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.
In clinical trials the use of Astragalus Memberanaceus on patients with chronic prostatitis has shown remarkable results. Total effective rate was 89.47% for the treatment group in the trial of a chinese study .
