Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the body system: Bronchials

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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 valued for its supposed immune-boosting and adaptogenic properties. In TCM, astragalus is often used as part of herbal formulas aimed at strengthening "Wei Qi" (defensive energy), which is believed to protect the body from external pathogens and support respiratory health. Specifically, astragalus is traditionally used to address chronic coughs, shortness of breath, and to improve overall lung function, which aligns with the concept of supporting the bronchial or respiratory system.

However, the scientific evidence directly supporting astragalus for bronchial health (such as for asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions) is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest astragalus may modulate immune function and reduce inflammation, which could theoretically be beneficial for respiratory health. A few small clinical studies have investigated its use as an adjunct in respiratory tract infections or asthma and reported some positive effects, such as reduced symptoms or improved immune markers. Nevertheless, these studies are generally of low quality, small sample size, or use astragalus in combination with other herbs, making it difficult to attribute benefits specifically to astragalus.

In conclusion, while astragalus is traditionally used to support the bronchial system, especially within TCM, strong scientific validation is lacking. Its use for this purpose is mainly justified by historical and traditional practices rather than robust clinical evidence.

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