09/05/2019 / By Janine Acero
For many years, traditional healers have relied on herbal medicines to address illnesses, including the threat of cancer. One of these herbs is astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), an adaptogen used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Researchers from the Hong Kong Baptist University recently reviewed the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of A. membranaceus. Their findings were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
A. membranaceus is used in TCM to make herbal formulations for the treatment of various diseases and disorders. It has been actively investigated in recent years for its chemical constituents and potential against inflammatory diseases and cancers.
Chemotherapy has many negative side effects. Astragalus-based treatments, on the other hand, can significantly ameliorate the toxicity induced by orthodox drugs, such as immunosuppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics. Contemporary use of A. membranaceus mainly focuses on its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
The researchers determined the properties of A. membranaceus and its major constituents based on experimental and clinical studies. The major components of A. membranaceus are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins.
They also highlighted the antitumor mechanisms of a novel astragalus saponins extract (AST) that can be used to treat various gastrointestinal cancers.
Moreover, the researchers discussed how astragalus and AST influence the immune system, modulate various cancer signaling pathways, and interact with specific transcription molecules to protect against gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers.
The researchers believe that their findings could help experts develop novel target-specific and effective therapeutic agents that do not cause major systemic side effects for a better treatment regimen against inflammatory diseases and cancers of the gut.
Astragalus, also known as huang qi, offers more health benefits than just anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Here are some of them. (h/t to Healthline.com)
Note that this herb is not a silver bullet for all these conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider before supplementing with astragalus or other herbal medicines.
Though astragalus is generally safe, the following people should avoid it:
Did you know that astragalus has beneficial effects on the nervous system as well? Visit ChineseMedicine.news to find out more.
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