Responding about whether astragalus and ginko are safe to take while
breastfeeding.

While understanding the intent of the question, it is impossible to
categorically state that anything is always "safe".  Working in an area
without a lot of definitive studies to refer to, this is especially true.  As
yet, I know of no science-oriented herb literature written in any detail with
a focus of lactation except for the mini-monographs that Tom Hale has included
in his 97 edition book.  Please, someone, tell me if such a resource exists!

Astragalus root - from Leung and Foster - Encyclopedia of Common Natural
Ingredients 1996 ed. - a number of Asian species are used for a wide number of
indications in Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM).  Like Asian ginseng (
Panax), it contains a large number of phytoconstituents and has a equally
large number of pharmacological effects -the plant's saponins and
polysaccharides believed to play a major role - CTM considers it a general
tonic to improve immunity, western usage is to prevent colds, etc .

Most of the research has been done in China, including the toxicology studies
- "Toxicitity described as very low".  Authors describe lack of acute adverse
effects of the dried root in mice at doses "375-500 times the "usual effective
diuretic dose in humans." Leung and Foster report daily oral dose for adults
is 9-30 g.  They do not report adverse effects, nor does AHPA book - sorry, my
main reference books don't address Astragalus.  AHPA classes it as a herb
"that can be safely consumed when used appropriately".

Ginkgo biloba - as per Newall et al. 1996. and AHPA Botanical Safety
Handbook.1997.  Not clear from your post if the woman is planning to take
ginkgo leaf, or what form of leaf extract?? CTM uses both leaf and specially
prepared seed ( in small amounts, see below).  Ginkgo products range from
crude leaf extracts to highly concentrated (e.g. 50:1) leaf extracts
standardized for gingko flavone glycosides and terpene lactones (classes of
phytoconsituents currently associated with pharmacological effects).

  Both fresh seed and fruit pulp associated with very toxic reactions.  The
leaf extract has been found to produce either no adverse reactions or mild
side effects in human studies.  Side effects noted as rare: GI upset,
headache.  AHPA  notes that ginkgo may potentiate pharmaceutical MAO -
inhibitors.

Considerable human studies have shown ginkgo's ability to "alleviate the
adverse effects of platelet-activating factor in a number of tissues".
Clinical studies have indicated effectiveness in treating arterial
insufficiency in limbs and brain, improvement in allergic response ( e.g.
asthma), and in improving symptoms of chronic cerebral insufficiency.

Can't find anything on effects of use in perfectly healthy people, however.
Effects of long-term use of concentrated ginkgo are unknown as these products
are relatively new ( 80s).  Newall et al. feel that due to ginkgo's many
documented pharmacological actions, and the lack of toxicity data, use during
lactation "should be avoided".

Need to know to interpret lactation statement: These authors do take the
general position that if a herb has an action on the body  then they should
not be used.  No herbs have definitive toxicity etc. data during lactation,
except perhaps coffee, tobacco, etc.

Sheila Humphrey  BSc(Botany)  RN  IBCLC
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 >I had a mom call me asking whether Huang-qi (astragalus) and
>Ginko-biloba were safe to take while breastfeeding.  Her baby is 6
>months old....