Astragalus root (Chinese Milkvetch) has some potential in reversing the Th1 or Th2 ? dominance that is seen in some diseases, including H5N1 avian flu.

A number of studies have shown that astragalus decreases TNF levels. It is widely used in China for diseases including congestive heart failure, diabetic neuropathy, and ischemia, all of which are associated with and elevation in TNF, IL-1, IL-6 and other inflammatory cytokines. PMID:12776561 (cache), PMID:16181532 PMID:15139133 (cache)

In an experiment on mouse cells and live mice, astragalus decreased interferon production in Th1 or Th2 ? cells, while increasing IL-4 production in Th2 cells. PMID:15577210 (cache) Astragalus saponins increase levels of IL-2. PMID:15588652 (cache)

Unfortunately, the mechanism by which astragalus reduces TNF has not been elucidated (or has not been published in English and indexed). It is not clear whether astragalus exerts it benefits by blocking the MAPK p38 pathway (stimulated by the H5N1 virus) or through other mechanisms like NF-Kappa.

While orally administered astragalus (capsules or tea) clearly has beneficial effects, it should be pointed out that most research on astragalus for heart disease and other serious conditions involves injections of astragalus extracts. It is not clear if such an approach would lead to results which are either much greater, or quantitatively different than the traditional tea.

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