What is Astragalus? Benefits, Side Effects, & Dosage

Many herbal remedies have origins in ancient Chinese medicine, and astragalus is no exception. This plant has been used for centuries to help with a wide range of ailments, including allergy relief and immune support.

Some studies have also shown promise that it can be used to build strength and stamina in athletes. Taken in powder or tincture form, it may bring relief to some, but should be used with caution.

This article will discuss the benefits of astragalus as well as potential side effects and contraindications.

First, let’s discuss what astragalus is and what gives it its healing power.

What is Astragalus?

Astragalus is a flowering perennial plant in the legume/pea/bean family, Fabaceae. There are over 2,000 species of astragalus, but only two are used for their medicinal purposes. These two species are Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus. 

There are several common names used for astragalus:

• Huang chi
• Huang qi
• Milk vetch
• Radix astragali
• Bei qi
• Hwanggi

The root of the plant is used to make supplements in tincture, powder, extract, and tea forms. It can be used in conjunction with other plants, such as licorice root, ginseng, and dong quai.

Researchers have found over 100 compounds in the astragalus plant which have caused it to be widely used. Some of those compounds include:

• Flavonoids
• Saponins
• Polysaccharides
• Amino acids
• Glycosides

While more studies are needed to find the true effects of using the root, the variety of Astragalus membranaceus shows promise as:

• Antiviral
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Neuroprotective
• Antioxidant
• Antitumor
• Anti-diabetic 

Astragalus Health Benefits

Over the years, astragalus has been used for various health benefits. Let’s review some of the benefits you may get from using its root.

Used for Anti-aging

Aging is a fact of life, but there are thousands of products on the market to help combat its effects. Astragalus has been shown to have compounds that are anti-aging, combined with its immunity-boosting benefits.

It is typically mixed with other compounds and herbs for their combined anti-aging properties. It has been shown to promote new tissue growth, cell turnover, and give the skin a more youthful look. 

Anti-aging is not just for the skin, it’s also for the internal benefits. By improving immunity, eliminating free radicals, and killing cancer and other harmful cells, astragalus can help fight disease and illness.

Astragalus Affect on Chemotherapy Side Effects

Taking chemotherapy drugs to fight cancer can take a major toll on the body. Many people suffer from side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. There are a few studies that show that astragalus may help ease some of the side effects.

A clinical trial of 120 patients with tumors was divided into a control group and an astragalus group. The astragalus group was given IV injections of 20 ml of liquid astragalus in 250 ml of saline solution. They were treated for 21 days and then treated in the same manner for another three chemotherapy cycles.

Compared to the control group, the astragalus patients showed slower tumor growth, improved immunity, and reduced chemo side effects.

A meta-analysis of 27 randomized controlled trials supports these findings. The review suggests that the antiviral, antitumor, gastroprotective, and antioxidant properties of astragalus improve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is another symptom cancer patients deal with, especially with advanced cancer. Patients who used a botanically derived drug-containing astragalus extract saw these results:

• First treatment cycle: 82% of patients saw improvement in fatigue symptoms
• Second treatment cycle: Of those who didn’t see relief in the first cycle, 71% showed improvement in the next round

With no known side effects or toxicity issues, astragalus may be an effective and safe alternative for some patients.

Astragalus and Heart Health

People who suffer from certain heart conditions may find that taking astragalus can help. It’s thought the flavonoids in astragalus help with blood flow, reduce cholesterol, and combat fatty streaks in vessels.

In this randomized controlled trial, 65 patients were treated with either Western or Chinese medicine. They treated patients for chronic heart failure with the standard medications while half the group was also given astragalus.

These patients received a twice-daily 2.25 gram dosage of astragalus for two weeks. At the end of the trial, the astragalus group showed significant improvement in heart function and reduction in myocardial damage.

Another clinical trial was done on 62 patients with congestive heart failure. Just like the other trial, all patients received conventional medicine with a portion receiving IV astragalus solution. The astragalus group showed 25% greater immune and heart function than the control group.

This trial differs in that the 72 patients were divided and either received astragalus injections or conventional medicine. The astragalus group showed significant improvement over the control based on the New York Heart Association grading scale.

Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

There are several compounds in astragalus that provide anti-diabetic properties. In fact, astragalus is one of the most widely used plants in China when making diabetic medication. These medications can help both type 1 and 2 diabetics to better control their blood sugar levels.

Most of the studies found include the use of mice and rats when determining the effects of astragalus on blood sugar. This study, for example, used type 2 diabetic mice to show astragalus can help regulate insulin signaling in insulin-resistant muscle.

