What are the most common side effects of Astragalus?
Astragalus, a Chinese medicinal root used as an immune supplement and constipation, may have some side effects in higher doses if used regularly or when used in conjunction with other medicines. The most common side effects Astragalus include problems with drugs on immunity or autoimmune disease. Astragalus can reduce the effect of immune suppressing drugs over healthy or safe parameters. In the case of autoimmune diseases, the root may increase the function of the immune system and trigger or worsen the symptoms of the disease. The root can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Such medicines are usually used to reduce the immune response. As an immune booster, the astralagus counteracts the increase in immune response. The side effects related to autoimmune diseases are also associated with drugs used to treat these diseases. Drugs for HIV/AIDS, lupus and multiple sclerosos can all interact with astragalus to reduce the effectiveness of treatment, although astragalus has been designed as alternativeTreatment to increase immune response in the case of immune deficiency disease. Astragalus may disrupt the body's ability to process and dispose of this medicine, which can lead to toxic levels of lithium accumulation. As a diuretic, the root may also have a crossed reaction or interaction with prescription diuretics. Other medicines that may react are antivirus drugs, anticoagulants and medicines for hypoglycaemia.
As a laxative, astragalus can lead to dehydration if it is overdose too long or used for too long. Other side effects of astragalus related to laxative include laxative dependence, poor intestinal function, large intestine damage and chronic constipation. Most of the effects can be treated by reducing the use of astragalus supplements.
Unused Astragalus effects for pregnant or nursing women are not known. Doctors and other medical experts recommend avoidance withe food, drinks or supplements containing astragalus if expected or breastfeeding. Also, astragalus should not be administered to children, even at limited doses. The doses vary according to height, weight and age, and it can be difficult to measure it for children.
Some may also suffer from an allergic reaction to astragalus. The plant is a member of the Milk Vich family and can cause reactions in people with allergies to peas or related plants. Others reported side effects of astragalus from the cross reaction with soap. Some species of astragalus were involved in cases of livestock poisoning. These species are not the same as those used for human treatment.