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Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain astragalus. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting.
Scientists have studied astragalus for the following health problems:
Antiviral |
Early evidence shows that astragalus has antiviral effects. Additional study is needed in humans to make a firm recommendation. |
Athletic performance |
Few clinical trials have investigated the effect of astragalus alone in athletes. Further research is needed before recommendations can be made. |
Burns |
Few clinical trials have investigated astragalus in burn patients. Further research is required before recommendations can be made. |
Cancer |
A small amount of research suggests that astragalus may enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Astragalus may also lessen the degree of side effects experienced with cancer treatments and improve quality of life. Better studies are needed in this area before firm conclusions can be reached. |
Chemotherapy adjunct |
Data from clinical trials are suggestive that astragalus alone and in combination with other herbs may help with the toxic effects of cancer chemotherapy. Further research is needed. |
Coronary artery disease |
Clinical data are inconclusive. Further research is needed before a recommendation can be made. |
Diabetes |
More research is required in this field before recommendations can be made. |
Heart failure |
Early evidence suggests astragalus may offer symptomatic improvement for chronic heart failure. Recommendations cannot be made until well-designed clinical trials have been conducted. |
Hepatitis |
Antihepatitis effects have been reported in early studies. Additional study is needed in this area. |
Herpes |
Antiherpes effects have been reported in early studies. Additional study is needed in this area. |
HIV |
Antiviral effects have been reported in early studies. Additional studies are warranted. |
Immune system stimulant |
Several small studies report that astragalus may stimulate and improve immune system function in conditions such as the common cold, blood disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Further research is needed in this area. |
Cardiovascular disease |
Several small studies suggest astragalus may help improve heart function in individuals with chest pain, history of heart attack or congestive heart failure. However, larger studies are needed to determine the exact benefit and safety of astragalus for these conditions. |
Myocarditis and endocarditis (inflammation and infection of the heart) |
Several studies suggest that astragalus may improve symptoms of viral myocarditis. However, these studies are small and poorly designed. Larger, better-quality studies are needed to provide clear answers. |
Liver protection |
The clinical data suggest that astragalus may be effective in cirrhosis. Further research is required before recommendations can be made. |
Mental performance |
One clinical trial suggests that miltiorrhiza may aid in mental performance of children with low IQ. Further, well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made. |
Kidney disease |
The clinical data suggest that astragalus may be effective in renal disease but do not provide convincing evidence to support this claim, due to the overall poor quality of the published clinical studies. |
Smoking cessation |
Astragalus has been used traditionally to aid in smoking cessation. Well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made |
Tuberculosis |
One clinical trial suggests the potential for benefit of astragalus in patients with tuberculosis. Further well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made. |
Upper respiratory infection |
Astragalus is often used in Chinese medicine as a part of herbal mixtures to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn. |
Astragalus has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before using astragalus for any unproven use.
