radix astragali + plastrum testudinis

This is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination consisting of Radix Astragali (the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, also known as "Huang Qi") and Plastrum Testudinis (the dried plastron or lower shell of Chinemys reevesii, also called "Gui Jia" or "Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum"). Radix Astragali is widely used in TCM for its immunomodulatory, hematopoietic, and adaptogenic properties. It has been shown to stimulate p38 MAPK phosphorylation and increase Gγ-globin mRNA expression in pediatric β-thalassemia patients[2]. Plastrum Testudinis is traditionally used to nourish yin, strengthen bones, invigorate the kidneys, nourish blood and heart function. Modern studies suggest it may have protective effects against bone diseases (such as osteoporosis), neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, acute promyelocytic leukemia, beta-thalassemia/sickle cell anemia[3], skin wounds[3], among others. The combination has been studied for use in pediatric β-thalassemia where it appears to facilitate induction of fetal hemoglobin via increased Gγ-globin expression through mechanisms involving p38 MAPK activation[2]. The precise molecular mechanism remains under investigation.

Other names

Radix Astragali and Plastrum TestudinisHuang Qi + Gui JiaAstragalus membranaceus root + Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum