Astragalus is marketed and sold as a health supplement in North America and so distinctly different from pharmaceutical brand medications [which require stringent testing before they hit the market] it does not need to acquire Federal approval from the FDA that is evidence that is both safe and effective. This on the condition they do not make any wild claims the astragalus product is found to cure certain specific diseases.

There is no guarantee that you will be getting what you pay for or what is actually printed on the packaging and there is always the risk of unwanted material mixed into the formula. You may not receive accurate dosage requirements and genuine quantities per dose may also be exaggerated or non-existent.

Many of these supplements lack the research data to determine whether there are any adverse reactions or contraindications with certain foods, conventional medications or similar herbs and health supplements. There are some papers published regarding these side effects and reactions but they are far from thorough. When a drug is approved federally by the FDA there are copious amounts of research results and testing data available to determine patient risk and benefit ratios. In the case of astragalus there is limited evidence and deficient reporting about these interactions and adverse health effects so caution is the rule.

Overall astragalus is thought to be relatively safe with few side effects being reported. Symptoms documented to this point consist of bloating in the stomach region, loose stools, low blood pressure, and dehydration. If you are afflicted with an autoimmune illness you should avoid astragalus until you speak to your physician. There are fears that astragalus could interfere with blood clotting and anyone consuming blood-thinning meds should be careful. Certainly before taking any herbal remedy you should discuss potential risks with your doctor and astragalus is no different.

Astragalus has actually been documented as lowering blood sugar levels in some individuals, which is bad news if you are a diabetic or suffer from hypoglycemia. There is always the potential to have an adverse reaction when combining herbs and conventional medications, some of which can be extremely dangerous. Though reactions are uncommon, be sure to speak to either your pharmacist or physician, preferably both, before commencing on a herbal health regimen if you are currently taking additional meds for an illness.

Play it safe and speak to an expert about your plans for astragalus and your health routine. It may well be safe for you but why risk it? Anyone with an illness that includes bleeding should avoid astragalus as should anyone preparing for surgery, stay away from it for two weeks leading up to the date of surgery. There is little if any information regarding the safety of astragalus and pregnant women or nursing mothers, until more research is completed they would be advised to avoid it.

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Astragalus is only now being studied by pharmaceutical companies to sort out its effectiveness and qualify the many claims of the benefits of astragalus on a person’s health. There are some exciting claims and proven theories about certain properties of two astragalus plants specifically. There is no doubt that astragalus is showing promise in combating immunity deficiency illnesses and scientists are studying the active ingredients in astragalus to ascertain its effective usage for the masses.

The evidence is limited at this time that astragalus can actually assist as a curative for the many diseases its being touted as a treatment for. There is evidence that it acts in a relief role against the side effects of conventional treatments such as chemo and radiation therapy. Both treatments take an extreme toll on the recipients and the cure is sometimes worse than the illness at the time of treatment.

When in combination with other herbs or even certain conventional medications, astragalus has been found to improve the effectiveness of these treatments and its own curative properties are seemingly enhanced. Since it is most often found in a combined mixture with other herbs it is really difficult to source out any specific health advantages due simply to astragalus. Ancient Chinese medicinal preparations will almost always have astragalus as part of the ingredients in soups and teas as well as in encapsulated powder formulas.

Some suggest that astragalus in its health supplement form is no more effective than if you were to judiciously continue your own basic vitamin regimen. This kind of talk certainly puts the damper on the excitement and much anticipated research results.

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Astragalus root has been used in Asia predominantly for centuries to help boost a person’s immunity so they can better fight against the common cold or influenza virus. There have been studies that indicate the antiviral elements and assistance to the immune system provided when taking astragalus. There has not been any actual independent research conducted that specifically investigates whether or not astragalus is effectual against rhinitis or the common cold in human beings.

Astragalus is known to be an antioxidant, therefore being administered for illnesses such as heart disease. As a herbal remedy experiments are being conducted to see if it is an effective therapy for those people that have weakened immunity due to a chronic illness or long-term condition. Today astragalus is available as a supplement in capsule or extract form and is becoming more popular as a tea. It is also found in its original root form but this type of astragalus is slightly more difficult to find. Health supplement stores, Asian herbal businesses, or authentic Asian grocers may also carry it.

Customary Chinese medicine enthusiasts would suggest ingesting astragalus as a defense against colds but to stay away from it if you are really sick. A good way to take your astragalus is in a soup or broth several times a week during the cold and flu season to prevent infection.

Astragalus has the ability to augment the effectiveness of other antiviral drugs such as interferon or acyclovir that could actually exacerbate the side effects you could naturally feel if taking these medications as part of a prescribed medical protocol. There is perhaps the chance it could offset any immune stifling medications like cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids. One could also experience a drop in their blood glucose level or blood pressure, which in turn may enhance the effectual nature of the drugs that combat these illnesses.

Clearly there are potential contraindications with astragalus if you are taking other more conventional medications prescribed by your physician. Astragalus can amplify the results attained from taking diuretics and prescribed blood thinners that are anti clotting or anti platelet drugs including such familiar ones as aspirin or Plavix and more obscure meds like ticlopidine [Ticlid] and Warfarin [Coumadin]. Anyone who is on any of these prescriptions should ask their primary health care provider if astragalus is a viable option for them.

Therefore, if you are suffering with a nasty cold or a bout of the flu, you really should just make a note that when you are eventually recovered it may not be a bad idea to supplement your immunity with astragalus in some form. There just isn’t enough evidentiary data to give a risk free recommendation to start using astragalus as a part of your health regimen unless you are already in reasonably good health and even then you should consult an expert herbalist or practitioner.

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People with certain illnesses and conditions should not use astragalus unless recommended by a qualified physician. These conditions include autoimmune diseases, cancer, and chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, or those individuals who have had surgery for transplants. As well, pregnant women and children should avoid using astragalus, as its safety for these groups of people is not known.

Astragalus may cause negative side effects by suppressing the usefulness of certain corticosteroid medications that include: Nasacort (triamcinolone), Beconase, Vancenase (beclomethasone), Decadron (dexamethasone), Deltasone (prednisone), hydrocortisone, Medrol (methylprednisolone), and prednisolone.
Other drugs that astragalus may interfere with include: Imuran (azathioprine), CellCept, cyclosporine, Prograf, Rapamune and Zenapak. These drugs act to control the immune system, and their usefulness may be affected.

Caution needs to be taken when taking astragalus if you are taking antiviral medications including acyclovir or interferon, as their potency can be increased, thereby magnifying their harmful side effects (including kidney failure).

Astragalus has been known to strengthen the effects of blood thinners and diuretics – examples are aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid) and warfarin (Coumadin). If you are taking these medications, do not take astragalus unless first consulting with a physician. Astragalus should be avoided by people suffering from bleeding disorders, and not taken within 2 weeks prior to or following surgery.

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