The Effects of Astragalus on Chemotherapy
Healing Herbs: The Effects of Astragalus on Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for many cancers, including advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. While effective at targeting cancer cells, chemotherapy often brings a host of challenging side effects—like nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression—that can take a toll on patients’ quality of life and ability to continue treatment.
In recent years, the traditional Chinese herb Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has drawn attention for its potential to support patients undergoing chemotherapy. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen the immune system and improve vitality, Astragalus may help ease some of chemotherapy’s harshest effects.
Several comprehensive reviews of clinical trials have examined the impact of adding Astragalus-containing herbal treatments to standard chemotherapy regimens. These studies found that patients with lung and colorectal cancers who received Astragalus alongside chemotherapy experienced better outcomes than those treated with chemotherapy alone. Notably, survival rates improved, tumors responded more favorably, and patients reported enhanced overall wellbeing.
Importantly, Astragalus also appeared to reduce common chemotherapy side effects. Patients receiving the herb had fewer issues with nausea, fatigue, and blood cell deficiencies such as anemia and neutropenia, suggesting that Astragalus may help bolster the immune system and improve tolerance to chemotherapy.
Astragalus offers hope as a natural, supportive agent that may enhance chemotherapy’s effectiveness and reduce its side effects, ultimately improving the quality of life for cancer patients navigating their treatment journey.
Wang SF, Wang Q, Jiao LJ, Huang YL, Garfield D, Zhang J, Xu L. Astragalus-containing Traditional Chinese Medicine, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Curr Oncol. 2016 Jun;23(3):e188-95. doi: 10.3747/co.23.2920. Epub 2016 Jun 9. PMID: 27330356; PMCID: PMC4900839.
Lin S, An X, Guo Y, Gu J, Xie T, Wu Q, Sui X. Meta-Analysis of Astragalus-Containing Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined With Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Efficacy and Safety to Tumor Response. Front Oncol. 2019 Aug 13;9:749. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00749. PMID: 31456940; PMCID: PMC6700271.
By Dr. Sydney Moffat, ND and Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO(USA)
