The course of the treatment ran for 8 weeks for both groups and blood white blood cell counts were monitored. The results showed that both groups had an increase in WBC count, but the WBC count average was much higher in those taking 30 grams of Astragalus. Based on the results provided the author suggests that Astragalus not only promotes an increase in WBC count, but is also an effective treatment for leucopenia. Unfortunately the study did not include a placebo or control group.

Besides the constituents discussed, the herb also contains a reasonably broad level of trace elements. More than 20 have been isolated with, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, rubidium, molybdenum and chromium being the major ones.

Pharmacological Activities.

Astragalus is a highly valued Chinese herbal tonic. Like Ginseng, its pharmacological properties are varied including immunopotentiating effects, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, the ability to promote nucleic acid synthesis in the liver and spleen, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory activity, cardiovascular tonic effects such as hypotensive and vasodilatory action as well as a possible blood glucose balancing action. The herb has also been found to increase superoxide dismutase activity thus acting as a powerful anti-oxidant as well as promoting cartilage growth in vitro.

Experiments also show astragalus to be liver cell protective in laboratory induced hepatitis by preventing liver glycogen reduction caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure. In conjunction with Silybum marianum (St Marys Thistle), it would appear that astragalus, with its anti-viral and liver protective action, may contribute many benefits in the treatment of Hepatitis C.
 

Together with the above actions, other research has found that the herb to be very useful in the treatment of kidney disease having the ability to reduce urinary protein in chronic and acute nephritis. These effects appear to be mainly due to the saponins and polysaccharides found in the herb.

Whole root extracts have also been shown to have a profound effect on phagocytic and macrophage activity. In a variety of studies involving mice, Astragalus was shown to enhance phagocytic activity and increase super-oxide production and acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages. These benefits appear to also be passed onto the humoral immunity. Oral doses of the dried extract when given to humans were shown to increse levels of anti-bodies such as IgE and IgM. In another study, two months of oral treatment in subjects susceptible to the common cold, greatly increased levels of IgA and IgG in nasal secretions. Oral doses of Astragalus were also found to increase serum levels of IgG as well as conversion percentage of lymphocytes when given to mice.

The herb has also been observed to exert a marked antiviral action. This is most likely to be due to increased immunity and possibly the enhancement of interferon production. Together with this observation, numerous studies have shown protective effects of Astragalus with both parainfluenza virus type I and Coxsackie B virus infection of myocardial cells in vitro and vivo after injection. In vitro studies have also confirmed that the herb has anti-microbial effects against Shingella dysenteriae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, Diploccus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinical studies.

Clinical studies have also confirmed the herb efficacy. Patients with low white blood cell counts responded to treatment with astragalus, maintaining 4000 cells per mL while on the preparation. In another study with 1000 subjects, prophylactic effect against the common cold was shown for oral doses and nasal sprays. There was also a decreased incidence and shortened duration of infection. Astragalus has also been found to have a cardio-tonic effect not unlike that of Hawthorn berry (Crataegus oxyacanthoides), where it was found to increase cardio output and stroke volume. From a TCM point of view, the herb is used to rebuild vital energy especially with congestive heart failure, where the disease is seen as a deficiency in vital energy. In one particular study, 20 patients with angina pectoris where treated with astragalus. All patients showed an increase in cardio output, however no improvement of left ventricular diastolic function was observed. Chinese researchers also suggest that the herb is useful in conjunction with more orthodox treatments of certain types of cancers. Patients with small lung cancer for example, were administered combined treatment of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and herbal medicine consisting of Panax ginseng leaf and astragalus root. The combination of therapy resulted in an increase in survival rates, with some patients gaining 3 to 17 years of survival.

Another trial using ginseng and astragalus injections in conjunction with chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumour of the digestive tract had reduced toxic effects of the chemotherapy and increased weight. The white blood cell count did not reduce markedly in contrast to controls. Clinical trials also suggest that the herb has therapeutic benefit in assisting in the healing of peptic ulcers, especially gastric, and chronic nephritis.

Conclusion

Based on studies and clinical trials, astragalus may have some benefits assist recovery associated to prevention of infection and weekend immunity, bacterial or viral infections and health issues associated extended fatigue.