Astragalus root is used in traditional medicine for its immunestimulating properties. Chinese studies suggest that astragalus, when used with angelica, has renal protective effects (6). In addition, astragalus decreases the proteinuria associated with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (7) as well as possesses natriuretic action (8). Astragalus may also suppress airway hyperreactivity associated with allergic asthma in vivo (9). An herbal formula using astragalus as a major ingredient has been shown to reduce fatigue in athletes (10). Furthermore, astragalus increases M-cholinergic receptor density in senile rats (11), which suggests that it may have a role in combating senility.
[Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis]
Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF.
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 Feb;24(2):121-3. Chinese.
PMID: 15015443
Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review.
Block KI, Mead MN.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Sep;2(3):247-67. Review.
PMID: 15035888
DOI: 10.1177/1534735403256419
Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides and astragalosides on the phagocytosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by macrophages.
Xu HD, You CG, Zhang RL, Gao P, Wang ZR.
J Int Med Res. 2007 Jan-Feb;35(1):84-90.
PMID: 17408058
Effects of Astragalus membranaceus in promoting T-helper cell type 1 polarization and interferon-gamma production by up-regulating T-bet expression in patients with asthma.
Wang G, Liu CT, Wang ZL, Yan CL, Luo FM, Wang L, Li TQ.
Chin J Integr Med. 2006 Dec;12(4):262-7.
PMID: 17361521
In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus.
Cho WC, Leung KN.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Aug 15;113(1):132-41. Epub 2007 May 31.
PMID: 17611061
doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.05.020
Evaluation of widely consumed botanicals as immunological adjuvants.
Ragupathi G, Yeung KS, Leung PC, Lee M, Lau CB, Vickers A, Hood C, Deng G, Cheung NK, Cassileth B, Livingston P.
Vaccine. 2008 Sep 2;26(37):4860-5. Epub 2008 Jul 18.
PMID: 18640165
[Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]
Duan P, Wang ZM.
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jul;22(7):515-7. Chinese.
PMID: 12592686
Traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus reverses predominance of Th2 cytokines and their up-stream transcript factors in lung cancer patients.
Wei H, Sun R, Xiao W, Feng J, Zhen C, Xu X, Tian Z.
Oncol Rep. 2003 Sep-Oct;10(5):1507-12.
PMID: 12883732
In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of Astragalus membranaceus.
Cho WC, Leung KN.
Cancer Lett. 2007 Jul 8;252(1):43-54. Epub 2007 Jan 16.
PMID: 17223259
doi:10.1016/j.canlet.2006.12.001
Whilst the medical profession views genital herpes as incurable, it has been discovered that with natural medicine, it can be reversed. Herbs such as galangal, lapacho, astragalus, una de gato (also known as Cat's Claw), myrrh, ligustrum and pansy are antiviral. Thyme, licorice, and cayenne are all herbs that specifically fight the herpes virus.\n\nReishi, which is a mushroom, boosts the immune system and is also antiviral. Lysine is an amino acid which is known to control and aid in the prevention of Herpes.\n\nThuja cream and propolis can be put directly onto the skin to soothe the irritation caused by the blisters, as well as combat herpes itself.\n\nTo reverse herpes, as well as defend against its return, a healthy immune system is vital. Echinacea, vitamin c, and zinc are some of the nutrients that help build healthy immunity.