Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Astragalus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been studied for its potential to reduce chemotherapy side effects, especially in cancer patients. Several clinical trials conducted primarily in China suggest that astragalus polysaccharides, administered either orally or intravenously (often as an adjunct to standard chemotherapy), may help mitigate specific side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and immunosuppression. Astragalus appears to act by modulating immune function, reducing inflammation, and possibly protecting bone marrow cells from chemotherapy-induced damage.

A 2013 systematic review published in Phytotherapy Research analyzed randomized controlled trials of astragalus in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The review found moderate evidence that astragalus, when combined with chemotherapy, reduced the incidence and severity of leukopenia and improved overall quality of life. However, most studies were of moderate to low methodological quality and were conducted in Chinese populations, raising questions about broader applicability and risk of bias.

Despite these limitations, the evidence base is stronger than for many herbal interventions, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5. More rigorous, large-scale, multi-center trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in diverse populations. Nonetheless, astragalus is sometimes integrated into supportive care regimens for patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially in East Asian medical practice.

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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Acemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
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Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
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Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
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blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
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cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
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cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
Glutamine
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grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glutathione
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinan
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
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Oldenlandia diffusa
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selenium
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shiitake mushroom
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soy isoflavones
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
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Thymidine
Thymoquinone
tributyrin
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turmeric
Typhonium flagelliforme
Verbascoside
vitamin B6
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Whey protein
Zinc