Astragalus, a perennial plant that is native to China, Mongolia, and Korea, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is commonly combined with other herbs and used for many conditions.
Claims for Astragalus
Astragalus is said to be useful for many conditions, including upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic kidney disease.
It is also said to strengthen the immune system and prevent physiologic and psychological stress.
Astragalus is used topically to improve blood flow and speed wound healing.
Evidence for Astragalus
There are no high-quality studies in people demonstrating that astragalus is effective for treating any health condition (see NIH: Astragalus).
Several studies have evaluated the potential effects of astragalus on chronic kidney disease. A meta-analysis of 22 randomized and quasi-randomized trials including 1323 patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease (of whom 241 were on dialysis) found that astragalus, as an adjunctive treatment to conventional therapies, may offer some promising effects in reducing proteinuria and increasing hemoglobin and serum albumin (Several studies have evaluated the potential effects of astragalus on chronic kidney disease. A meta-analysis of 22 randomized and quasi-randomized trials including 1323 patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease (of whom 241 were on dialysis) found that astragalus, as an adjunctive treatment to conventional therapies, may offer some promising effects in reducing proteinuria and increasing hemoglobin and serum albumin (1). However, because of the suboptimal study quality, definitive conclusions could not be made based on available evidence. The effects of astragalus on diabetes are also being evaluated (2).
Adverse Effects of Astragalus
Adverse effects from astragalus are uncommon, but rash, itching, nasal symptoms, or stomach discomfort may occur.
Astragalus might make the immune system more active, which can worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Astragalus should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Animal studies suggest that astragalus can be toxic to the mother and fetus.
Drug Interactions with Astragalus
Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system. Astragalus may increase immune system activity and thereby may decrease the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system, such as those used after organ transplant or to treat cancer.
Astragalus may decrease excretion of lithium, which may result in increased lithium blood levels and thus possible serious adverse effects. Astragalus may decrease excretion of lithium, which may result in increased lithium blood levels and thus possible serious adverse effects.
Astragalus may cause hypoglycemia when used with other medications used to treat diabetes.
(See also table Some Possible Dietary Supplement–Medication Interactions.)
References
1. Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Xu C, Leung C, Chan LS. Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (10):CD008369, 2014. Published 2014 Oct 22. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2
2. Zhang Z, Zhang L, Xu H. Effect of Astragalus polysaccharide in treatment of diabetes mellitus: a narrative review. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019;39(1):133-138.
More Information
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