Written by Klara Rombauts and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated April 19, 2011

Milk vetch (Astragalus mongholicus)

Abstract and key points

  • Astragalus mongholicus is a medicinal herb that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • Data from clinical trials are of low quality and need to be confirmed.
  • Astragalus appears to be safe.

Astragalus mongholicus, or milk vetch, is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is believed to have immunostimulating properties. It is mostly used in combination with other herbs, depending on the diagnosis.

Astragalus induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, induces a pro-inflammatory response, and augments phagocytic functions.

The use of Astragalus as a cancer therapy has been evaluated in several clinical trials conducted in Asia. However, poor design and low quality of these trials prohibits any definite conclusions. The results need to be confirmed in high quality trials before any firm conclusions may be drawn.

There are no severe safety concerns associated with the use of Astragalus.

Citation

Klara Rombauts, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Milk vetch (Astragalus mongholicus) [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Herbal-products/Milk-vetch-Astragalus-mongholicus. April 19, 2011.

Document history

References

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