Descripton

Common Names:

Astragalus, milk vetch root, huanqi(China), ogi (Japan)

Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch.) Bge.

Botanical Family:Fabaceae (Leguminoseae)

Primary Applications:

       Adaptogen (a substance which acts to enhance non-specific resistance to various internal and external stresses)

Immune potentiator

Cardiotonic

Performance, endurance and energy levels

Recommended Dosage:3-6 grams of dried root/day or the equivalent: 250mg, 2X/day of a 10:1 root extract standardized to 0.4% 4’-hydroxy-3’-methoxy-isoflavone glycoside, glycoside, and 10% total polysaccharides.

Key Active Constituents: Saponin glycosides, astragalosides I to Ⅶ; flavonoid glycosides and aglycones; high molecular weight polysaccharides.

Side Effects:None identified.

Drug Interactions:

Clinical research has shown that A. membranaceus is synergistic with gamma interferon.

Special Precautions In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Astragalus is contraindicated in conditions which deficient yin and excessive heat signs. In Western terms, this may indicate that it should not be used in acute illnesses where fever and thirst are present.

Clinical Review Most data on clinical efficacy is derived from Chinese studies. Clinical evidence exists to support the use of Astragalus for immune-stimulating, immune-restorative effects; in patients with viral myocarditis, intramuscular injections of Astragalus extract increased Natural Killer cell titres, and elevated alpha and gamma interferon levels. In patients whit coronary heart disease (CHD)and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), Astragalus extracts had a positive effect on ventricular output, reduced fatigue and dyspnea (shortness of breath), and lower mortality in AMI patients.