Astragalus is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The immune enhancer has many health benefits, including anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Astragalus is thought to be used to treat a wide range of conditions such as fatigue, allergies, colds. It is also used against heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.

What is Astragalus?

Although there are over 2,000 species of astragalus, also known as Huáng qí or milkvetch, only two of them are used in supplements. Specifically, the root of the plant is made in many different reinforcement forms, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders and teas. Astragalus is sometimes given as an injection in a hospital setting. Roots contain the active plant compound, which is believed to be responsible for its potential benefits. For example, active compounds can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. There is limited research to obtain information about this plant, but it is used to treat seasonal allergies, colds, heart diseases, kidney diseases, chronic fatigue, and more. It is used to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Increase Your Immune System

Astragalus contains beneficial plant compounds that can improve your immune system. The primary role of your immune system is to protect your body against harmful invaders such as bacteria, germs and viruses that can cause disease. Some evidence suggests that astragalus can increase the production of white blood cells, cells of your immune system responsible for disease prevention.

Animal research has been found to help kill bacteria and viruses in astragalus root infected mice. Although research is limited, it can help fight viral infections in humans, such as colds and liver infections. Although these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and prevention of astragalus infections. In short, Astragalus can help strengthen your immune system to prevent and combat bacterial and viral infections, including colds.

Increase Heart Function

Astragalus can help improve heart function in patients with certain heart disease. It is thought to expand your blood vessels and increase the amount of blood pumped from your heart. In a clinical study, patients with heart failure were given 2.25 grams of astragalus twice a day for two weeks in addition to conventional treatment. They experienced greater improvements in heart function compared to standard treatment alone. In another study, patients with heart failure received 60 grams of astragalus daily with IV with conventional therapy. They also showed more pronounced improvements in symptoms than only standard treatment. However, other studies in patients with heart failure did not show any benefit to heart function. some studies have shown that astragalus can reduce myocarditis symptoms, an inflammatory condition of the heart. However, the findings are mixed.

In short, although research findings are mixed, astragalus may help to improve cardiac function and reduce myocarditis symptoms in patients with heart failure.

Can Reduce Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has many negative side effects. According to some studies, astragalus can help alleviate some of the side effects. For example, in a clinical study in humans who received chemotherapy, astragalus was found to reduce nausea by 36%, vomiting by 50%, and diarrhea by 59%. Similarly, several other studies have shown benefits for nausea and vomiting in individuals with chemotherapy for colon cancer. In addition, a clinical trial showed that 500 mg of astragalus, up to 4 times a week, could increase excessive fatigue associated with chemotherapy. However, astragalus only helped in the first week of treatment.

In short, when administered intravenously in a hospital setting, astragalus can help alleviate nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy.

Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

Active compounds in the root of Astragalus can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, it is defined as the most commonly prescribed plant to help manage diabetes in China. In animal and test tube studies, astragalus has been shown to improve sugar metabolism and reduce blood sugar levels. In an animal study, it also caused weight loss. Although more research is needed, studies in humans indicate similar effects. For example, studies have shown that receiving 40-60 grams of astragalus per day has the potential to improve blood sugar levels after meals and in people with type 2 diabetes when taken up to 2 months a day.

In short, studies show that astragalus supplements may help control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, further research is needed.

Improve Kidney Function

Astragalus can support kidney health by improving blood flow and increasing laboratory renal function markers such as urine protein measurements. Proteinuria is a condition with abnormal amounts of protein in the urine, a sign that the kidneys may be damaged or not functioning normally. Astragalus has been shown to improve proteinuria in many studies involving individuals with kidney disease. It can also help prevent infections in people with reduced renal function. For example, 7.5-15 grams of astragalus, which should be taken daily for 3 to 6 months, reduced the risk of infection by 38% in people with kidney disorders called nephrotic syndrome. However, more studies are needed to confirm this effect. In short, some studies, suggests that astragalus can help improve renal function in those with kidney disease. It can also prevent infections in those with reduced renal function.

Other Potential Health Benefits

On Astragalus, there are many preliminary studies showing that the herb may have other potential benefits, including:

• Improved symptoms of chronic fatigue: Some evidence suggests that astragalus may help to improve fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome when combined with other herbal supplements.

• Anticancer effects : In tube studies, astragalus promoted apoptosis or programmed cell death in various cancer cells.

• Seasonal allergy symptoms improved in a limited number of studies : A clinical trial found that 160 mg of astragalus twice a day could reduce nasal discharge and sneezing in individuals with seasonal allergy.

Briefly, preliminary studies have found that astragalus may be useful in reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue and seasonal allergy. Test tube studies also show that this may have anticancer effects.

Side Effects and Interactions

For most people astragalus is well tolerated. However, small side effects have been reported in studies such as rash, itching, runny nose, nausea and diarrhea. Astragalus may have more serious side effects, such as an irregular heartbeat. It should only be applied by IV or injection under medical supervision. Although Astragalus is safe for most people, the following people should avoid it:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women : There is not enough research to show that the astragalus is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.

• People with autoimmune diseases : Astragalus may increase the activity of your immune system. If you have an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, consider avoiding astragalus.

•People who take immunosuppressive drugs: Astragalus can reduce the effects of immunosuppressive drugs as it can increase the effectiveness of your immune system.

Astragalus may also have effects on blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Therefore, if you have diabetes or have problems with your blood pressure, you should use this plant with caution. In short, Astragalus is generally well tolerated, but should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have an autoimmune disease or if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Dosage Recommendations

Astragalus root can be found in many different ways. Available in supplements, capsules and liquid extracts. The root can also be made into a tea powder. Decorations are also popular. They are made by boiling the astragalus root to release the active compounds.

Although there is no formal consensus on the most effective form or dose of astragalus, it is typical of 9-30 grams per day. In addition, investigations show the following oral doses, which are useful for certain conditions:

• Congestive heart failure : 2-7.5 grams of astragalus twice a day, up to 30 days twice daily, with the traditional procedure.

• Blood glucose control : 40ya60 grams of astragalus as a boil up to four months.

•Kidney disease : 7.5-15 grams of astragalus powder twice a day for up to six months to reduce the risk of infection.

• Chronic fatigue syndrome : 30 grams of astragalus root is made into boiling with several other medicinal plants.

• Seasonal allergies : Extract two 80 mg of astragalus extract daily for six weeks.

Based on research, oral doses of 60 grams per day up to four months seem safe for most people. However, there are no studies to determine the safety of high doses in the long term. In short, there is no formal consensus for recommended astragalus doses. Dosages vary depending on the situation.

Astragalus can improve your immune system and symptoms of chronic fatigue and seasonal allergies. It can also help patients with certain heart conditions, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Although there are no dosing recommendations, 60 grams per day up to four months seem safe for most people. It is always advisable to consult a health care professional before using the supplements.

Warning !

It is a proposal and Information article that has been compiled from different sources. There is no definitive diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor about any health problems. Remember, the treatment methods applied in health problems may vary according to the biology of individuals, hereditary characteristics, age, height, weight differences, allergic aspects and dozens of such conditions. Only your doctor can help you in the treatment of your health problems.