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Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), in Kampo, has been used to treat fluid in the skin associated with the initial stages of infection involving constriction, in which this state has "settled" in the body, as well as weeping eczema. Astragalus augments the protective energy of the body, and stabilizes the exterior, where its outer defenses lie. This balances temperature by curtailing excess sweating or inducing therapeutic sweating. It also tonifies the digestive processes and augments digestive energy. Astragalus has been used in treating diabetes, especially in cases when there are skin ulcers caused by diabetes.

One study looked at people with a variety of conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, each [articipant was given 2 to 3 grams (approximately a tablespoon) of a 50-50 mixture of astragalus and rehmannia three times a day for three months. Improvements in blood flow through the eyes were found in 82 percent of participants. Fasting blood sugar was kept below 150 milligrams/deciliter for 77 percent of participants without the use of other medications.

Chinese clinical studies have found that Astragalus can improve circulation after a heart attack by increasing the action of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber. An extract of astragalus improves left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume and slows heart rate in heart failure. Astragalus is as effective as aspirin in thinning the blood to prevent heart attacks in studies.

Astragalus can also be used in cancer treatment. Concentrated Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an extremely toxic treatment for some cancers. When it is combined with astragalus the drug is more effective. This allows for the administration of lower, less toxic doses of IL-2. Astragalus also increases the activity of LAK killer cells, another immune-system component that fights against some types of melanoma.

Astragalus is effective against a number of viral infections. Astragalus reduces the incidence of, and shortens the duration of, the common cold. Astragalus stimulates macrophages, promotes antibody formation, and increases T lymphocyte proliferation. It can be used to treat chronic hepatitis B. Astragalus is among the most useful of herbs for those with autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. It stimulates beneficial components of the immune system in patients with lupus without stimulating the detrimental components in rheumatoid arthritis. Astragalus increases interferon production. This stimulates the creation of the proteins used to prevent viral infection.

Tests show that astragalus decreases memory loss after alcohol consumption. It is also hepatoprotective.

Caution should be taken with patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, such as transplant patients, or patients with autoimmune diseases. The selenium present in astragalus can lead to selenium poisoning in excessive use. May increase bleeding in the event of injury. Should not be taken in the presence of a fever.

Excerpted with permission from Materia Medica by liz Johnson.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

(Health needs should always be considered before taking herbs, supplements, or medications. Talk to someone qualified in the use of these herbs before using as medicine.)