The Multiple Benefits and Uses of Astragalus

In my last post, I announced that I would not be getting vaccinated against influenza this flu season. Some might think -

"This is madness!"

Not so! I simply prefer to trust my health to interventions that have more than an odd 60 years to prove their efficacy (and are not driven by financial agendas). As such, I give you - Astragalus!

Astragalus was first recorded in Shen Nong's Materia Medica about two thousand years ago. It was believed to stimulate the immune system, have antioxidant function and treat viral infections. As such, astragalus root is still considered among the most important and popular herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for health, energy and the strengthening of Qi.

No doubt some people were tempted to tune out when I made mention of TCM. However, as is oft' the case, science is only now discovering the mechanisms of action of various herbs and roots that have been known for eons as potent tonics and remedies for various conditions. 

The Evidence:

Studies using various experimental models indicate that astragalus has immune-modulating properties. Specifically, it stimulates macrophage (white blood cells) activity and enhances antibody responses. In fact, in vivo studies have observed that astragalus stimulates the immune system, even in the presence of therapies which are immunosuppressive (e.g. x-rays, corticosteroids, cytoxoins). 

If that wasn't enough studies of astragalus polysaccharides indicate they exert significant biological effects such as increasing cellular and humoral immune responses as well as increasing gut flora. The latter suggests that astragalus may impart beneficial immune effects within the GI tract.

That's Not All

Believe me when I say that astragalus has a WIDE range of evidence-based benefits. As suggested by TCM, the herb has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. In addition, animal studies indicate that it may have a role as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of various cancers through demonstrated anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumour effects.

The more promiscuous reader may wish to exercise caution with this supplement as astragalus has shown a significant effect on human sperm motility in vitro, when compared with controls.

Dosage:

According to Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide (3rd Edition), the dosage ranges for astragalus are as follows:

• Dried Root: 2 - 30g / day
• Liquid Extract (1:2): 4.5 - 8.5ml / day
• Decoction: 8 - 12g divided into two doses daily on an empy stomach

In terms of contraindicates and precautions, Traditional Chinese Medicine dictates that astragalus should not be used during the acute stages of an infection. That is, once the physiological symptoms occur, soon after onset of infection.

References:

Chu, D. T., Wong, W.L., & Mavligit, G. M. (1988). Immunotherapy with Chinese mdicinal herbs. J Clin Lab Immunol 25(3), 119-23.

Jin, R., et al (1999). Studies on pharmacological junctions of hairy root of Astragalus membranaceus. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 24(10), 619-21, 639.

Jiao, Y., et al (1999). Influence of flavonoid of Astragalus membranaceus' stem and leaves on the function of cell mediated immunity in mice. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 19(6), 356-8.

Guo, F. C., et al. (2004). Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides on cellural and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens. Poult Sci, 83(7), 1124-32.

Liu, J. P., et al. (2004). Effects of several Chinese herbal aqueous extracts on human sperm motility in vitro. Andrologia, 36(2), 78-83.

Lau, B.H., et al. (1994). Chinese medicinal herbs inhibit growth of murine renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Biother, 9(2), 153-61.

Luo, Y., et al. (2004). Astragaloside IV protects against ischemic brain injury in a murine model of transient focal ischemia. Neurosci Lett, 363(3), 218-23.

L. Braun, & M. Cohen (2010).Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence Based Guide (3rd Edition). Churchill Livingstone Publishing, NSW, Australia.

Flu Vaccines: Worth Our While?

Flu Season is fast approaching and, if major news networks are to be believed, an unstoppable flu pandemic is following fast on it's heels. As such, the big question becomes - will the media push be enough to scare enough of the populous into vaccinating so that the pharmaceutical companies funding it turn a profit?

Don't get me wrong. I believe that CERTAIN vaccines have a place within our society. However, for something as trivial as the flu (given you're not an elderly individual, with compromised health) why subject yourself to all of the nasty additives and preservatives commonly found in vaccines.

Sounds like propaganda doesn't it? It's not! By the Centre for Disease Control's (CDC) own admission, the most common additions to vaccinations are -

• Aluminum, which is added as an adjuvant to help the vaccine stimulate a better response.
• Antibiotics, to prevent the growth of germs during production and storage of the vaccine.
• Egg protein.
• Formaldehyde, used to inactivate bacterial products of toxoid vaccines (and to preserve dead bodies).
• MSG, which is added as a stabilizer.
• Thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative added to vaccines that contain more than one dose to prevent contamination.

Before anybody jumps to explain the difference between ethyl and methyl mercury, I'd like to point out that "it's all mercury" to me. Claims to the contrary would be the equivalent of suggesting that magnesium 'theonate' is not magnesium because it isn't in the 'citrate' form. 

In addition,it is important to note that the flu virus evolves yearly. As such, the current vaccine will immunise you from the former strain, rather than it's current form. It will take some months before an up-to-date vaccine is ready to ship and, by that time, Flu Season will be in recession. 

Naturally the choice to vaccinate is yours. But as for me, I'll be looking to natural ways of boosting my immune system in order to prevent the onset of flu symptoms rather than adding the above list to my innards.

Genki Tip: A Quick Fix For Garlic Breath

The history of using garlic to fight disease (and vampires) goes back thousands of years. Garlic is a potent antimicrobial agent and has been found to have potential in the prevention of cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that is a leading cause of death among diabetics. With benefits like these, it is unfortunate that the compliance record for garlic consumption is negatively effected by the characteristic breath that results from eating garlic-heavy food!

Luckily, the department of Food Science and Technology at Ohio State University has come to garlic’s rescue! Their 2010 study demonstrated that drinking milk during the consumption of garlic-based meals can reduce the unpleasant mouth-odour that would, normally, result. Due to a higher fat content, whole milk was found to be more effective. In addition, drinking milk post garlic consumption will still assist in masking odour. However, simultaneous intake with garlic-infused meals was found to have the greatest effect!

Take-Away Message -

Garlic is an fantastic source of magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium. Now, thanks to the brilliant scientists at Ohio State University, you need fear garlic-breath NO MORE!

Just keep a refreshing glass of raw, grass-fed milk by your plate and watch the negatives of garlic fly out of the window, leaving just it’s overwhelming positive effects.


Reference:

Hansanugrum, A., & Barringer, S. A. (2010). Effect of Milk on the Deodorization of Malodorous Breath after Garlic Ingestion. Journal of Food Science, 2010; 75 (6): DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01715.x