Astragalus is a herbaceous perennial plant
of the pea family and is most commonly
used for immune enhancement. Most
research on astragalus has focused on its
immunostimulatory activity and its
seemingly remarkable ability to restore
the activity of a suppressed immune
system. Clinical trials as well as
pharmacological data provide evidence for
its usefulness in the prevention of the
common cold and as an adjunct to cancer
therapies. It is may be useful as a
complementary treatment during
chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immune
deficiency syndromes. Astragalus is used
to strengthen the immune system over time,
building resistance to illness and
disease. Echinacea may be used in
conjunction with astragalus to provide an
extra short term boost in immunity.
There is also evidence for cardiovascular
system improvement, particularly in
clinical parameters associated with
angina, congestive heart failure and acute
myocardial infarct. This may be due to
the herb's antioxidant activity. Its use
in the treatment of hepatitis in modern
chinese medicine is supported by the
demonstration of hepatoprotective activity
in animal studies.
Astragalus is often used in combination
with other botanicals and is very seldom
used as a single agent. Pharmacological
research of astragalus in combination with
ligustrum (ligustrum lucidum) provides
evidence for activity against cancers of
the breast, cervix and lung.
A number of clinical studies have been
reported regarding the use of astragalus
for colds and upper respiratory
infections.
Administration of astragalus, given either
orally or as a nasal spray may decrease
the incidence of illness and shorten the
length of its course.
Studies indicate astragalus can increase
metabolism and energy, boost stamina and
promote healing. Other uses of
astragalus; atherosclerosis, hypertension,
hyperthyroidism, insomnia, diabetes,
chronic hepatitis, genital herpes, aids
and chemotherapy side effects. If you
have a serious condition you should
consult your doctor, but astragalus is
considered safe and free of harmful
effects.
The astragalus plant extract can improve
the human body's systematic immunity and
has the function of stepping down the
blood pressure. It can help the body to
expand the blood vesseland and the
coronary artery. It is helpful to
prevent the descend of the amount of white
blood cell, haematoblast, reticulocyte,
megakaryocyte. The astragalus plant
extract can lengthen the life of the cells
and delay the consenescence.
