Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex

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Synopsis

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

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is considered an adaptogen and is used to "strengthen qi" and promote vitality. In this context, it is often included in formulas intended to support the body’s response to stress and fatigue—functions generally associated with the adrenal cortex in Western herbal terminology. However, the traditional use of astragalus is more focused on immune enhancement, energy boosting, and general resilience rather than directly supporting adrenal hormones or the adrenal cortex specifically.

Scientific evidence directly linking astragalus to adrenal cortex support is limited. While some animal studies suggest that astragalus extracts may help modulate the stress response and have anti-fatigue effects, human clinical trials specifically assessing adrenal function are lacking. Most scientific research has centered on its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties rather than adrenal hormone regulation. Therefore, while astragalus is traditionally used in formulas aimed at supporting resilience and vitality (which may be interpreted as adrenal support in modern herbalism), robust scientific validation for this specific use is currently insufficient.

In summary, astragalus is traditionally used for purposes related to what some modern practitioners describe as "adrenal support," but there is minimal direct scientific evidence for its efficacy in supporting the adrenal cortex itself.

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