The Herb that beats chemo!
Astragalus is a useful immune-boosting herb found in most parts of the world (many species). Chinese version is Huangqi; in the Western US, where I live, it’s milk vetch or locoweed.
Sloan-Kettering website has interesting well-referenced information:
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69128.cfm
Two studies showed it helped block the reduction in immune function that takes place after chemo.
Derived from the root of the plant. This product is primarily used for its immune stimulating properties. In vitro, animal, and anecdotal human data show reduction of immune suppression following chemotherapy (1). Astragalus-based herbal formulas may enhance the effect of platinum-based chemotherapy (2).
One Chinese analysis (poor standard) showed Astragalus increases the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell-lung cancer. Thirty-four randomized studies involving 2,815 patients were analyzed. Results suggest that when used in conjunction with platinum-based chemotherapy, Astragalus-based medicine improved survival, tumor response, performance status, and reduced chemotherapy toxicity when compared with chemotherapy alone.
However, the low quality of the studies analysed is a drawback and the results are therefore, not conclusive. Well-designed studies are warranted (3).
Astragalus can also delay chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats (4).
Four clinical trials were reviewed to assess the effectiveness of Astragalus (Huangqi) compounds on the quality of life, side effects of chemotherapy, and on adverse effects in colorectal cancer patients. A decoction of Huangqi compounds was used in combination with chemotherapy in three studies, whereas the fourth study compared Huangqi compounds with two other Chinese herbal formulas.
Patients who were given Huangqi compounds experienced a reduction in nausea and vomiting along with a decrease in the typical loss of whuite cells after chemo. Patients receiving chemotherapy alone were controls.
Sloan-Kettering keeps complaining that Chinese studies are of poor quality (true); but what about the very poor quality indeed of most orthodox papers that are trying to hustle in new expensive drug therapies? Those are REALLY bad (by intention).
Mechanism of Action: Astragalus works by stimulating several factors of the immune system. The polysaccharides potentiate in vitro the immune-mediated antitumor activity of interleukin-2 (6), improve the responses of lymphocytes from normal subjects and cancer patients, and enhance the natural killer cell activity of normal subjects and potentiate activity of monocytes (7).
PAGE 148 Cance r Confidential Keith Scott-Mumby MD, MBChB, PhDSafety
To date, no significant adverse events have been reported. Patients on immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus or cyclosporin) should not take this supplement; it wouldn’t make sense.
Herbal astragalus preparations should be administered only by oral route.
Obligatory Legal Disclaimer: This research information is provided for personal educational purposes only, and does not constitute a medical claim for any product of any nature whatsoever. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for the diagnosis and treatment of any disease, ailment or medical condition. These Statements have not been approved by the FDA.