Preventing Influenza: Part 4 – Astragalus
The Benefits of Astragalus
In the previous newsletter I examined the anti-viral and immune-enhancing properties of medicinal mushrooms, specifically the 6 mushrooms found in our ImmuneStart product. Backing up the medicinal mushroom compounds found in ImmuneStart is the herb Astragalus, treasured for centuries for its health and longevity enhancing properties.
It is one of the safest herbs for long-term usage, and is often recommended by Chinese herbalists as the most important energy and immunity tonic for our busy and demanding Western lifestyles. In Traditional Chinese Medicine astragalus is considered one of the most valuable tonic herbs and is considered most effective when used on a long term basis.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is commonly known in the West as milk vetch. Modern Chinese medicine uses Astragalus (Huang Qi) to strengthen the immune system, and to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses Astragalus to “invigorate the spleen and replenish qi” (“spleen” is exhausted by overthinking and excess intellectual work; qi is “lifeforce”).
In TCM Astragalus is also used to treat a variety of conditions including fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. It is useful for general digestive problems including bloating and gas. As well it was traditionally used for treating wasting conditions, diarrhea and pro-lapse of the uterus. In cases of excessive sweating (especially night sweats) or fluid retention, Astragalus is used to control fluids and can perform a diuretic function, and is also supportive of the kidneys.
Currently, in both the East and the West, it is also recommended to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“These findings indicate that APS (astragalus polysaccharides) can serve as an adjuvant to improve the side effects such as intestinal and immune damage caused by chemotherapy.” (Source)
“The traditional Chinese medicinal preparation containing astragalus can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of RILI (radiation-induced lung injury), reduce the toxic side effects, and is safe to use in clinic.” (Source)
Astragalus is high in antioxidants and functions as an adaptogen, which means it aids the body in dealing with stressors, including emotional, mental, and physical stress (including physical stress due to toxins). But it does much more than just serve these functions.
There is much scientific research on Astragalus as this paper summarized: “pharmacological actions on immune regulation, such as enhancing the immune organ index, promoting the proliferation of immune cells, stimulating the release of cytokines, and affecting the secretion of immunoglobulin and conduction of immune signals; anti-aging; anti-tumor by enhancing immunity, inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibiting the proliferation and transfer of tumor cells; antiviral effects; regulation of blood glucose such as type I diabetes mellitus, type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications; lipid-lowering; anti-fibrosis; antimicrobial activities and anti-radiation”.
Western science has also confirmed that Astragalus fights kidney disease and can treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
TCM and Western Naturopathy believe that using Astragalus throughout the cold season can reduce the frequency of colds and flu caught, and the reduce the duration of a cold or flu, if we do catch one. Astragalus also is commonly prescribed by these traditions for treating bronchitis and other respiratory infections
How Does Astragalus Work?
Astragalus enhances immune function by increasing the activity of certain white blood cells, which in turn, increases the production of antibodies, and by increasing the production of interferon (a powerful anti-viral and anti-tumor agent, naturally produced by the body).
Studies, in both humans and laboratory animals, have demonstrated the potent antiviral potential of Astragalus, via its ability to protect against infection from those viruses that cause influenza and the common cold. Both oral and nasal administration of Astragalus extracts, have offered protection against the common cold. In patients who are susceptible to colds and flu, treatment with Astragalus for short periods of time (two weeks), enhanced interferon induction by the white blood cells, resulting in increased levels of cytokines (such as interleukin-2 and IgA and IgG). (Source)
The value of Astragalus is so well proven that many scientist are looking at it for preventing and treating Covid-19: “this study has investigated the chemical structure of APS (astragalus polysaccharides) reporting on the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities as well as stimulation of cytokine secretion by these polysaccharides. Also, in this study, the pharmaceutical approaches of APS compounds, as a natural, new and inexpensive source, have been discussed as suitable candidates for use in pharmaceutical formulations and preparation of new drugs to control COVID-19 infection”. (Source)
Children
In both Chinese and Western herbalism, Astragalus is also considered safe and effective to use on children as a general immune supportive. And clinical studies have confirmed that Astragalus is effective at preventing and treating respiratory tract infections in children. (Source) There are a number of Astragalus-based immune tonics for children, available at health food stores. Also, one could use ImmuneStart for children, but at a lower dose (rule of thumb is, if they weigh half as much as an adult give them half the recommended dose, etc).
Astragalus Warnings and Contraindications
Side effects from Astragalus seldom occur and, aside from any particular individual allergic reaction, are limited to mild gastrointestinal distress. However, to err on the side of caution here are all the warnings that one should heed.
People with an autoimmune disease should speak with their doctor before taking Astagalus since it may over-stimulate their immune systems. This is the standard warning from the medical system, similarily warning about echinacea and other herbs used for immunity. However, in the natural healing field, it is believed such herbs modulate immunity, raising it if deficient and lowering it if overactive. But, nonetheless, one should at least consult with a natural health professional and/or do more research before using Astragalus if they have an autoimmune condition.
