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Astragalus

Posting Date: 01/01/2000

This plant is a staple of Chinese medicine that is only now beginning to get some attention in North America and Europe.

No similar plant is utilized in traditional herbal medicine in the West, although the resin from another plant in the same genus (gum tragacanth) is sometimes used as a food additive.

In traditional Chinese use, astragalus (huang se) is usually combined with other herbs to achieve the desired effect. In most cases, the synergistic herbal preparations have not been studied through rigorous scientific trials.

Astragalus is believed to strengthen qi (pronounced chee), a concept that does not fit readily into Western medicine. Perhaps the closest we can come is to describe it as an "adaptogenic" herb, one that is valuable for a wide range of uses.

Herbal experts and alternative medicine practitioners look to astragalus to boost the immune system, helping people ward off infections and possibly even overcome cancers. The dried root is the part of the plant that is used.

Active Ingredients

As much as 2 percent of the root is made up of coumarin and flavonoid derivatives. The active principles, however, are believed to be the saponins and a polysaccharide, astragalan.

Astragalus root also contains betaine, choline, beta-sitosterol, rhamnocitrin, and a number of plant pigments.

Uses

In the traditional Chinese medical system, astragalus is associated with the meridians for the spleen and the lungs. It is often prescribed to counteract a general rundown condition, help people overcome chronic illness, and improve vitality.

Symptoms such as diarrhea, sweating, fatigue, and lack of appetite are thought to be related to the spleen and treated with astragalus.

Recurrent upper respiratory infections and shortness of breath, wasting, and edema are also treated with astragalus in Chinese medicine.