Used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, some healing properties of huang qi, the Astragalus membranaceus root, are being confirmed by western medical science methods.
Huang Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Astragalus is a tonic herb used to boost essence or Qi. It has long been a part of formulas designed to treat Deficiency of Spleen Qi, which may manifest as fatigue, lack of appetite and diarrhea. It is also used to enhance the Wei (Protective) Qi, which corresponds to aspects of the immune system.
Recent research has confirmed that astragalus contains antioxidants and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers blood pressure and increases endurance in some situations.
Huang Qi Used on Chemo and Radiation Patients
Radiation and chemotherapy, while beneficial in destroying cancer cells, also compromises the immune system. It has been shown that astragalus enhances the recovery of patients from these therapies. Life expectancy may also be extended in these cases.
Astragalus and HIV Treatment
An extract from astragalus is being studied as a way to help the immune system fight HIV/AIDs.
Killer T-cells, immune system cells that fight infection, are a critical part of the body’s ability to fight viruses like HIV. Telomeres, caps of repetitive DNA that occur at the ends of chromosomes, protect the ends from fusing with other chromosomes or rearranging themselves, which can develop into cancer or other abnormalities.
But the telomeres shorten as cells get older. An enzyme, telomerase, rebuilds those shortened telomeres and now is believed to enhance anti-viral activity as well. An extract from the astragalus root, called TAT2, is providing a source of telomerase.
HIV patients who do not develop AIDs symptoms often have killer t-cells with long telomeres and high telomerase levels. For those patients with shorter telomeres and lower telomerase activity, TAT2 may strengthen the immune response improving HIV treatment success.
Anti-aging Properties of Astragalus
This same process of using TAT2 from astragalus to enhance telomerase production, reduce telomere shortening and increase the ability of cells to divide is being looked at as a way of slowing the aging process at a cellular level. But research into this potential use for astragalus is just beginning.
In the meantime, for those who fit the Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns for which huang qi is appropriate, may find it useful in enhancing their immune response and improving their overall health.
Other Sources:
Bensky, D. and Gamble, A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Revised Edition. 1993. Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle WA
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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