| Acute cerebral infarction Adaptogen Adrenal insufficiency Aging AIDS Allergies Alzheimer's disease Anemia Angina Ankylosing spondylitis Anorexia Anticoagulant (blood thinner) Antifungal Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial Antioxidant Asthma Astringent Blood thinner Blood vessel disorders Bone loss Bone marrow loss Bronchitis Capillary formation improvement Cardiac hypertrophy Cardiac ischemia Cervicitis Chemotherapy side effects "Chi deficiency" (fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite) Chronic fatigue syndrome Cleanser Colitis Cytomegalovirus Dementia Demulcent Denture adhesive Dermatitis Diabetic foot ulcers Diabetic nephropathy Diabetic neuropathy Diarrhea Digestion Diuresis (urine production) Ear infection Edema Expectorant Fatigue Fever Gangrene Gastrointestinal disorders Genetic damage Genital herpes Graft-versus-host disease Hearing protection Heart attack Hemorrhage (bleeding) Hemorrhoids High blood pressure | High cholesterol Hyperthyroidism Infantile respiratory infection Infections Inflammation Insomnia Irregular menstruation Joint pain Lack of menstrual period Laxative Leprosy Leukemia Liver disease Liver fibrosis Loss of appetite Low blood platelets Lung cancer Male fertility (sperm motility) Memory Menstrual disorders Metabolic disorders Minimal brain dysfunction Multiple sclerosis Myalgia Myasthenia gravis Myeloid graffi tumor Nephritis Neuroprotective Night sweats Pain Palpitations Postpartum fever Postpartum urine retention Preterm labor Prostatitis Psoriasis Pulmonary fibrosis Radioprotection Rectal prolapse Renal fibrosis Rotavirus enterocolitis Shortness of breath Sperm motility Stamina Stomach disorders Stress Stroke Sweating Systemic lupus erythematosus Thrombocytopenia Tissue oxygenation Tonic Tonsillitis Uterine bleeding Uterine prolapse Vascular endothelial cell proliferation Weakness Weight loss Wound healing |
Allergies
In theory, individuals with allergies to members of the Leguminosae (pea) family are more likely to have allergic reactions to astragalus. The gummy sap (tragacanth) of astragalus may trigger asthma attacks in people who have experienced Quillaja bark-induced asthma.
Side Effects
Traditionally, astragalus used alone in recommended doses is considered safe. Determining the exact side effects of astragalus is difficult, because this herb is usually found in multi-ingredient products with other herbs. Side effects reported in people using combination products that include astragalus are heart palpitations, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and aspiration pneumonia. Based on animal studies, astragalus may have diuretic (urine-producing) activity or may lower blood pressure (although traditionally it is believed that astragalus may raise blood pressure). Ingestion of certain toxic astragalus plants may cause neurological syndromes, some of which are irreversible.
Based on laboratory studies, astragalus may increase the risk of bleeding. Because astragalus may stimulate the immune system, individuals with autoimmune diseases or organ transplants should consult a health care professional before starting therapy. Astragalus is not recommended for people with acute inflammation or acute illness with fever.
Astragalus may increase growth hormone levels.
Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding
Astragalus cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding due to harmful effects seen in animals. Be aware that many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements.
Interactions With Drugs
Based on animal studies, astragalus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using astragalus. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
In theory, astragalus may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with astragalus. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox).
Based on laboratory or animal studies, astragalus may interact with beta-blocker drugs (such as propranolol), colchicine, certain weight-loss aids, sedatives (such as phenobarbital), hypnotics (such as chloral hydrate and meprobamate), nalbuphine, propoxyphene, intravenous calcium salts, pancuronium, succinylcholine, rauwolfia alkaloids, ephedrine or epinephrine. In theory, astragalus may interact with drugs used for high blood pressure, diuretics, antiviral drugs, procarbazine, dopamine-receptor antagonists and drugs that alter the immune system. There are published reports of astragalus reducing the effects of cyclophosphamide and increasing the effects of acyclovir. Individuals taking any of these drugs should consult a health care professional before starting therapy with astragalus.
The gummy sap of astragalus (tragacanth) may reduce the absorption of some drugs. Astragalus may interact with antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, chemotherapy, central nervous system stimulants, hypnotics, interferon-1, and steroids.
Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements
Astragalus may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using astragalus. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, astragalus may increase the risk of bleeding when also taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic (Allium sativum). In theory, herbs and supplements that possess diuretic or antiviral properties or affect the immune system may interact with astragalus. Herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure may increase the effects of astragalus. Consult a health care professional before taking other herbs or supplements with astragalus.
The gummy sap of astragalus (tragacanth) may impair the absorption of some herbs and dietary supplements. Astragalus may interact with antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplementss, central nervous system stimulants, hypnotics, echinacea, ginseng (Panax ginseng), hormonal herbs and supplements, licorice, rauwolfia alkaloids and sedatives.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas.
Astragalus is often used as a part of multiherb mixtures.
Adults (Aged 18 Or Older)
Extract: A dose of 250 to 500 milligrams four times per day by mouth has been used.
