Sarah Brown
Astragalus is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. The root of the plant is commonly made into supplements, such as liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas. It is also sometimes given as an injection or by IV in a hospital setting. Astragalus is often marketed and sold in combination with mushrooms, with the purported benefit of enhancing the immune system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Astragalus is a type of plant, specifically a flowering plant. |
| Uses | Astragalus is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various disorders and boost the immune system. |
| Forms | Astragalus is available as a dried root, liquid extract, capsule, powder, tea, injection, or IV in a hospital setting. |
| Safety | Astragalus is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth, with doses of up to 60 grams daily safely used for up to 4 months. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness, and it may interfere with certain medications. |
| Side Effects | Astragalus may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression when used in combination with chemotherapy treatments. It may also affect blood sugar levels and interfere with lithium metabolism. |
| Species | There are over 2,000 species of astragalus, but only two are commonly used in supplements: Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus. Some species, such as those containing the neurotoxin swainsonine, can be toxic. |
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What You'll Learn
- Astragalus is a plant, not a mushroom
- Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the two species used in supplements
- Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries
- Astragalus may have benefits for the immune system, heart, and kidneys
- Astragalus may be unsafe for pregnant women and those with auto-immune diseases
Astragalus is a plant, not a mushroom
Astragalus is a plant, specifically a flowering herb, and not a mushroom. It is also known as huáng qí or milkvetch and is part of the Fabaceae or Milk Vetch family. Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the two primary species used in supplements. There are over 2,000 species of astragalus in total, some of which can be toxic.
Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various disorders, but there is little evidence that it is effective or safe for any medical purpose. The root of the plant is made into supplements, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas. It is also sometimes given as an injection or by IV in a hospital setting.
Astragalus is considered an adaptogen, a class of natural substances believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. It is purported to have immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also help treat the common cold, allergies, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic fatigue.
Research suggests that astragalus may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression. It may also help control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that astragalus can interfere with certain medications, such as those that decrease immune system activity post-transplant, and may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the two species used in supplements
Astragalus is a plant that is commonly used as a supplement or made into liquid extracts, teas, and powders. It is also known as Huang Qi or milkvetch. Although there are over 2,000 species of astragalus, only two are primarily used in supplements: Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.
Astragalus membranaceus is a type of flowering plant. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is considered an adaptogen, a natural substance believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. The chemicals in astragalus also seem to stimulate the immune system and reduce swelling. People commonly use astragalus to treat hay fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and many other conditions. However, there is limited research on astragalus, and no scientific evidence supports these uses.
Astragalus mongholicus is another species of astragalus used in supplements. While there is limited information available specifically about Astragalus mongholicus, it likely shares many of the same properties as Astragalus membranaceus, given that they are both species of astragalus used for similar purposes.
The root of Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus can be made into various forms of supplements, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas. It is also sometimes given as an injection or by IV in a hospital setting. The root contains many active plant compounds, which are believed to be responsible for its potential health benefits.
Some of the purported health benefits of astragalus include boosting the immune system, improving kidney and heart function, treating the common cold, reducing seasonal allergy symptoms, and improving symptoms of chronic fatigue. Early research also suggests that astragalus may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, it is important to note that there is still limited research on astragalus, and more studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
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Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries
Astragalus, also known as huáng qí or milkvetch, is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. The root of the astragalus plant is commonly made into supplements, such as liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas. It can also be given as an injection or intravenously in a hospital setting.
In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is said to tonify the "spleen," and is therefore used to treat fatigue linked to decreased appetite. It is also believed to prolong life and is used to treat various ailments, including allergies, the common cold, and heart disease. Astragalus contains astragalosides (antioxidants) that support the respiratory tract and polysaccharides that promote normal levels of specific immune cells. It also contains plant compounds that may enhance the immune system, such as saponins and isoflavone flavonoids, which are purported to increase lactation in nursing mothers.
There is limited research on astragalus, but it has been studied for its potential benefits in treating viral infections, heart conditions, kidney disease, and chronic fatigue. Early research suggests that astragalus may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that there is no good scientific evidence to support the use of astragalus for these conditions, and it should not be used during pregnancy or lactation as it may be toxic.
Astragalus is generally well-tolerated when taken orally, with doses of up to 60 grams daily safely used for up to 4 months. However, there is limited information on its safety when applied to the skin or used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking astragalus or any other herbal supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
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Astragalus may have benefits for the immune system, heart, and kidneys
Astragalus is a flowering plant native to China that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The root of the plant is commonly used to make supplements, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas. It is also sometimes given as an injection or intravenously in a hospital setting. While there are over 2,000 species of astragalus, only two are primarily used in supplements: Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.
Astragalus is considered an adaptogen, a natural substance believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. The chemicals in astragalus also seem to stimulate the immune system and reduce swelling. It is believed to have immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. Early research suggests that astragalus may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression. It may also help control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Astragalus may also have benefits for heart health. It is thought to widen blood vessels and increase the amount of blood pumped by the heart, improving heart function in those with certain heart conditions. In a clinical study, patients with heart failure who received 2.25 grams of astragalus twice daily for two weeks, along with conventional treatment, experienced greater improvements in heart function compared to those receiving standard treatment alone.
Additionally, astragalus may support kidney health by improving blood flow and laboratory markers of kidney function. It has been shown to improve proteinuria, a condition characterized by abnormal amounts of protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage or dysfunction. Astragalus has also been found to reduce the risk of infection in people with nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder. However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of astragalus in preventing and treating infections and improving kidney health.
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Astragalus may be unsafe for pregnant women and those with auto-immune diseases
Astragalus is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is considered an adaptogen, a natural substance that stimulates the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. While astragalus has many purported health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects, it may be unsafe for certain individuals, including pregnant women and those with auto-immune diseases.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid taking astragalus as there is limited research on its safety for these groups. Animal studies suggest that astragalus can be toxic during pregnancy and to the fetus. As there is a potential risk involved, healthcare professionals recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women err on the side of caution and refrain from using astragalus.
Individuals with auto-immune diseases are also cautioned against taking astragalus. Astragalus is known to stimulate the immune system and increase its activity. For people with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this increased immune activity can worsen their symptoms. The immune-boosting effects of astragalus can exacerbate the overactive immune response characteristic of auto-immune conditions, leading to potentially harmful consequences.
Additionally, astragalus may interact with certain medications, such as those used to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant. It can also interfere with hormonal treatments, anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, lithium, and diuretics. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult their doctor before taking astragalus to avoid adverse effects or interference with their existing treatment regimen.
While astragalus has potential health benefits, it is important to recognize that further conclusive research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. As with any herbal supplement, individuals should exercise caution and seek medical advice before incorporating astragalus into their healthcare routine, especially if they belong to vulnerable groups or have existing health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Astragalus is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is also known as huáng qí or milkvetch.
No, astragalus is not a mushroom. It is a plant that can be taken as a supplement or made into liquid extracts, teas, and powders.
Astragalus is believed to have many health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also help improve heart and kidney function and control blood sugar levels. However, there is limited research on astragalus, and it has not been proven effective or safe for any medical purpose.
Astragalus is generally well-tolerated when taken orally, with doses of up to 60 grams daily safely used for up to 4 months. However, there is insufficient information on its safety when applied to the skin or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Astragalus may also interact with certain medications, such as those that decrease immune system activity, and it may affect the body's ability to eliminate lithium.
