidant properties. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.