Dried root: Doses used range from one to 30 grams per day by mouth.
Tincture: A tincture dose (1:5) of three to six milliliters three times per day by mouth or 15 to 30 drops twice per day by mouth has been used. Note that tinctures may have high alcohol content.
Topical:
- General: Up to 1.3 percent has been used topically in lotions, denture creams, toothpastes and cosmetics.
- Herpes simplex keratitis: A dose of 0.5 milliliters astragalus (1:1 extract) has been used for three weeks.
- Wound healing: A 10 percent astragalus ointment has been applied to wounds.
Children (Younger Than 18)
The dosing and safety of astragalus have not been studied thoroughly in children. It is recommended that you discuss doses with a health care professional before your child starts therapy.
Although astragalus has been suggested for many uses, it has not been scientifically proven for the treatment of any condition. It is often used as a part of multiherb combination therapies. Astragalus has not been shown safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Individuals with autoimmune diseases or organ transplants should consult a health care professional before taking astragalus. If you are taking drugs, other herbs or supplements, consult a pharmacist or health care professional before starting therapy. Consult a health care professional immediately if you experience side effects.
The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Astragalus
Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.
Some of the more recent articles are listed below:
- Block KI, Mead MN. Immune system effects of Echinacea, ginseng and astragalus: a review. Integr Cancer Ther 2003; Sep, 2(3):247-267.
- Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, et al. Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2002;Aug, 23(8):757-761.
- Firenzuoli F, Gori L, Di Simone L, et al. Important bias in the Astragalus meta-analysis. J Clin Oncol 2006;Jul 1, 24(19):3215-3216. Author reply, 3216-3217.
- Huang CL, Lu YP. Effect of astragalus injection on insulin resistance in auxiliary treating patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2003;Oct, 23(10):779-780.
- Kobayashi H, Mizuno N, Teramae H, et al. Diet and Japanese herbal medicine for recalcitrant atopic dermatitis: efficacy and safety. Drugs Exp Clin Res 2004;30(5-6):197-202.
- Kusum M, Klinbuayaem V, Bunjob M, Sangkitporn S. Preliminary efficacy and safety of oral suspension SH, combination of five chinese medicinal herbs, in people living with HIV/AIDS: the phase I/II study. J Med Assoc Thai 2004;87(9):1065-1070.
- Lee HJ, Lee JH. Effects of medicinal herb tea on the smoking cessation and reducing smoking withdrawal symptoms. Am J Chin Med 2005;33(1):127-138.
- Liu JP, Yang M, Du XM. Herbal medicines for viral myocarditis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(3):CD003711.
- Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF. Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2004;Feb, 24(2):121-123.
- Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference. Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA. Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Sun Y, Yang J. Experimental study of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus against herpes simplex virus type 1. Di Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao 2004;Jan, 24(1):57-58.
- Taixiang W, Munro AJ, Guanjian, L. Chinese medical herbs for chemotherapy side effects in colorectal cancer patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(1):CD004540.
- Wang F. Twenty-eight cases of diabetic foot ulcer and gangrene treated with the Chinese herbal medicine combined with injection of ahylsantinfarctase. J Tradit Chin Med. 2002;Mar, 22(1):3-4.
- Wu J, Wang YX, Su WL, et al. Effect of astragalus injection on serious abdominal traumatic patients' cellular immunity. Chin J Integr Med 2006;Mar, 12(1):29-31.
- Yin X, Zhang S, Kong Y, et al. Observation on efficiency of jiangtang capsule in treating diabetes mellitus type 2 with hyperlipidemia. Chin J Integ Trad West Med 2001;7(3):214-216.
- Zhang JG, Yang N, He H, et al. Effect of astragalus injection on plasma levels of apoptosis-related factors in aged patients with chronic heart failure. Chin J Integr Med 2005;Sep, 11(3):187-190.
- Zhou Y, Huang Z, Huang T, et al. Clinical study of Shengxue mixture in treating aplastic anemia. Chin J Integ Trad West 2001;7(3):186-189.
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