Guest guest Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 check with your doctors before taking any herbs or other supplements if you have a transplant, they will probably want you to stop taking all herbs and supplements Pink Joyce R (IPF 3/06) IFA 5/09 Pennsylvania Donate Life Listed 1/09 Inactive 4/09 www.transplantfund.org--- Subject: Astragalus herbTo: "Breath Support" <Breathe-Support >Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8:33 PM Has anyone heard of the Astragauls herb supplement for boosting the immune system and preventing viruses? Here is the info I found. Astragalus (herb) What is it? Astragalus is an herb from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which is traditionally used for its immune enhancing properties, but is also recommended in TCM for "deficiency of chi" (life force) – which might include symptoms such as lack of energy and fatigue. The plant is native to Northern China and Mongolia and there are over 2,000 types of astragalus worldwide. Claims Stimulates immune system Provides cancer protection Acts as an adaptogen (non-specific resistance to stress) Boosts energy levels Theory Several chemical constituents of astragalus have been identified as potential active compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and glycosides. Astragalus is often combined with other adaptogenic herbs, such as ginseng, and promoted as a guard against various internal and external stressors. Combination of astragalus with echinacea is common for protection against common infections of the mucous membranes (cold and flu). Scientific Support Most of the scientific data on astragalus comes from Chinese clinical evidence, where astragalus appears to stimulate the immune system in patients with infections. At least one clinical trial in the U.S. has shown astragalus to boost T-cell levels close to normal in some cancer patients, suggesting the possibility of a synergistic effect of astragalus with chemotherapy. In animal studies, astragalus extracts have been shown effective in preventing infection of mice by influenza virus, possibly by increasing the phagocytotic activity of the white blood cells of the immune system. Safety When used as recommended, astragalus has no known side effects, but gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea are possible at high intakes. Value Astragalus is available as a single-ingredient supplement, but it may be even more effective in lower doses (100-200 mg/day) when combined with other immune-stimulating herbs and nutrients. Approximately 500 mg per day is recommended for stimulation of the immune system and to provide resistance to the effects of stress. Divided doses of 250 mg per day of a standardized root extract are preferred. C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 Thanks Joyce. I sometimes forget that I need to check with my doc about that kind of stuff. C_53_Familial IPF_5/09WashingtonTo: Breathe-Support Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 6:28:50 PMSubject: Re: Astragalus herb check with your doctors before taking any herbs or other supplements if you have a transplant, they will probably want you to stop taking all herbs and supplements Pink Joyce R (IPF 3/06) IFA 5/09 Pennsylvania Donate Life Listed 1/09 Inactive 4/09 www.transplantfund. org From: worth <hope2thend (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>Subject: Astragalus herbTo: "Breath Support" <Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com>Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8:33 PM Has anyone heard of the Astragauls herb supplement for boosting the immune system and preventing viruses? Here is the info I found. Astragalus (herb) What is it? Astragalus is an herb from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which is traditionally used for its immune enhancing properties, but is also recommended in TCM for "deficiency of chi" (life force) – which might include symptoms such as lack of energy and fatigue. The plant is native to Northern China and Mongolia and there are over 2,000 types of astragalus worldwide. Claims Stimulates immune system Provides cancer protection Acts as an adaptogen (non-specific resistance to stress) Boosts energy levels Theory Several chemical constituents of astragalus have been identified as potential active compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and glycosides. Astragalus is often combined with other adaptogenic herbs, such as ginseng, and promoted as a guard against various internal and external stressors. Combination of astragalus with echinacea is common for protection against common infections of the mucous membranes (cold and flu). Scientific Support Most of the scientific data on astragalus comes from Chinese clinical evidence, where astragalus appears to stimulate the immune system in patients with infections. At least one clinical trial in the U.S. has shown astragalus to boost T-cell levels close to normal in some cancer patients, suggesting the possibility of a synergistic effect of astragalus with chemotherapy. In animal studies, astragalus extracts have been shown effective in preventing infection of mice by influenza virus, possibly by increasing the phagocytotic activity of the white blood cells of the immune system. Safety When used as recommended, astragalus has no known side effects, but gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea are possible at high intakes. Value Astragalus is available as a single-ingredient supplement, but it may be even more effective in lower doses (100-200 mg/day) when combined with other immune-stimulating herbs and nutrients. Approximately 500 mg per day is recommended for stimulation of the immune system and to provide resistance to the effects of stress. Divided doses of 250 mg per day of a standardized root extract are preferred. C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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