What Is Astragalus? Other Names: Astragale, Astragale à Feuilles de Réglisse, Huang Qi

What is Astragalus?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Astragalus, commonly known as huang-qi, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been widely used for its potential health benefits. It is derived from the root of the Astragalus membranaceus plant and is known for its applications in various therapeutic areas, including immune support, cardiovascular health, and metabolic disorders. Other names include: Astragale, Astragale à Feuilles de Réglisse, Astragale Queue-de-Renard, Astragale Réglissier, Astragali, Astragalo, Astragalus Membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus, Astragli Membranceus, Beg Kei, Bei Qi, Buck Qi, Chinese Astragalus, Huang Qi, Huang Se, Huangqi, Hwanggi, Membranous Milk Vetch, Membranous Milkvetch, Milk Vetch, Mongolian Milk, Mongolian Milkvetch, Ogi, Phaca membranacea, Radix Astragali, Radix Astragalus, Réglisse Bâtarde, Réglisse Sauvage.

Therapeutic Applications of Astragalus

Cognitive and Neurological Benefits

Astragalus has shown promise in ameliorating cognitive decline associated with neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier damage. Studies have demonstrated that Astragalus injections can reverse lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation and prevent neurodegeneration by upregulating the BDNF-CREB signaling pathway, which is crucial for cognitive function1.

Kidney Health

In the context of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), Astragalus is used as an adjuvant therapy. It has been found to ameliorate podocyte apoptosis and reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate its effectiveness in improving kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease2.

Cardiovascular Health

Astragalus has been studied for its effects on cardiovascular function, particularly in patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome. It has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness and improve microalbuminuria, a marker of kidney damage, without significantly altering cardiac diastolic function3 7. Additionally, Astragalus has cardioprotective effects in adriamycin-injured rat hearts by upregulating SERCA2a expression, which is vital for cardiac function8.

Immune System and Antioxidant Effects

Astragalus is known to enhance immune function and antioxidant capacity. In animal studies, it has been shown to improve serum immune function and regulate the microbiota structure, which is beneficial for overall health4 5. It also modulates the balance of Treg/Th17 cells, which is important for managing conditions like asthma6.

Potential in Aging and Longevity

Recent studies have explored the potential of Astragalus-based supplements in promoting healthy aging. These supplements have been found to lengthen telomeres, which are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes, thereby potentially extending life expectancy and supporting healthy aging9.

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Adverse Effects of Astragalus

Gastrointestinal Reactions: In studies involving AIDS patients treated with Astragalus in combination with HAART, there were fewer cases of gastrointestinal reactions compared to those treated with HAART alone, suggesting that Astragalus may mitigate these effects rather than cause them1 3.

Peripheral Neuritis and Skin Reactions: Similar studies also noted a reduction in peripheral neuritis, rash, and skin pruritus in patients using Astragalus with HAART, indicating a protective effect against these adverse reactions1 3.

Liver Function: Astragalus has been shown to reduce liver function damage in patients undergoing HAART therapy, again suggesting a protective role rather than a direct adverse effect1 3.

Serious Adverse Events: In a study on diabetic kidney disease, some patients experienced serious adverse events such as edema, syncope, and hyperkalemia, although these were not directly attributed to Astragalus alone9.

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How has Astragalus Improved Patient Outcomes?

Quality of Life and Chemotherapy

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Astragalus injection combined with chemotherapy significantly improved the quality of life (QOL) and survival rates in patients with advanced NSCLC compared to chemotherapy alone. Patients experienced better clinical improvement rates and longer median survival periods1 4.

Malignant Tumors: Astragalus supplementation during chemotherapy reduced the progression of tumors, decreased toxic side effects, and enhanced immune function, leading to improved QOL9.

Chronic Disease Management

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD): Astragalus showed a trend towards stabilizing kidney function in DKD patients, although the results were not statistically significant. It may help in managing renal progression2 3.

Chronic Aplastic Anemia: Astragalus improved hemopoietic function and immune regulation, showing higher efficacy rates compared to standard treatment alone7.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Hypertensive Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Astragalus demonstrated protective effects on cardiovascular structure and function, particularly in female patients, by improving metabolic and cardiovascular indicators5.

Fatigue and Recovery

Poststroke Fatigue: Astragalus improved fatigue scores and cognitive and social functioning in patients with poststroke fatigue, suggesting its potential in enhancing recovery and QOL6.

Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: Astragalus polysaccharides reduced chemotherapy-induced fatigue in premenopausal breast cancer patients, aiding in maintaining daily activities and improving treatment compliance10.

Hemodialysis

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: In hemodialysis patients, Astragalus reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, improving health-related quality of life when integrated into clinical care pathways8.

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Astragalus Mechanisms of Action

Neurotransmitter Modulation: Astragalus injection may enhance the function and metabolism of 5-hydroxyindole in the brain, potentially increasing tumor necrosis factor-α levels to promote slow-wave sleep and reduce wakefulness, particularly in treating insomnia1.

Anti-inflammatory and Immune Regulation: Astragalus injection can inhibit the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, which is beneficial in conditions like myocardial injury in sepsis2. It also reduces neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, upregulating the BDNF-CREB pathway to prevent cognitive decline post-sepsis3.

Metabolic Regulation: Astragalus polysaccharides can improve lipid metabolism and reduce insulin resistance by promoting AMPK phosphorylation and inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B, which is particularly useful in gestational diabetes4.

Tissue Repair and Regeneration: The herb enhances ulcer healing in diabetic foot ulcers by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway, improving local tissue ischemia and hypoxia, and promoting collateral circulation7.

Cellular Autophagy and Chemosensitivity: Astragalus polysaccharides may increase the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin by modulating autophagy-related proteins and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, enhancing the efficacy of these treatments8 10.

Diuretic Effects: Astragalus has diuretic properties, increasing the excretion of sodium and chloride ions, which may be attributed to its ethyl acetate and n-butanol components6.

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Common Complaints Associated with Astragalus Use

No Adverse Side Effects in Telomere Study: In a study involving a six-month trial of an Astragalus-based supplement aimed at lengthening telomeres, no adverse side effects were reported among the participants. This suggests that, at least in the context of this study, the supplement was well-tolerated1.

Renal Protection Study Findings: Another study focused on the effects of Astragalus extract tablets on patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome over a year. While the study primarily assessed renal protection, it did not report any significant adverse effects or complaints related to the use of Astragalus, indicating a favorable safety profile in this context as well2.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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