Astragalus may interfere with drugs that suppress the immune system. Such drugs, like cyclophosphamide, are often used by people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or to reduce the risk of rejection in organ transplant patients. It is advised that people taking these types of drugs do not use Astragalus.
If you are taking the drug Lithium you should speak to a health professional before using Astragalus. It can make it harder for the body to get rid of lithium, potentially allowing dangerously high levels of the drug to build up. On the other hand, since lithium, in its natural, trace mineral form, is essential for maintaining a positive mood, Astragalus may help the average person maintain healthy levels of this mineral.
Western science has not determined if Astragalus is safe for very young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with advanced kidney or liver diseases. A study done with an isolated component of Astragalus, given intravenously to rats and rabbits, showed a statistically significant increase in fetal deaths among the subjects. In light of these findings it is perhaps prudent to advise caution to women who might use “Astragaloside IV” to combat cardiovascular disease during pregnancy, and pregnant women should definitely consult with a health professional before using Astragalus. (Source)
Astragalus should not be used when a fever is present (as it may intensify and/or prolong it), or during cases of acute infections.
Dosage
Astragalus root is traditionally either added to soup and simmered for at least 15 minutes or taken as a tincture or decoction, though now we have capsules of the powdered herb and concentrated herb.
Astragalus dosage can range from 1 to 25 grams daily, however extremely high doses can impede immune function.
Astragalus Tincture: 3 to 5 ml of tincture three times daily.
Astragalus Decoction: 3 to 6 grams of dried root simmered for at least 15 minutes in 12 oz of water, taken 3 times daily.
Powdered Astragalus root: 500mg to 1000mg in capsules three times daily.
Standardized Astragalus extract: 250 to 500 mg three times daily.
Conclusion
As indicated by the above material, this amazing Chinese herb is the obvious choice to add to our Medicinal Mushroom mix as part of our long term immune supportive product, known as ImmuneStart.
BONUS ROUND
Here is a quick look at some other research on this amazing herb.
Longevity
The 2009 Nobel prize in Physiology of Medicine was given for the discovery of how chromosomes can be copied without degenerating. The trick was to maintain healthy telomeres, which are the protective ends of the chromosomes. These teleomeres cover and protect the ends of the chromosomes so that when they are reproduced they will not break down. The enzyme telomerase works to form new telomeres to continue the process of rejuvenation in the body. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres shorten or fray slightly, and as we get older the telomerase enzymes stop being produced within the genes and the body ages over time.
Recent research found that molecules contained in the Astragalus root, cycloastragenols and astragalosides, had the ability to activate telomerase enzyme production. In large doses they could both prevent the depletion of telomeres and rebuild new ones. While there is a patented product that is an isolated version of these molecules (“TA-65”), it has also been found that any high doses of an Astragalus extract, rich in astragalosides, can have much the same effect.
“A link between telomere shortening and oxidative stress was found in aging people and patients with cancer or inflammatory diseases. Extracts of Astragalus spp. are known to stimulate telomerase activity, thereby compensating telomere shortening. These findings suggest that the HRE a multi-component hydroethanolic root extract could be used for the management of age-related diseases.” (Source)
Heart Disease
Astragalus has long been used to treat cardiovascular disese in Chinese traditional medicine, an approach now confirmed by modern research.
In the treatment of angina pain, Astragalus showed to be as effective as a pharmaceutical drug without side effects. “The treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus was significantly more effective in comparison with the control group.” (Source)
Animal studies show Astragalus helps prevent the build-up of arterial plaque on arterial walls. Astragalus also appears to have the ability to dilate the coronary arteries. (Source)
Study on effect of Astragalus injection in treating congestive heart failure: “Astragalus injection can be took as one of the important auxiliary drugs for treatment of CHF especially in severe cases.” (Source) While this study did inject it we can assume similar benefits would be attained through oral ingestion.
Astragalus was also injected to treat viral infection of the heart (viral mycocarditis), with great success. (Source)
Herpes
Anecdotal information indicates that consistent use of Astragalus may inhibit the outbreak of genital herpes. In a lab study, Astragalus was found to inhibit the oral herpes virus in a test tube. (Source)
Hepatitis
Chinese clinical trials imply that Astragalus may be of benefit to those with chronic viral hepatitis. (Source)
Diabetes
“Astragalus polysaccharides…have been studied widely for treating diabetes mellitus with promising effects in recent years.” (Source)
Diabetic Nephropathy
“Astragaloside IV…isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, has been used experimentally for its potent immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative actions. This study results indicate that AGS-IV exerts protective effects against the progression of peripheral neuropathy through several interrelated mechanisms.” (Source)
(Author: All newsletters and blogs are written by Ken Peters who has worked as a nutritional consultant for the last 30 years, and as product designer for NutriStart for the last 25 years. He has also authored two books – Health Secrets Vol. 1&2. He may be reached at: kenpetersconsulting@gmail.com)