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Astragalus root is widely used in Traditional Chinese medicine for its tonifying properties. Studies done in China suggest that astragalus, when used with angelica, has reno protective effects. In addition, astragalus decreases the proteinuria associated with idiopathic membranous nephropathy and exhibits natriuretic action. Astragalus may also suppress airway hyper reactivity associated with allergic asthma in vivo. It also increases M-cholinergic receptor density in senile rats, which suggests that it may have a role in combating senility. Astragalus extract acts as a nerve-growth promoting factor in vitro and in vivo, and alleviates obstructive uropathy in mice in combination Angelica sinensis and standard care.
An herbal formula containing astragalus as a major ingredient has been shown to reduce fatigue in athletes.
Astragalus extracts inhibit tumor growth, delay chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats, and have antiangiogenic property. In vitro, animal, and anecdotal human data show that astragalus reduces immune suppression, a side effect of chemotherapy, and may also enhance the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy.
Conclusions from a meta-analysis suggest benefits of astragalus-based treatments for hepatocellular cancers, but data need to be evaluated in larger, well designed trials.
Improvement in quality of life was reported following use of an injectable form of astragalus with vinorelbine and cisplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, it is not known whether orally administered astragalus will exert the same effect.
Patients taking immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus or cyclosporin) should not take this supplement.