Relationship: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) and astragalus

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

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

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly as a tonic to boost the immune system and improve vitality. In the context of cancer treatment, modern scientific research has explored its potential to reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Several small clinical studies and preclinical experiments suggest that astragalus extracts may help mitigate chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (suppression of bone marrow activity, leading to decreased blood cell counts), fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some randomized controlled trials conducted in China have reported that astragalus, often administered as an injectable adjunct to conventional cancer therapies, can improve white blood cell counts and reduce the incidence of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, much of the clinical evidence is limited by small sample sizes, methodological weaknesses, and lack of standardization in astragalus preparations. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while there are promising findings, the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate, and more rigorous, large-scale trials are needed. The proposed mechanisms involve immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory properties of astragalus polysaccharides. In summary, there is some scientific support for the use of astragalus to reduce certain side effects of cancer treatments, but the evidence is not strong or definitive. Patients considering astragalus supplementation should consult with their healthcare provider, as herb-drug interactions and safety concerns have not been fully clarified.

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

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Evidence supporting the use of: AstragalusFor the health condition: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

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Other ingredients used for Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

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Products containing astragalus

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