Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)is a flowering plant that has been used medicinally for centuries.
Astragalus is considered one of the most valuable herbs inTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
However, Western research has yet to provide full evidence of its effectiveness.
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That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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Astragalus Benefits
In TCM, astragalus is used for a variety of ailments.
Research to this point should be considered preliminary.
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No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Researchers concluded there was inadequate evidence to support this use.
Compared to the control group, the treatment group had better recovery.
However, the study was too small to draw conclusions about whether astragalus changes how the immune system works.
May Help Treat Heart Disease
Researchers have studied astragalus for various heart conditions.
It may have adiureticeffect, which could lower blood pressure and cause blood vessels to relax.
While this is promising, larger studies are still needed.
A systematic review of studies onAstragalus membranaceousin humans and animals suggested it may help treat a heart condition calledviralmyocarditis.
May Help Treat Diabetic Kidney Disease
Astragalus has been studied for use indiabetic kidney disease.
Due to limited high-quality studies, more research is needed.
May Be Adaptogenic
Anadaptogenis a substance that helps your body manage stress.
Astragalus contains several compounds that have been identified as beneficial for protecting the body from the effects of stress.
Some of these compounds are believed to have benefits such as decreasing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
Some of these benefits include:
What Are the Side Effects of Astragalus?
Even “natural” products can cause unwanted side effects, and astragalus is no exception.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects from astragalus are likely rare.
Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have.
Dosage: How Much Astragalus Should I Take?
However, a typical dose is usually between 9 and 30 grams daily.
Talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and always tell them what herbs or supplements you’re taking.
Interactions
Astragalus may interact badly with several classes of medications.
Astragalus may also interact with other herbs and supplements that have effects similar effects to the drugs mentioned above.
But Western research thus far is inconclusive about its safety and effectiveness for any condition.
If you take astragalus, watch for possible side effects.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential drug interactions, as well.
Safe dosages aren’t established.
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