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Family:
Fabaceae/Papilionaceae
Organ Meridian Systems :
Lung, Spleen
Properties :
Sweet, Slightly Warm
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Huang Qi Root or Astragalus, has been extensively tested both chemically and pharmacologically in China and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is currently used in China and Vietnam for its immune supportive and tonic properties to fortify the body's defense mechanisms while lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.*
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), huang qi (Astragalus membranaceus) is "classified as an herb that tonifies the qi" (i.e., vital internal energy). Huang Qi (Astragalus Membranaceus) contains flavonoids, polysacchsarides, amino acids, trace minerals and triterpene glycosides such as the astragalosides I-VII.
There has been several preliminary clinical trials in China suggesting that Huang Qi can benefit immune and heart functions. Recent research in the West has shown that the root can restore normal immune function in cancer patients.1
1. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. I. Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro. J Clin Lab Immunol . 1988a;25(3):119-123.
Additional information about the benefits of Astragalus can be found on the University of Maryland Medical Center site at http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/Astragalusch.html
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