Astragalus: An Ancient Root With Health Benefits

Astragalus is a plant commonly used as a supplement and prepared as liquid extracts, teas, and powders. Potential health advantages attributed to astragalus root include supporting the immune system and aiding kidney or heart function.

This herb has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine.

It’s credited with many health-promoting properties, such as bolstering immunity, supporting healthy aging, and reducing inflammation.

Astragalus is traditionally thought to extend lifespan and is used for a variety of complaints, including fatigue, allergies and the common cold. It’s also applied in contexts of heart disease, diabetes and other disorders.

This article summarizes the principal potential benefits of astragalus.

What is astragalus?

Astragalus, also called huáng qí or milkvetch, is most widely recognized for its role in traditional Chinese remedies.

Although more than 2,000 species of astragalus exist, supplements primarily use two species — Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.

The plant’s root is especially used and is processed into various supplement forms, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas.

In clinical settings, astragalus is sometimes administered by injection or IV.

The root contains several active phytochemicals believed to underlie its possible benefits.

For instance, its active constituents may help  strengthen immune responses and lower inflammation.

Research on astragalus remains limited , but it has been used for the common cold, seasonal allergies, heart disorders, kidney disease, chronic fatigue and more.

May boost your immune system

Astragalus contains plant compounds that may enhance immune function.

Your immune system’s main job is to defend your body from harmful invaders like bacteria, germs and viruses that can cause illness.

Some research  indicates astragalus may raise production of white blood cells, the immune cells that help protect against sickness.

Older animal studies have shown that astragalus root can help combat bacteria  and viruses  in infected mice.

Though evidence is limited, it may also aid in fighting viral infections in humans, such as the common cold  and certain liver infections .

While these findings are encouraging, further research is required to establish astragalus’s effectiveness for infection prevention and treatment.

Food fix: Immune system boost

May improve heart function

Astragalus might help improve cardiac function in some people with heart conditions.

It’s believed to  dilate blood vessels and increase cardiac output.

In a clinical trial , patients with heart failure received 2.25 grams of astragalus twice daily for two weeks alongside usual care and saw greater improvements in cardiac function compared with those on standard treatment alone.

In another study , heart failure patients were given 60 grams per day of astragalus IV in addition to conventional therapy and experienced more notable symptom improvements than those on standard therapy alone.

However, other trials  in heart failure patients did not find benefits for heart function.

Additionally, some research  indicates astragalus may lessen symptoms of myocarditis, an inflammatory heart condition, but results are inconsistent.

May alleviate side effects of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy produces many unpleasant side effects. Several studies suggest astragalus may ease some of them.

For instance, one clinical trial  in people receiving chemotherapy found IV-administered astragalus reduced nausea by 36%, vomiting by 50% and diarrhea by 59%.

Likewise, multiple studies  have shown benefits for nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Also, one clinical study  reported that 500 mg of astragalus IV three times weekly might improve severe fatigue related to chemotherapy, though benefits were mainly seen during the first week of treatment.

May help control blood sugar levels

Phytochemicals in astragalus root may assist in lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

It has been reported  as the most commonly prescribed herb for diabetes management in China.

In animal experiments , astragalus improved glucose metabolism and lowered blood sugar levels.

Although more human research is necessary, available studies suggest similar effects.

For example, research  has shown that taking 40–60 grams daily may enhance fasting and post-meal blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes when used for up to four months.

May improve kidney function

Astragalus may benefit kidney health by improving circulation and laboratory markers of renal function, such as protein levels in the urine.

Proteinuria—excess protein in the urine—can indicate kidney damage or impaired kidney function.

Astragalus has been reported to reduce proteinuria in several studies  involving people with kidney disease.

It may also  lower infection risk in those with compromised kidney function.

For example, daily doses of 7.5–15 grams  for three to six months reduced infection risk by 38% in people with nephrotic syndrome. Still, more trials are required to confirm this benefit.

Other potential health benefits

Early research suggests additional possible benefits of astragalus, including:

• Improved chronic fatigue symptoms:Some  evidence  indicates astragalus, when combined with other herbs, may reduce tiredness in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Anticancer properties: In test-tube  studies , astragalus has induced  apoptosis, or programmed death, in various cancer cell lines.
• Relief for seasonal allergy symptoms: Although limited, one clinical trial  found that 160 mg twice daily may reduce sneezing and a runny nose in seasonal allergy sufferers.
• Potential in autoimmune disease: Astragalus may help  slow progression in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

Side effects and interactions

For most individuals, astragalus is generally well tolerated.

However, minor adverse effects  reported include rash, itching, runny nose, nausea and diarrhea.

When given intravenously, astragalus can produce more serious reactions like irregular heart rhythm and should be administered by IV or injection only under medical supervision.

Certain people should avoid astragalus:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding people: There’s insufficient evidence to confirm astragalus’s safety during pregnancy or lactation.
• Those on immunosuppressant medications: Because astragalus can stimulate immune activity, it may interfere with immunosuppressive treatments.

Astragalus may also influence blood glucose and blood pressure, so use caution if you have diabetes or blood pressure concerns.

Dosage recommendations

Astragalus root is sold in many formats. Supplements come as capsules and liquid extracts, and the root can be ground into powder for brewing as tea.

Decoctions—made by boiling the root to extract active constituents—are another common preparation.

While there’s no universal consensus on the best form or dosage, typical amounts range from 1–60 grams per day .

Based on available studies, oral intakes up to 60 grams daily for up to four months appear safe for most people, though the long-term safety of high doses is unknown.

Note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, single herbs are rarely used alone; polyherbal formulas are the norm.

Within TCM, astragalus is usually one component of a formula—either a long-standing traditional recipe or a custom blend tailored to the individual.

The bottom line

Astragalus may support immune function and help with symptoms of chronic fatigue and seasonal allergies.

It may also provide benefits for certain heart conditions, kidney disorders and type 2 diabetes.

Although there’s no official dosing guideline, up to 60 grams daily for up to four months seems to be tolerated by most people.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.