Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) Ting ra:

Astragalus species that comes from China is A. membranaceous, also known as lotus of Mongolia, or by its Chinese name, Huang Qi. It's very different from other species of Astragalus, known as locoweeds containing large amounts of selenium and other toxic potential, and plant the Middle East, gummifer A., who is the source of gum tragacanth.

Applications and advantages:

In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of A. membranaceous is a popular and potent tonic used for many specific indications, especially infections. This is believed to improve impaired immunity, and therefore has been recommended for the treatment of AIDS and other viral diseases and as adjuvant in the treatment of cancer. The herb is now called for a wide variety of diseases including the common cold, flu, respiratory failure, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, cardiac ischemia, heart failure, vascular, and nephritis.

Pharmacology:

Important components are numerous triterpene saponins, known as astragaloside and related compounds such as soyasaponins. A number of polysaccharides, as astragalans I-IV have been isolated. More important are the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, among many other components are isoflavones, sugars, amino acid linoleic acid. It is unclear which of the many components are of therapeutic value. However, the polysaccharides and saponins have been suggested to be the main players.

Polysaccharide fractions of the extract of the root is reported to have effects in vitro suggest that an immune system's ability to improve. There is some evidence that astragalus may enhance the effect of interferon against viruses and can increase the IgA and IgM in nasal secretions in humans. The Animal experiments have shown that astragalus extracts can restore the immune properties of cancer patient T cells in vitro. A more recent rat study does not confirm previous reports that astragalus extract can prevent bone marrow suppression by cyclophosphamide.

Clinical trials:

Almost all clinical studies on the talus are in Chinese medical books or journals and not easily evaluated. In an open study in 1000 subjects, 8 is alleged that a 2-month prophylactic course of the herb in a dose of 8 g / day in combination with interferon was associated with a significant reduction in colds compared with placebo or interferon alone. g. Benefits in humans for a wide variety of chronic and severe disorders have also been reported. For example, states that astragalus increases serum IgM, IgE, and the camp, improves left ventricular function and cardiac output in patients with angina chest, improves bleeding rates in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, increases survival in lung cancer when combined with conventional therapy leukopenia improved, improved liver function in chronic viral hepatitis, and so on

However, none of these reports are measurable, and the test applied and observations made by researchers do not conform to the standard methods used in Western medicine. In general, these studies were controlled or blinded, and there is no reliable clinical studies to support these indications have been reported in the English language – literature. Therefore, there is no evidence very misleading only to support clinical numerous claims that are made for the talus, in particular, as a restoration of the immune system or immune modulator for use in cancer treatment.

Adverse effects:

Herbalists regard as very safe talus on the basis of its reputation traditional medicine as a rating. It is unlikely that astragalus has serious toxicity, although there is a lack of clinical data.

Effects side and interactions:

Drug interactions are not recognized.

Precautions:

Astragalus can be obtained in combination blends, in which other agents may have potential toxicity.

Preparations & Doses:

Sliced astragalus root is often used to make tea, soup or tea. The usual daily dose is 2 to 30 grams or more of the dried root, although large doses appear to be safe, 8-15 g / day appears to be more reasonable. Some products containing standardized extracts, packaged in unit doses. Capsules containing 150-500 mg normally traded, to be taken as often as 8 or 9 times a day, tinctures and fluid extracts are also available. In traditional Chinese medicine, it Typically taking the talus, in combination with other herbs.

Evaluation Summary

A membranaceous is a popular Chinese herb that has been used as a tonic. The increase in claims suggests that it is valuable as immune restoration to combat viral diseases, as a treatment for the Lancer, and as a cure for other diseases. However, evidence of clinical effectiveness quality is clear and has not been validated outside reading Asian literature. Thus, the real benefits; Ireland unwarranted. The fact that large doses can be taken with the toxicity described suggest that astragalus has the minimum potency.

About the Author:

Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on herbal medicines and ayurvedic medicines for common ailments and diseases. Visit us for more information on herbal remediesand ayurvedic medicines.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Astragalus – Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Side Effects, Dosage

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