Astragalus (plant)
Astragalus
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with roots and root stalks used in various herbal remedies. Traditionally, it has been employed for its purported benefits on immune function and to treat conditions such as fatigue, colds, and respiratory issues; however, specific uses vary across different traditions and are not uniformly documented. Scientific evidence suggests that Astragalus may have potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in combination with other herbs like Curcuma zedoaria. Additionally, studies indicate that compounds from Astragalus, such as AmCHI, play a role in flavonoid biosynthesis influenced by exogenous hormones. In animal models, supplementation with both Astragalus and fermented Astragalus has shown improvements in lactation performance and antioxidant capacity among Turpan black sheep, though the effects were not identical between the two treatments. Furthermore, Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills containing Astragalus have been found to alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced fibrotic injury by targeting the TGF-β/Periostin pathway. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data; no major issues have been recorded. There is also no evidence of significant drug interactions with Astragalus, though further research would be beneficial for a comprehensive understanding.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that Astragalus-Curcuma zedoaria combination modulates gene expression and targets vascular endothelial cells in lung squamous cell carcinoma.
- The study found that AmCHI from Astragalus mongholicus plays a key role in flavonoid biosynthesis, influenced by exogenous hormones.
- Supplementation with both Astragalus and fermented Astragalus improved lactation performance and antioxidant capacity in Turpan black sheep, though effects varied between the two treatments.
- The study found that Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills, containing Astragalus, alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced fibrotic injury by targeting the TGF-β/Periostin pathway.
- Astragalus extract showed superior efficacy in the six-minute walk test (89.5%) among plant extracts evaluated for heart failure patients, though results are based on limited studies.
- A network meta-analysis suggested that adding oral traditional Chinese medicine containing Astragalus to Western medicine treatment may improve various aspects of heart failure management, but more research is needed.
- The study found that formononetin and salvianolic acid B from Astragalus inhibit pancreatic cancer progression by downregulating MBOAT2 and suppressing the JAK/STAT pathway.
- This review proposes a three-phase strategy using plant-derived compounds to sequentially disrupt, awaken, and kill bacterial persisters within biofilms.
Frequently asked questions
What is Astragalus (plant)?
Astragalus (plant) (Astragalus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Astragalus (plant)?
8 sourced findings are recorded for Astragalus (plant); the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that Astragalus-Curcuma zedoaria combination modulates gene expression and targets vascular endothelial cells in lung squamous cell carcinoma.
How strong is the evidence for Astragalus (plant)?
The strongest finding for Astragalus (plant) carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Astragalus (plant) safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Astragalus (plant) in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Astragalus (plant) interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Astragalus (plant) in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Astragalus (plant)?
Astragalus (plant) is also known as: астрагал, Astragale.
Is Astragalus (plant) a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 The clinical efficacy of Astragalus-containing Chinese patent medicines in the effective treatment of heart failure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The effects of supplementing Astragalus and fermented Astragalus on lactation performance, rumen microbiota, and lamb weight gain in Turpan black sheep. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Functional characterization of type I chalcone isomerase AmCHI from Astragalus mongholicus and its response mechanism to exogenous hormones. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrating Seropharmacology, Network Pharmacology, and Single-Cell Transcriptomics to Decipher the Dual Anti-Tumor Mechanisms of Astragalus-Curcuma zedoaria in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills Alleviate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Fibrotic Injury by Inhibiting Fibroblast Activation via the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta/Periostin Pathway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Targeting pancreatic cancer progression: The formononetin and salvianolic acid B combination suppresses JAK/STAT signaling via MBOAT2 downregulation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Sequential eradication of bacterial persisters: integrating phytochemical pharmacology with microenvironment-responsive delivery strategies. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Efficacy of plant extracts in heart failure patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata