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organic astragalus

Also known as: Organic Astragalus, Huangqi, Astragalus membranaceus

Overview

Organic Astragalus is a root extract derived from the plant *Astragalus membranaceus*, a leguminous species native to China and Mongolia, where it has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. It is classified as an immunomodulator and adaptogen. The primary bioactive compounds include astragaloside IV and astragalus polysaccharides (APS), which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Astragalus is widely utilized as an adjunct in conventional cancer therapies, for general immune enhancement, as an anti-inflammatory agent, and in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and viral myocarditis. Research on Astragalus is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, particularly in oncology and immune-related disorders. The available evidence is of moderate to high quality, though variations in formulations and study populations exist.

Benefits

Astragalus offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly as an adjunctive therapy. In cancer patients, combined use of Astragalus-containing Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) with Western medicine significantly improves the overall response rate (ORR) by 21% (RR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.10–1.34, p<0.001) and reduces the incidence of adverse events (AEs) by 44% (RR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.42–0.73, p<0.001) compared to Western medicine alone. It also demonstrates renal protective effects, indicated by a significant reduction in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (SMD=0.73, 95% CI: 0.53–0.92, p<0.001). Beyond cancer, Astragalus is shown to improve immune function, reduce chemotherapy toxicity (e.g., lowered white blood cell toxicity, amelioration of radiation pneumonia), and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic effects in various experimental models, including those for diabetic nephropathy, liver and lung injury, and viral myocarditis. These benefits are most pronounced in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and individuals with diabetic nephropathy or viral myocarditis. The observed effect sizes are moderate but clinically significant, contributing to improved outcomes and safety profiles.

How it works

Astragalus exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It enhances immune function by stimulating macrophage and T-cell activity. Its antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress, while its anti-inflammatory actions involve modulating cytokine production. In the context of cancer, Astragalus compounds can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. At a molecular level, key compounds like astragaloside IV and polysaccharides modulate crucial signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK. While astragalosides have moderate oral bioavailability, polysaccharides are partially absorbed and may also influence the immune system via the gut-immune axis. These actions collectively contribute to its protective effects on the immune system, kidneys, and cellular pathways involved in disease progression.

Side effects

Astragalus is generally well tolerated and possesses a favorable safety profile in clinical studies. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is rarely reported as a common side effect, and studies indicate no significant increase in adverse events when Astragalus is combined with Western medicine. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include rare allergic reactions. Serious adverse events directly attributable to Astragalus are very rare (<1%) in high-quality trials. Potential drug interactions warrant caution, particularly with immunosuppressants and anticoagulants, although no major interactions have been consistently reported in reviewed randomized controlled trials. Contraindications include caution in individuals with autoimmune diseases and during pregnancy due to its immunomodulatory effects; however, insufficient data exist to definitively establish safety in these populations. Safety in children and pregnant women is not well established, and its use should be approached with caution in these groups.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Astragalus varies depending on the formulation. Studies frequently use astragalus polysaccharides at doses equivalent to 10 to 30 grams of crude herb per day, or standardized extracts providing 50–100 mg of astragaloside IV. Optimal dosage ranges in clinical trials typically involve 15–30 grams per day of the crude herb or an equivalent extract. For standardized polysaccharide extracts, a content of 20–40% is often used. There is no established maximum safe dose, with doses up to 30 grams per day of crude herb generally well tolerated. Astragalus is typically administered daily, often during chemotherapy or other treatment courses, with timing relative to other medications varying by study. For consistency, extracts standardized for astragaloside IV or polysaccharides are preferred. While no specific cofactors are required, synergistic effects have been noted when combined with other Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs.

FAQs

Is Organic Astragalus safe during chemotherapy?

Yes, evidence supports its safety and ability to reduce toxicity when combined with chemotherapy, improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse events.

How long before benefits are seen?

Clinical improvements are typically observed within weeks to months, particularly when used as an adjunctive therapy during ongoing treatment courses.

Can Astragalus be used alone for cancer?

Astragalus is primarily studied and recommended as an adjunctive therapy; evidence for its efficacy as a monotherapy for cancer is limited.

Does it boost the immune system?

Yes, Astragalus modulates immune responses, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity, which contributes to its protective effects.

Are there any contraindications?

Caution is advised in individuals with autoimmune conditions and during pregnancy due to its immunomodulatory effects, as safety data in these groups are limited.

Research Sources

  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1395844/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found that Astragalus combined with Western medicine significantly improved overall response rates by 21% and reduced adverse events by 44% in cancer patients, while also showing renal protective effects. The study highlighted the benefits of Astragalus as an adjunctive therapy with low heterogeneity.
  • https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/426207 – This systematic review of 29 studies on cancer patients indicated that Astragalus reduced chemotherapy toxicity and improved survival and tumor response. While showing promise, the review noted that some studies lacked rigorous design and called for more robust trials to confirm findings.
  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12003202/ – This narrative review provided detailed insights into the mechanisms of Astragalus, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. It synthesized both experimental and clinical data, emphasizing the need for more clinical randomized controlled trials despite comprehensive preclinical evidence.

Supplements Containing organic astragalus

Astragalus by L.A. Naturals
80

Astragalus

L.A. Naturals

Score: 80/100
Astragalus by L.A. Naturals
80

Astragalus

L.A. Naturals

Score: 80/100