Astragalus, Milk Vetch, Yellow Vetch
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 (02:53:21)

Posted by Cougar

Astragalus, Milk Vetch, Yellow Vetch
Latin name:Astragalus membranaceus
Sanskrit name:Huang Qi

Astragalus membranaceus, one of the most important tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is just beginning to gain popularity in the West. Often considered the counterpart of ginseng, astragalus has long been used in Asia to enhance vital energy and strengthen the defensive forces of the body. Recent scientific studies have documented profound immune enhancing properties of astragalus that may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of illnesses ranging from cancer to autoimmune diseases.

The Science of Astragalus
Dozens of studies in both animals and people have demonstrated dramatic effects of astragalus on the immune system. Different experiments have tested the protective effect of astragalus on the immune system by giving animals an immune-suppressing drug or radiation. In many studies, the administration of astragalus partially or completely reversed the effects of the toxic intervention on the bone marrow and lymph system. Other studies have shown that astragalus can stimulate immune cells to respond to a variety of challenges more aggressively, resulting in a slowing of cancer cell growth and viral replication.

One of the nasty secrets of cancer cells is their ability to secrete chemicals that have the effect of sedating immune cells. This immune depression reduces the ability of the body to identify and eliminate malignant cells. Laboratory studies have shown that taking suppressed immune cells and incubating them with astragalus helps substantially to restore their potency.

Modern cancer researchers are increasingly looking to nature for ways to fight this dreaded disease. A developing class of medicines known as biological response modifiers makes use of the natural disease fighting chemicals of the body. One of these substances, interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to be a powerful weapon in certain types of cancer. Unfortunately, it also has powerful side effects, limiting the amount that can be safely tolerated by cancer patients. A laboratory study from Texas found that astragalus potentiated the tumor cell killing effect of IL-2, allowing for lower doses to be used, without a loss of efficacy. If this can be shown applicable to people, astragalus could play a valuable role in future cancer treatment protocols.

The clinical application of these laboratory findings has been tested in a group of patients with lung cancer who received astragalus along with standard radiation and chemotherapy. Those receiving the immune enhancing herb had significantly improved rates of survival, even in patients with more advanced stages of illness. The potential of astragalus to improve the outcome of people with cancer is worthy of further exploration.

Astragalus may provide value in the treatment of other health concerns. Patients with the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are susceptible to infections, despite their aggravated immune state. A study from China found that their immune cells were usually unable to respond normally to challenges, but the addition of astragalus could improve their function. Astragalus has also been reported to enhance the immunity in people suffering with viral infections of their heart, a rare but potentially disabling condition.

The role of astragalus on other heart conditions has received attention with several reports suggesting it can improve function and reduce the symptoms of people with coronary heart disease. Patients given astragalus have shown fewer episodes of anginal chest pain, improvement in their EKGs, and healthier cardiac function. A laboratory study reported that astragalus improved the utilization of oxygen by heart cells. The investigation of astragalus in the treatment of heart disease, the most common serious health problem of our society, is a worthy scientific pursuit. Preliminary reports of the benefit of astragalus on memory, infertility and protection from liver damage highlight the diverse potential benefits of this ancient healing herb.

The Practical Use of Astragalus
As a rejuvenative, astragalus can be valuable for people who do not have the energy they desire. It is particularly useful for those who feel their circulation is weak because they frequently have cold hands and feet.

As an immune enhancing agent it seems to have a sustained benefit, unlike echinacea that tends to lose its efficacy after a couple weeks. If you are facing a serious health challenge such as cancer, discuss the use of astragalus as an immune tonic with your doctor. It can also be used at the onset of a cold or flu to boost your body's defenses.

Its role in heart disease is less clearly defined although reports have suggested it can be valuable in both acute and chronic cardiac conditions. If you are under treatment for a heart ailment, be sure to discuss the use of astragalus or any other medicinal substance with your health care provider before adding it to your regimen.

Ayurveda and Astragalus
Not described by the original seers, astragalus can be understood in Ayurvedic terms. The root is predominantly sweet in taste with a warming potency. Astragalus is a valuable rejuvenative for all doshas and is particularly balancing for Vata. In excess it can mildly increase Kapha and Pitta.

Precautions
Astragalus has a long safety record. I have not encountered any accounts from the traditional or scientific literature of adverse reactions attributed to it. Theoretically, its immune enhancing effect could be aggravating to autoimmune conditions, although none have been reported.