Traditional Uses

• Strengthens the defenses of the body including the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and the glandular/hormonal systems
• Acts as a diuretic (increases urine production)

Mode of Action

• Astragalus has been shown to have hypotensive action (lowers blood pressure) probably due to the presence of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in its roots
• GABA may also be responsible for the vasodilating (relaxing the blood vessels), antiadregenic (offsets the work of the male hormone androgen) and diuretic (urine producing) effects of the herb
• Activates the non-specific (cell-mediated) immune factors, part of your body’s natural defenses

Drug Interactions

• None found

Cautions

• Do not use in autoimmune disease. (The activation of the immune system may reactivate autoimmune disease in remission)

Recommended Dose

• 400 mg three times a day. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Elias, 1995; Nutriceutica 1998; Foster, 1996