Characterization of the Physiological Response followingIn VivoAdministration ofAstragalus membranaceus

Abstract

The botanical,Astragalus membranaceus, is a therapeutic in traditional Chinese medicine. Limited literature exists on the overallin vivoeffects ofA. membranaceuson the human body. This study evaluates the physiological responses toA. membranaceusby measuring leukocyte, platelet, and cytokine responses as well as body temperature and blood pressure in healthy individuals after thein vivoadministration ofA. membranaceus. A dose-dependent increase in monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes was measured 8–12 hours after administration and an increase in the number of circulating platelets was seen as early as 4 hours. A dynamic change in the levels of circulating cytokines was observed, especially in interferon-γand tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-13, IL-6, and soluble IL-2R. Subjective symptoms reported by participants were similar to those typically experienced in viral type immune responses and included fatigue, malaise, and headache. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced within 4 hours after administration, while body temperature mildly increased within 8 hours after administration. In general, all responses returned to baseline values by 24 hours. Collectively, these results support the role ofA. membranaceusin priming for a potential immune response as well as its effect on blood flow and wound healing.