Name: Astragalus (extracts)
Latin Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Pin Yin: Huang Qi
Location: East Asia - China

Overview: Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been named in Chinese medicine texts dating back to around 100 AD. The Chinese value astragalus as a specific tonic for strengthening the body’s resistance to disease. This yellow plant has long been used for treating night sweats, fatigue, and diarrhea. Astragalus consists of flavonoids, polysaccharides, glycosides, amino acids, and trace minerals. It is effective as a diuretic, and may be helpful in the treatment of heart disease.

History: In China, Astragalus enjoyed a long history of use in traditional medicine to strengthen the Wei Ch'i, or "defensive energy", or as we call it, the immune system. Regarded as a potent tonic for increasing energy levels and stimulating the immune system, Astragalus has also been employed historically as a diuretic, a vasodilator and as a support treatment for respiratory infections. Astragalus has recently become popular with western herbalist and alternative health care providers. Astragalus replenishes vital energy, and may also support a reduction of blood pressure by helping to rid the body of excess water weight.

Oriental herbalists have used Astragalus historically for centuries for support of symptoms of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Recent studies suggest that it may help activate the immune system, thus enhancing the body's natural ability to fight disease. Other studies in China have also led researchers to report that Astragalus can be part of an effective support treatment for those having weak immune systems.

Primary Uses:

• Tonifies the Spleen
• Tonifies Qi and Blood
• Raises Qi of Spleen; used in sinking of Qi syndrome (prolapse of abdominal organs)
• Strengthens protective Qi and regulates sweating
• Promotes urination and relieves edema due to Deficiency of Qi or Yang
• Promotes pus discharge and accelerates healing of wounds and sores; used for chronic sores that have not drained well

Parts Used: The root is adaptogen, antipyretic, diuretic, tonic and vasodilator. It is 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 Huang Qi concurrently. The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Safety: It should not be used in the following circumstances: exterior syndrome of excess type with excessive pathogenic factors, stagnation of qi and retention of dampness in the interior, retention of food due to dyspepsia, hyperactivity of yang due to deficiency of yin, initial carbuncles and boils, or protracted ulceration still with excessive noxious heat. When it is given in big dosage, it may lead to stuffiness in the chest, abdominal distension, poor appetite, etc. In such cases drugs for promoting the circulation of qi and improving appetite such as tangerine peel, can be given according to the actual circumstances.

Important Note:

• Contraindicated in Deficiency of Yin with Heat
• Contraindicated in Excess Heat

Supporting Research:

• The study demonstrated that the pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) ratio was closely correlated with the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). It suggested that the anti-OFR (oxygen free radical ) effect of Astragalus Membranaceus was one of the mechanisms of its cardiotonic action.¹
• Astragalus Injection could improve the immune function of CHF (congestive heart failure) patients, and can be taken as an important auxiliary treatment for CHF.²
• Both ABCI (activating blood circulation) and RQI (Rconsisted of R. Codonopsis Pilosulae and R. Astragalus membranaceus), though without positive myodynamia, showed certain inhibitory effect of left ventricular remodeling in rats with left heart failure after MI (myocardial infarction).³

¹Chen LX, Liao JZ, Guo WQ, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of TCM., [Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function and oxygen free radical in acute myocardial infarction patients and mechanism of its cardiotonic action], Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Mar;15(3):141-3.

²Liu ZG, Xiong ZM, Yu XY, Affiliated Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430077., Effect of astragalus injection on immune function in patients with congestive heart failure], Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2003 May;23(5):351-3.

³Wang ZT, Wang SR, Zhao MJ., Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of TCM, Beijing, [Comparative study on effect of recipe for activating blood circulation and replenishing Qi on left ventricular remodeling in rats with left heart failure after myocardial infarction], Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 May;22(5):376-8.