astragalus
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Astragalus

The immunity-boosting and anti-ageing plant

Astragalus membranaceus

Part used: roots

Ancestral use

Astragalus is a very large genus comprising more than 2,000 species. The main species are Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus. Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years as a tonic and to strengthen immune system functioning1-2.

Botanical details

Astragalus is a hardy plant that is native to northern and eastern China. It is found on shorelines and in estuaries and pine forests and grows to a height of between 60 and 150 cm. Its flowers are yellow and form clusters. Traditional medicine uses the roots of the plant.

astragalus flower

Properties

Astragalus has immunostimulant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds present in the root of the astragalus plant have been found to strengthen and stimulate the activity of the immune system4-8. The constituent compounds of astragalus have antioxidant properties which have a beneficial effect on ageing9,10. Astragalus is particularly recommended for vulnerable adults (with chronic diseases) and for older adults.

Indications 

  • Immunosuppression evidenced by recurrent infections (Cytomegalovirus, herpes, etc.)
  • Senescence (ageing)
  • Support for metabolic syndromes
  • Respiratory allergies

Possible combinations

Astragalus + cypress: Strengthening the immune system and antifibrosis 

astragalus + cypress

Astragalus + liquorice: Antibacterial and antiviral action on the hepato-digestive and respiratory systems 

astragalus + liquorice

Astragalus + ginseng: Improved resistance to fatigue and to intense/high energy exercise during periods of recovery (after an infection or surgery)

astragalus + ginseng

Precautions

Due to its effects on the immune system, this plant must be used with care (under supervision) by anyone taking an immunosuppressive therapy3.
Due to insufficient data, the use of Astragalus mongholicus is not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women3, 4.
 

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Our references

  1. Astragalus membranaceus. Monograph Altern Med Rev. 2003 ; 8 : 72-77.
  2. http ://www.chineseherbshealing.com/astragalus-root/. Astragalus Root (Huang Qi). 2012.
  3. Natural Standard Monograph - Astragalus. https ://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx ?productid=963. 3-6-2015.
  4. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. Radix Astragali. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. 1999 ; World Health Organization.
  5. DENZLER K et al. Characterization of the Physiological Response following In Vivo administration of Astragalus membranaceus. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2016 ; 2016 : 6861078.
  6. FU J et al. Review of the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi). Phytother Res. 2014 ; 1275-1283.
  7. JIN M et al. Structural features and biological activities of the polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus. Int J Biol Macromol. 2014 ; 64 : 257-266.
  8. DENZLER KL et al. Regulation of inflammatory gene expression in PBMCs by immunostimulatory botanicals. PLoS One. 2010 ; 5 : e12561.
  9. SHAHZAD M et al. The Antioxidant Effects of Radix Astragali (Astragalus membranaceus and Related Species) in Protecting Tissues from Injury and Disease. Curr Drug Targets.2016 ; 17 : 1331-1340.
  10. JAGER K, WALTER M. Therapeutic Targeting of Telomerase. Genes (Basel).2016 ; 7

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