What Is the Scientific Evidence for Astragalus?
Although Chinese herbal tradition suggests that astragalus should generally be used in combination with other herbs, modern Chinese investigators have found various intriguing effects when astragalus is taken by itself. Extracts of astragalus have been found to stimulate parts of the immune system in mice and humans, and to increase the survival time of mice infected with various diseases. 2,3 Astragalus has also been shown to enhance diuresis (urine output) by encouraging the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine.12 Other highly preliminary research suggests that astragalus might be useful in treating atherosclerosis , hyperthyroidism , hypertension , insomnia , diabetes , chronic active hepatitis , genital herpes , AIDS , and increase the efficacy and/or reduce the side effects of cancer chemotherapy . 4-9, 11 However, none of these possibilities can be regarded as proven.
