
Astragalus root, also known as milk vetch and Huang-qi, is a flowering plant native to China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is believed to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, there is limited scientific evidence regarding its safety, and some studies suggest that it may be toxic during pregnancy and to the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking astragalus root during pregnancy.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Safety | Astragalus membranaceus is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, there is limited scientific evidence on the safety of astragalus during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
Species | The species Astragalus membranaceus and A. mongholicus are preferred for herbal medicine purposes due to their superior efficacy compared to other astragalus species. |
Dosage | It is recommended to take the smallest effective dose of astragalus. |
Forms | Astragalus root may be available as a tincture, capsules, tablets, injectables, or topical solutions. |
Side effects | Astragalus has few side effects at low-to-moderate doses. |
Precautions | Astragalus may be toxic during pregnancy and to the fetus, according to some animal studies. |
Interactions | Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. It may also interact with lithium and diabetes medications. |
What You'll Learn
Astragalus root may be safe for pregnant women, but more research is needed
Astragalus root, also known as milk vetch and Huang-qi, is a legume native to China. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is believed to be an adaptogen, helping to protect the body against various physical, mental, and emotional stresses.
During pregnancy, astragalus root is thought to be beneficial in relieving common issues such as fatigue, a weakened immune system, and flatulence. It is also believed to support liver and kidney function and may help with allergies and asthma.
While astragalus membranaceus is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, there is limited scientific evidence regarding its safety. Some studies suggest that it may be safe for most adults when taken orally and in appropriate amounts, but more research is needed to confirm this.
It is important to note that another species of astragalus, known as "locoweed," has been associated with fetal malformations and miscarriages in animal studies. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the correct identification of the astragalus species before consumption.
Additionally, astragalus may interact with certain medications and is not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases as it may stimulate the immune system.
Overall, while astragalus root may offer potential benefits for pregnant women, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any herb during pregnancy to ensure safety.
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Astragalus root is used to treat viral myocarditis
Astragalus root, also known as milk vetch, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various forms of stress, including physical, mental, and emotional. Astragalus has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Astragalus has been used to treat viral myocarditis, a condition that arises from the infection of myocardial tissue by viruses. Viral myocarditis can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, especially in infants, children, and young adults.
Astragalus has been found to have cardioprotective effects in treating viral myocarditis. It helps to improve heart function and reduce pathological alterations. It also restores impaired SERCA2 activity and regulates the endothelin system, which is often disrupted by viral myocarditis.
In a study on mice with viral myocarditis, astragalus feeding was shown to significantly increase the survival rate and alleviate pathological changes. It also reduced serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels, which is a marker of heart damage.
Another study using total flavonoids of astragalus (TFA) found that it prevented the decline in calumenin, an ER chaperone protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and regulating the unfolded protein response (UPR) during viral myocarditis. By preserving the expression and function of calumenin, TFA helped to protect cardiomyocytes from dysfunction and apoptosis induced by viral infection.
While astragalus has shown promising results in treating viral myocarditis, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking astragalus or any other herbal supplement, especially during pregnancy.
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Astragalus root may help with diabetes
Astragalus is believed to be the most frequently prescribed herb to help with diabetes management in China. It is also one of the key components of most Chinese herbal anti-diabetic formulas. The root contains many active plant compounds, which are believed to be responsible for its potential benefits.
The anti-diabetic properties of astragalus are thought to be linked to its polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids fractions. These compounds have been shown to lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and correct pathological indicators of diabetes and its complications.
Astragalus may also help to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, improve heart function, and boost the immune system. However, it is important to note that there is currently not enough research to demonstrate that astragalus is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Astragalus root may help with chemotherapy side effects
For example, one clinical study in people undergoing chemotherapy found that astragalus given by IV reduced nausea by 36%, vomiting by 50%, and diarrhea by 59%. Similarly, several other studies have demonstrated the benefits of the herb for nausea and vomiting in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. Additionally, one clinical study showed that 500 mg of astragalus by IV three times weekly may improve the extreme tiredness associated with chemotherapy. However, astragalus only appeared to be helpful during the first week of treatment.
Astragalus may also help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage. It is used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver.
Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes use it on the skin for wound care. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds.
Astragalus is generally well tolerated but should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, or are taking immunosuppressant drugs.
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Astragalus root may help with kidney disease
Astragalus root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is believed to be safe for use during pregnancy and is an herbal remedy with a variety of indications that may be helpful during gestation. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any herb during pregnancy.
Research has shown that astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, prevent colds and upper respiratory infections, lower blood pressure, treat diabetes, and protect the liver.
Astragalus has also been studied as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer. Additionally, it may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart function.
Preliminary research suggests that astragalus may help protect the kidneys and may help treat kidney disease. However, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Astragalus is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts, but there is not enough reliable information to know if astragalus is safe when applied to the skin. Some research in animals suggests that it can be toxic during pregnancy and to the fetus, so it is recommended to stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Astragalus is believed to be a safe herbal remedy with a variety of indications that may be helpful during pregnancy. It helps to restore energy and improve stamina, boosts the immune system, relieves gas, supports liver and kidney function, and can help with allergies and asthma.
Astragalus has few side effects at low-to-moderate doses, but it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. It may also be a mild diuretic, helping rid the body of excess fluid.
Astragalus may make autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other immune system conditions worse. It may also decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants and lithium.