| Astragalus is a traditional Chinese
herb derived from the root of the perennial Astragalus membranaceus.
In China astragalus enjoyed a long history of use in traditional medicine to
strengthen the Wei Ch'i or "defensive energy" or as we call it, the
immune system. Regarded as a potent tonic for increasing energy levels and
stimulating the immune system, astragalus has also been employed effectively as
a diuretic, a vasodilator and as a treatment for respiratory infections.
Antibacterial; used with the ginsengs; helpful for young adults
for energy production and respiratory endurance; warming energy; helpful
for hypoglycemia; used for "outer energy" as ginseng is used
for "inner energy"; American Cancer Society publication reports
it restored immune functions in 90% of the cancer patients studied; use to
bolster the white blood cell count; strengthens the body's resistance; use for
debilitating conditions; helps to promote the effects of other herbs; helps to
improve digestion. Astragalus is of the most popular herbs used in the Orient;
the Chinese name for astragalus is Huang Ch'i. It is a tonic
producing warm energy and specifically tonifying for the lungs, spleen, and
triple warmer via meridians.
In studies performed at the Nation Cancer Institute and 5 other leading American
Cancer Institutes over the past 10 years, it has been positively shown that
astragalus strengthens a cancer patient's immune system. Researchers believed on
the basis of cell studies that astragalus augments those white blood cells that
fight disease and removes some ot those that make the body more vunerable to it.
There is clinical evidence that cancer patients given astragalus during
chemotherapy and radiation, both of which reduce the body's natural immunity
while attacking the cancer, recover significantly faster and live longer. It is
evident that astragalus does not directly attack cancers themselves, but instead
strengthens the body's immune system. In these same studies, both in the
laboratory and with 572 patients, it also has been found that Astragalus
promotes adrenal cortical function, which also is critically diminished in
cancer patients.
Astragalus also ameliorates bone marrow pression and gastointestinal toxicity
caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Astragalus is presently being looked upon
as a possible treatment for people living with AIDS and for its potentials to
prolong life.
Scientists have isolated a number of active ingredients contained in astragalus,
including bioflavanoids, choline, and a polysaccharide called astragalan
B. Animal studies have shown that astragalan B is effective at controlling
bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system, and protecting the body
against a number of toxins.
Astragalan B seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of
viruses, destabilizing their defenses and allowing for the body's immune system
to attack the weakened invader. Astragalus also increases interferon production
and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions
such as hepatitis, AIDS and cancer. Astragalus shows support for peripheral
vascular diseases and peripheral circulation.
Astragalus is also known as:
A. membranaceus, Huang qi, Astragali
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