Herbal Fortress® Astragalus Forté

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• Standardized Extract – Laboratory Tested, Quality Guaranteed
• Helps Maintain a Strong Immune System **
• 500mg Astragalus Root Extract
• 16% Polysaccharides, 0.2% flavones
• Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus/ Pin Yin: Huang Qi
• 60 Vegetarian capsules/bottle Dose: 1 capsule/2-3x/day taken with warm water or tea. May be taken with food or between meals.

“Throughout our lives our immune systems are under assault from environmental toxins. Living in crowded cities, traveling frequently in airplanes, and spending time in day care centers and schools all expose us to many more germs than people had to deal with in the past. We can protect and strengthen our immunity by eating right, getting enough activity and rest, practicing stress reduction, and cultivating healthy emotional states.

There are also several tonic herbs, astragalus being one of the best, that can help maintain a strong immune system. Obtained from the root of Astragalus membranaceous in the pea family, astragalus has a long history in Chinese medicine for prevention of disease. Astragalus in TCM has a special affinity for the ‘metal’ element and benefits the lung, large intestine and skin. And due to the body/mind connection can be beneficial for anyone dealing with stress. According to Dr. Weil Astragalus can be beneficial for:

• People who “get everything going around”
• Those with immune deficiencies
• Healthy people year round*

Look for standardized extracts in capsules and follow package directions.” From: Daily Tips: Featured Herb – Astragalus DrWeil.com 12/21/05

*What is Astragalus?

Astragalus is a tonic herb from the legume family. It is indigenous to China and has been used as a preventive health tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine since ancient times. The botanical name of Astragalus is: Astragalus membranaceus. Astragalus is one of the herbs known to stimulate the body’s natural production of interferon. It is known as a “Chi” tonic or replenisher. Chi is a concept in Chinese Medicine of the body’s “Vital Life Energy”. Astragalus is suitable for long-term use as an important aid in supporting the body’s natural defense system*.

*How does Astragalus work?

The Astragalus root is the part containing the active ingredients and it is used as an immunomodulator, meaning it balances and helps maintain a healthy immune system. The constituents of the root include: Polysaccharides, choline, betaine, rumatakenin, [beta]-sitosterol*. Astragalus was first referenced in the original material medica of the late Han period in China. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is considered sweet and slightly warming. It is considered to be very safe and non-toxic and may be consumed daily. It is well known for its ability to strengthen and support the body’s immune system. Astragalus has become an important botanical in the West since research demonstrating its immunoprotective effects have been documented. Astragalus is an ideal tonic for anyone who wants to help maintain a strong immune system*. Astragalus is also an important adaptogenic herb used to invigorate and balance the immune system. Astragalus is a natural anti-viral agent, and it may be taken preventively. Astragalus helps promote the bodies own healing and protective energy. In ancient times (and still in parts of modern Asia), Astragalus root was cooked with food and has been revered for centuries for health protection.*

*Health benefits of Astragalus

Astragalus also helps to balance night or day sweats by what is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine is its ability to help build Yin and Blood as well as the protective Chi in the body. In Western Medicine, Astragalus has been shown to benefit the immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity, and by boosting bodies’ production of antibodies and interferon. Astragalus has numerous immune enhancing benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, long-term intake of Astragalus builds Chi (Vital Life Energy) in the body. This extra Chi helps to prevent depletion of our resources. Astragalus in combination with Dong Quai improves the circulation of Chi and blood in the skin making it more supple and healthy*.

Cautions

Astragalus has shown no toxicity with long term use. Astragalus should be discontinued when experiencing excess heat in the body as it is a warming herb. It should be discontinued when there are symptoms of fever, dry cough, or constipation. When these symptoms are not present Astragalus may be continued and taken daily. As with all herbal and dietary supplements, you should always inform your physician about what you are taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions*.

RESEARCH

1. Immunotherapy with Chinese Medicinal Herbs. Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro. Chu-DT; Wong-WL; Mavligit-GM. J Clin Lab Immunol 1988 Mar 25(3):119-23
2. Hepatoprotective Effects of Astragalus Root. Zhang-ZL; Wen-QZ; Liu-CX. J Ethnopharmacol 1990 Sep 30(2):145-9
3. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus On Natural Killer Cell Activity and Induction of Alpha and Gamma Interferon in Patients With Coxsackie B Viral Myocarditis. Yang-YZ; Jin-PY; Guo-Q; Wang-QD; Li-ZS; Ye-YC; Shan-YF; Zhao-HY; Zhu-JR; Pu-SY; Chen-HZ. Chin Med J 1990 Apr; 103(4):304-7
4. Botanical Influences on Cardiovascular Disease. Miller-AL. Alternat Med Rev 1998 Dec 3(6):422-31 … Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herb, is often used as a “Qi tonifier” and has been studied for its therapeutic benefit in treatment of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and relief of anginal pain. Clinical studies have indicated that its in-vitro antioxidant activity is the mechanism by which it affords its cardioprotective benefit.
5. Alternat Med Rev 1998 Oct; 3(5):338-44 ABSTRACT: Although Astragalus, Ligusticum and Schizandrae have a long history of medicinal use within the traditional Chinese system, only recently has the West begun to understand their pharmacological possibilities and clinical applications. Astragalus has demonstrated a wide range of immunopotentiating effects and has proven efficacious as an adjunct cancer therapy.

REFERENCES

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 509653.
2. Foster S, Chongxi Y. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 279633.
3. Shu HY. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Palos Verdes, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Press, 1986, 5219623.20.