Astragalus is a complex combination of polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, amino acids, and trace minerals. Astragalus extract appears to restore T-cell (a specific type of white blood cell) counts to relatively normal ranges in some cancer patients. Astragalus polysaccharides have been shown to stimulate pituitary-adrenal cortical activity and restore depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Again, confirming traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus has been shown to stimulate the body’s natural production of interferon, and is also useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, chemotherapy support, common cold/sore throat, and immune function.

Astragalus is now prescribed, in both the East and the West, for immunocompromised people, who easily “catch” illnesses. This product is safe to use repeatedly on a daily basis. Research in China has demonstrated increased survival in patients receiving both herbal and Western therapies, as well as protection from the immunosuppressive effects of the latter. Studies in the West confirm that astragalus enhances immune function by increasing activity of several kinds of white blood cells and boosting production of antibodies and interferon, the body’s own antiviral agent. Other uses include toning the immune system of the lungs and immune deficiency that lead to spontaneous sweating. It is also used for spleen qi deficiency with symptoms of weak, low metabolism; edema; and prolapse of internal organs, as it raises the spleen yang and qi. It can be used for qi and blood deficiency caused by loss of blood or after childbirth.

Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the medicinal value of astragalus. One found enhancement response and has claimed astragalus to be able to activate immune cells in human subjects. Another reported an inverse association between astragalus and viral diseases. Astragalus has been claimed to be able to activate immune cells in human subjects.