Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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Synopsis

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

Astragalus membranaceus, known as "Huang Qi" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for supporting liver health, including the treatment and management of hepatitis. In TCM, astragalus is considered to strengthen qi (vital energy) and is often prescribed to improve overall vitality in patients with chronic conditions such as hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C. Traditional formulations may combine astragalus with other herbs to augment liver function, reduce fatigue, and promote recovery.

Scientific evidence for the use of astragalus in hepatitis is limited but growing. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that astragalus extracts may exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects that could theoretically benefit liver health and reduce liver injury. Limited clinical studies, primarily conducted in China, have investigated astragalus-containing formulas in hepatitis B patients. These studies report improvements in liver function tests and symptoms, but they often lack rigorous controls, have small sample sizes, and use astragalus as part of multi-herb mixtures, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to astragalus.

Thus, while there is a strong traditional basis and some preliminary scientific support, the overall quality of clinical evidence is low. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety. As of now, astragalus is used primarily based on traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.

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