Astragalus is the scientific name of a group of herbs and shrubs found primarily in wild areas of the northern hemisphere. There are more than 3,000 species of Astragalus, most of which are natural food sources for a variety of insects.
Astragalus is known by quite a few different names - including the locoweed in North America. However, it must be noted that the name locoweed is often applied to dozens of other different kinds of plants and herbs that are in no way related to Astragalus.
Astragalus is available as a standalone nutritional supplement, or in certain herbal formulas. It is also taken in tea form.
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The History of Astragalus Usage According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center Astragalus has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have apparently used the verb for a variety of conditions as well as a general treatment for overall good health. It is clas... more
According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center Astragalus has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have apparently used the verb for a variety of conditions as well as a general treatment for overall good health.
It is classified as an "adaptagen" which simply means that it allegedly helps relieve emotional, mental, and physical stresses. Whether or not that's true remains a matter of debate within the medical community.
One of things that is definitely known about Astragalus is that it contains high levels of antioxidants. This fact may be one of the most important in driving its use as an ingredient in dietary supplements.
Antioxidants are generally accepted in the medical community as the best way to control DNA and tissue damage done by free radicals in the body. Some believe that antioxidants are effective in preventing things like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even some types of cancers.
A few supplement makers use Astragalus in multivitamin formulas as a way to ostensibly boost the body's immune system. There are those who even claim it is an effective remedy for the common cold; an idea that traces its roots back to ancient Chinese practices utilizing Astragalus as a preventative measure against influenza.
That being said, limited studies have shown that Astragalus may be effective in combating some kinds of viruses in laboratory rats. If this found to be true in humans also, that would add weight to the claims of Astragalus being good for the common cold.
Outside of supplements, Astragalus is also processed into an ointment for use on cuts, scratches, rashes, and other skin irritations. In fact, the herb contains some essential oils which appear to be helpful in promoting healing of damaged skin. This is actually not uncommon among herbs and wildflowers used in ancient medicines.
The popularity of Astragalus makes it very easy to find - whether on the Internet, your local health food store, or your pharmacy. It can be found in a powder form as well as tablets, standard extracts, concentrated extracts, ointments, and decoctions (products used to make tea).
Individuals using it as a daily maintenance supplement most often consume it as a capsule or a tea. Depending on its form and concentration, and the purpose for which it's being used, dosages will vary.
A quick survey of Internet retailers reveals several merchants with a 100-capsule bottle (500mg per capsule) selling between five and ten dollars. Bottles of liquid Astragalus extract are selling closer to $10 for 2-ounce bottle but can be somewhat difficult to find in stock.
Other forms of Astragalus are available, though not as popular, if you're willing to put in the effort to shop for them.
Astragalus is one of those herbal supplements manufacturers and distributors tend to push as a traditional Chinese "wonder drug." This has caused a lot of controversy as debate rages between the medical community and herbalists.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which is part of the National Institutes for Health (NIH), has weighed in on the controversy. Their position is that there simply has not been enough scientific study to support either side of the argument. There are currently no proven benefits of using Astragalus as a daily supplement.
What's equally important to note is that the NIH doesn't suggest that there are any detrimental side effects of daily supplementation. Unfortunately, their neutral position on the matter allows the debate to continue without reservation. Ultimately it's up to each individual consumer to decide whether Astragalus is a dietary supplement that will benefit them.
The National Institutes for Health is quick to point out that there are no known adverse side effects associated with Astragalus. That's not to say they don't exist!
It's just difficult to pinpoint whether or not people are experiencing side effects from Astragalus. This is because Astragalus is almost always used in conjunction with other herbs like ginseng and betony.
Some species of Astragalus in North America contain known toxins. Although Astragalus is considered generally safe there is always the chance of toxicity if manufacturers use concentrated amounts of one of the suspect species. To locate and compare nutritional products containing Astragalus, use the supplement finder now!
| None Known |
| Locoweed, Astragale |
| Antioxidant Benefits |
| Antioxidant Rich |
| Boosts Immunity |
| Fights Free Radicals |
| Skin Issues |