astragalus

General

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

Pronunciation:
a-strag-uh-luh-s


Trade Name(s)

  • Astragali Membranaceus
  • Membranous Milk Vetch

Ther. Class.

allergy, cold and cough remedies

Common Uses

  • Prevention of common cold.
  • Allergic rhinitis.

Action

Has antioxidant effects. It inhibits free radical production, increases superoxide dismutase, and decreases lipid peroxidation. Astragalus potentiates effects of interferon, increases antibody levels of IgA and IgG in nasal secretions, and increases interleukin-2 levels.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Improved immune response.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknownunknown

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

  • None.

Use Cautiously in:

  • Autoimmune disease (may worsen)
  • OB:   Safety not established in pregnancy;
  • Lactation:  Safety not established in breastfeeding.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

GI: nausea

Misc: immunosuppression (with doses >28 g/day)

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Natural Drug Interaction

Route/Dosage

Common Cold Prevention

PO (Adults): 4–7 g/day.

Allergic Rhinitis

PO (Adults): 160 mg of astragalus root extract twice daily.

Availability

Capsules: 470 mg

Assessment

  • Assess signs/symptoms of cold and rhinitis (congestion, runny nose, aches).

Implementation

  • PO May be taken as capsules. Also available as a tincture or fluid extract.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Explain purpose and side effects of astragalus with patient.
  • Advise patient to consider discontinuing astragalus prior to elective surgery, as it may ↑ risk of bleeding.
  • Advise patients with autoimmune disease to use with caution due to the immunostimulating properties of astragalus.
  • Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
  • Rep:  Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Improvement in symptoms of cold or allergic rhinitis.