This study using rats showed similar results, also noting that astragalus helped with weight loss and plasma glucose. 

In this meta-analysis review, 13 studies with over 1,000 human patients were studied. They found that astragalus significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose and fasting blood sugar levels.

While more long-term human studies are needed, astragalus seems to help improve blood sugar in diabetics.

Improve Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergy sufferers deal with many symptoms:

• Sneezy
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal passage obstruction
• Scratchy throat

Astragalus has been used for years in Chinese medicine as a way to help sufferers ease their symptoms. One study conducted a six-week trial where some patients took 80 mg of astragalus extract daily.

All participants filled out a questionnaire at the three- and six-week marks. After just three weeks, there was a statistically significant improvement of symptoms in the astragalus group compared to the control. These same patients continued to improve at the six-week mark.

A similar study found results much the same as the first. Most sufferers found relief from itching, sneezing, and blocked nasal passages.

While dosage may vary by person and symptoms, it may be best to start taking astragalus before symptoms present. This will help build up the astragalus in your system and reduce the chance of symptoms becoming a problem.

Boost Immune System

The role of the immune system is to work against bacteria, viruses, and germs introduced into the body to prevent illness. When the immune system isn’t strong, it can’t battle these invaders, causing sickness and/or inflammation.

Preliminary studies have shown that astragalus may be used to help boost the immune system. Increasing the number of white blood cells in the body can help it to more easily ward off infections and viral loads.

In those who suffer from hepatitis B, astragalus may work when combined with interferon to reduce chronic infections. Another study suggests it can help combat viral hepatitis and inhibit disease replication.

When combined with other herbs and plants like echinacea and ginseng, astragalus may help fight the common cold. 

Astragalus for Improved Strength and Stamina

Weight lifters and athletes both know all too well that strength and stamina are needed for progress. 

Putting your body through the duration of a sporting event or gym session causes muscle fibers to tear, requiring recovery time. Oxidative damage and the production of free radicals can also cause fatigue.

Astragalus has been shown to be antioxidant, reducing or eliminating free radicals in the body. A study done in mice compared the sedentary control to exercised mice taking astragalus.

The group that included astragalus as part of their workout routine saw greater endurance and muscle glycogen content. Astragalus also reduced blood lactate and ammonia buildup, which can cause exercise-induced fatigue.

A clinical trial using 12 athletes also showed positive exercise effects when taking astragalus. Results found that astragalus supplementation over eight weeks improved oxygen uptake which reduced fatigue. Participants also noted a longer time to exhaustion and quicker recovery time.

Side Effects and Contraindications

As with many herbs and plants, there can be some side effects when taking these types of supplements. Others may want to avoid using astragalus if they are taking certain medications.

Because of the lack of trials and studies, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use astragalus.

If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, astragalus may not be for you as it stimulates an immune response.

Those who are taking lithium should also avoid astragalus as it could cause the body to hold onto high levels of the medications.

When starting a new supplement, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor first. This will ensure it’s safe for you to take the supplement with no ill side effects.

Astragalus Dosage

There is no specific dosage type recommended when taking astragalus. The dosage will depend on the age of the user, weight, and condition being treated. The way astragalus is being used (as an adaptogen or being combined with other herbs) also determines dosage.

Various studies referenced above suggest up to 60 grams per dose are well tolerated, depending on condition. Studies have not yet been done to determine the effects of using this supplement long term. It is generally considered safe to use for up to a few months at a time.

Many people will take supplements like astragalus according to the packaging instructions in the form they purchased. It’s best to work with a knowledgeable professional who understands the risks and benefits of using an herb like astragalus. They can work with you to determine the best dosage based on your needs.

Final Thoughts

Astragalus has shown to be well tolerated by most users. Given the amount of side effects from certain medications, astragalus could be a safer alternative for some health issues.

Where is the best place to buy astragalus root? Most health food stores, grocery stores, and online retailers will sell astragalus in some form. Be sure to check the ingredients to know that you’re getting what you pay for, with few if any fillers.

As always, consult your doctor before trying herbs and plants as a cure for your health concerns. This is especially important if you are taking medications already, so you can be sure astragalus won’t interfere.

If you are looking for something to improve your day-to-day health, energy, and overall vitamin intake, consider our very own Vintage Base™ supplement. Vintage Base™ is designed for active men and women who work hard and want to be smart about supplements.

Have you tried astragalus root before? Did it relieve your symptoms or help in some way? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.