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

• Common cold.
• Allergic rhinitis.

Action

Astragalus 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 (IL-2) levels.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Improved immune response.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• No known contraindications.

Use Cautiously in:

• Pregnancy and lactation;
• May exacerbate autoimmune diseases.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

GI: nausea

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

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

Interactions

Natural Drug Interaction

• May reduce the effects of immunosuppressants.
• May reduce excretion and increase levels of  lithium.

Natural-Natural:

None.

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): Allergic rhinitis: 160 mg of astragalus root extract twice daily.  Common cold prevention: 4–7 g per day.

Availability

Capsules: 470 mg

Assessment

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

Potential Diagnoses

• Risk for infection (Indications) 

Implementation

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

Patient/Family Teaching

• Discuss purpose of astragalus with patient.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Improvement in symptoms of cold or allergic rhinitis.