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Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that is also known as Beg Kei, Hwanggi, Membranous Milk Vetch, and Mongolian Milk. Herbalists and Chinese medicine practitioners have used astragalus for centuries to strengthen the immune system, which leads some to argue that it could improve the body’s natural response to cancer. In fact, researchers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong report that astragalus showed anti-tumor effects in mice. (Cho 2007a) The herb also has antioxidant properties, and possibly even antibiotic abilities. A study conducted in 2007 in China found that astragalus was effective as both an immunomodulator (something that adjusts the immune response to a desired level) and an immunorestorative (something that restores the immune system to a more optimal level of function. (Cho 2007)
A typical adult dose of astragalus ranges from 1 to 25 grams daily, but higher doses may suppress the immune system. Look for a standardized astragalus root extract (standardized to 0.4% 4-hydroxy-3-methyoxy isoflavone 7-sug); the suggested dose is 250 to 500 mg three to four times daily. (University of Maryland)
References
Cho WC, Leung KN. In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus. J Ethnopharmacol 2007 Aug 15; 113(1): 132-41.
Cho WC, Leung KN. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of Astragalus membraneceus. Cancer Lett 2007a Jul 8; 252(1): 43-54
University of Maryland Medical Center: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/astragalus-000223.htm
