Huang Qi root has been extensively tested both chemically and pharmacologically in China and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is currently used in China and Vietnam for its immune supportive and tonic properties to fortify the body’s defense mechanism while lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In traditional Chinese medicine, huang qi (Astragalus membranaceus) is "classified as an herb that tonifies the qi" (i.e., vital internal energy). *
Huang Qi (Astragalus Membranaceus) contains flavonoids, polysacchsarides, amino acids, trace minerals and triterpene glycosides such as the astragalosides I-VII. There has been several preliminary clinical trials in China suggesting that Huang Qi can benefit immune function. Recent research in the West has shown that the root can restore normal immune function in cancer patients. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy recover faster and live longer if given Huang Qi concurrently.*
Dai CF, Zhang ZZ, Qi XL, Zhang MX, Li YP.
Fujian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, China.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical effect and therapeutic mechanism of Nanmiqing capsule made of rheum palmatum, leech, astragalus memberanaceus on patients with chronic prostatitis(CP).*
METHODS: Seventy-six CP cases were treated with Nanmiqing, while 32 CP cases were treated with Qianliekang as a control. The changes of EPS were observed pre- and post-treatment. The rat model of CP got by Xiaozhiling inducing were treated with Nanmiqing and Qianliekang respectively. The concentration of endothelin, TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and SOD, IgG, IgA in plasma were measured pre- and post-treatment, meanwhile, pathological changes of prostate tissues were observed.*
RESULTS: The total effective rate was 89.47% in treatment group, which was significantly higher than 71.88% in the control group (P < 0.01). Experimental study for CP rats showed that the Nanmiqing was more effective medicine than Qianliekang (P < 0.01).*
CONCLUSIONS: Nanmiqing was an effective medicine for CP. The mechanism of clearing heat and resolving toxin, activating blood and removing stasis and reinforcing Qi in chinese medicine could be the explanation of the useful treatment including three therapentic ways.*
PMID: 12479132 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE*
Source: National Institute of Health*
