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An Evidence-based Review of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) for Cancer Patients

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Evidence-based Anticancer Materia Medica

Abstract

Astragalus membranaceus (astragalus), originally described in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica two thousand years ago, is used as a Qi-tonifying herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It is an important ingredient in many herbal formulas used to treat a variety of symptoms and ailments including fatigue and rectal prolapse. The root of astragalus is rich in saponins and polysaccharides. Modern research suggests antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and cytostatic properties. Animal and anecdotal human data show that astragalus reduces immunosuppression, a side effect of chemotherapy and it may also enhance the effects of such treatments. Whereas oral and parenteral preparations have been developed in Asia, products containing astragalus are consumed as dietary supplements in the West. Several formulas containing astragalus have been studied in cancer patients. Data indicate that they are safe to use in conjunction with chemotherapy and reduce treatment associated adverse effects. Based on existing evidence, there is also substantial interest in developing astragalus-based preparations for certain cancers. Although all products studied to date contain astragalus as the main ingredient, the variation across formulas makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Future studies should address this issue. Astragalus is generally considered safe for traditional use, but the potential for herb-drug interactions exists because botanicals contain biologically active compounds. This chapter presents information about the use of astragalus in traditional medicine and summarizes existing scientific evidence of its benefits and limitations as an adjuvant cancer treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1429 First Avenue, 10021, New York, NY, USA

    K. Simon Yeung, Jyothirmai Gubili & Barrie R. Cassileth

Authors
  1. K. Simon Yeung
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  2. Jyothirmai Gubili
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  3. Barrie R. Cassileth
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Correspondence to Jyothirmai Gubili .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gascoigne Road 30, Kowloon, Hong Kong/PR China

    William C.S. Cho

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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

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Yeung, K., Gubili, J., Cassileth, B. (2011). An Evidence-based Review of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) for Cancer Patients. In: Cho, W. (eds) Evidence-based Anticancer Materia Medica. Evidence-based Anticancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0526-5_3

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