Astragalus is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese folk medicine. It is associated with the Metal element in Chinese philosophy, which relates to the body’s defenses and immune resilience. Historically, astragalus has been used to support resistance to disease, particularly infections of the mucous membranes, including the respiratory and urinary tracts. It was commonly combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against illness. One traditional combination pairs astragalus with ginseng to help prevent winter colds and viral infections.
Astragalus has also been studied for potential benefits in people with diabetes, particularly in relation to complications such as poor circulation, high blood pressure, and delayed wound healing.
Astragalus is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body resist the damaging effects of stress and promote restoration of normal physiological function, rather than producing a single targeted effect. Astragalus contains antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from damage and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used to support immune function and is traditionally used to help prevent colds and upper respiratory infections. Laboratory and clinical research suggests it has antiviral and antibacterial activity. It has also been studied for potential roles in supporting blood pressure regulation, glucose metabolism, and liver protection. In some traditions, astragalus is applied topically for wound care.
In the United States and other countries, researchers have examined astragalus as a supportive therapy for people whose immune systems are weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In several studies, astragalus supplementation has been associated with faster recovery and improved outcomes. Research investigating astragalus use in people with AIDS has produced mixed results.
Esperately Astragalus (Astragalus onobrychis).
Astragalus is a perennial plant, typically growing between 16 and 36 inches tall. It is native to northern and eastern China, Mongolia, and Korea. The plant has hairy stems and compound leaves made up of 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal portion of the plant and is generally harvested from plants that are at least four years old. Commonly used species include Astragalus membranaceus and related species.
At recommended doses, astragalus is generally well tolerated and has no known serious side effects. However, it can interact with certain herbs and medications, and decisions about its use should be discussed with a healthcare professional. The safety of astragalus during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been firmly established.
People with autoimmune conditions should be especially cautious, as astragalus may stimulate immune activity. Individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or those taking immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or other transplant-related drugs, should not use astragalus unless under medical supervision.
Astragalus may also interfere with the body’s ability to eliminate lithium. People taking lithium should avoid astragalus, as this interaction could lead to dangerously elevated lithium levels.
Research
Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, et al. Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002;23(8):757-761.
Cheng Y, Tang K, Wu S, et al. Astragalus polysaccharides lowers plasma cholesterol through mechanisms distinct from statins. PLoS One. 2011;6(11):e27437.
Duan P, Wang ZM. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002;22(7):515-517.
Hao Y, Qiu QY, Wu J. Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in promoting neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(5):427-430.
Hei ZQ, Zhang JJ, Lin SQ, et al. [Effects of Astragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin concentration of intestinal mucosa after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion in rats]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004;29(5):444-447.
Huang XY, Zhang SZ, Wang WX. Enhanced antitumor efficacy with combined administration of astagalus and pterostilbene for melanoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(3):1163-9.
Jia XH, Yin BH, Li JC. [Effect of astragalus injection on U937 leukemia cells proliferation and apoptosis and relevant molecular mechanisms]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2013;15(12):1128-33.
Kim SH, Lee SE, Oh H, et al. The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinesemedicine astragalus. J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):127-137.
Li M, Wang W, Xue J, Gu Y, Lin S. Meta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathy. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;133(2):412-9.
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;24(2):121-123.
Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2010;24:175-81.
Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;320(4):1103-1111.
Shi FS, Yang ZG, Di GP. [Effect of Astragalus saponin on vascular endothelial cell and its function in burn patients]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001;21(10):750-751.
Wang D, Zhuang Y, Tian Y, Thomas GN, Ying M, Tomlinson B. Study of the effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus on atherosclerosis formation and potential mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longrev. 2012;2012:282383.
Yang QY, Lu S, Sun HR. Clinical effect of Astragalus granule of different dosages on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Chin J Integr Med. 2011;17(2):146-9.
Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Xu C, Leung C, Chan LS. Astragalus (a traditional Chines medicine
