| Most Common Name: | Astragalus | | Botanical
Name: | Astragalus Membranaceus | | Also
Known As (other names): | Milk Vetch, Huang Qi, Yellow
leader |
Astragalus was first used as a medicinal herb in China over two thousand
years ago as a stimulant and general tonic. More recently in China it has
been used for infertility in men, heart disease and as an immune system
stimulant. It is native to China, Mongolia and parts of Siberia. The plant
grows to about three feet high but it is only the abnormally large root that is
harvested and used.
Use
for/In treatment of: | | Colds | Respiratory
system problems | Cancer treatment tonic | | Angina
relief | Liver ailments | |
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| | | |
Properties: | | Antiviral | General tonic | Immune
system stimulant | | | | | | | | |
Astragalus
Constituents: | | Below we list
reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as continuous
research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we also provide
information about constituents and their application, effect and side effects,
if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between constituents.
We do not give quantities of each individual constituent as these vary
considerably due to region and climate. By comparing the treatments above with
the constituent benefits below some indication of quantities can be gained. | |
Astragalosides: A Triterpenoid Saponin from Astragalus
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Triterpenoid Saponins: A glycoside with
triterpenoid aglycone structures.
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Saponins: Wound healing, anti-scarring. Saponins occur as
glycosides with aglycone structures that are steroidal or terpenoid. Saponins can cause the
destruction of red blood cells if injected causing anaemia or worse. Ingested
saponins are poorly absorbed in the digestive system reducing the risk of
poisoning but care must be taken on dosage as Saponins are mucus membrane
irritants.
Many herbs containing saponins have been identified as
"adaptogens" also referred to as harmony remedies (see: The Root of
being: Ginseng and the Pharmacology of Harmony - Stephen Fulder 1980).
Instead of being purely remedial herbs these adaptogens improves and energizes
vitality and resistance thereby keeping ailments at bay. It is claimed that
these adaptogens can improve mental functions like learning speed, awareness and
alertness as well as help with emotional and intellectual stress. As a tonic
they will also reduce the risk of infections by stimulating the immune system. Saponins are also expectorant, anti-inflammatory,
hepaprotective, combats cholesterol build up and antifungal. |
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Isoflavones: Flavonoid isomers found largely in the legume
bearing plants. Isoflavones are similar in structure to oestrogen but their
oestrogen activity is very low. Some isoflavones are reputed to have anti-tumour
properties but little clinical evidence of this property exists at the time of
writing. Isoflavones are also used to treat the symptoms of menopause. | |
Astragaloglucans: A Gum specific to
Astragalus.
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Gum: Long chain polysaccharides that become
mucus like when mixed with water. Gum is a
protective substance stored by many plants used to protect sites where the bark
has been damaged. Gums form a barier (instead of the bark) to protect the
cambium layer which is responsible for the growth and repair of structural parts
of the plant. This is often seen as a gummy exudate produced by many plants when
the bark is damaged.
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Mucilages and Gums (Polysaccharides): Widely
present in the plant kingdom these substances are hydrophilic, being able to
attract and bind with a volume of water that far exceeds the mass of the gum or
mucilage. Apart from their propensity to attract
water, Mucilages and Gums are virtually inert and also almost fully indigestible.
Generally the small amount of digestion that happens extracts very little sugar and no
noteworthy pharmacological effect. Because of
this neutrality and indigestibility their value if ingested is that they are
demulcent - which means that they coat and protect the lining of the gastric
tract, if applied externally they are emollient - which means that they coat and
protect the skin. |
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| Various other Polysaccharides. Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides (Glycans) are polymers that are
made up as sugar chains. Polysaccharides making up the gums and mucilages, occur
in every plant. Polysaccharides are virtually indigestible and therefore
have little or no effect if ingested. Polysaccharides are mostly inert and the
majority are not soluble in water or organic solvents. Most gums will absorb
water to the point where they become a sticky gel.
|
Mucilages and Gums (Polysaccharides): Widely
present in the plant kingdom these substances are hydrophilic, being able to
attract and bind with a volume of water that far exceeds the mass of the gum or
mucilage. Apart from their propensity to attract
water, Mucilages and Gums are virtually inert and also almost fully indigestible.
Generally the small amount of digestion that happens extracts very little sugar and no
noteworthy pharmacological effect. Because of
this neutrality and indigestibility their value if ingested is that they are
demulcent - which means that they coat and protect the lining of the gastric
tract, if applied externally they are emollient - which means that they coat and
protect the skin. |
|
Contraindications,
do not use if: | | Use for short periods only | | | | | | | | We
at Beneforce are certainly not experts in the use of every herb. In our studies
and research we do come across warnings that a herb should not be used in
certain circumstances or for certain conditions and ailments. Where possible we
will reflect these on our pages but cannot guarantee that for any herb our list
of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Administered
as/Available in: | | Fresh root | Dried
root | Powder | | Capsules | Tablets | Tinture |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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