Astragalus
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Evidence Summary
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine used for its potential renal, immune, and anti-fatigue properties. Research indicates promising results in managing chronic kidney disease, respiratory infections, and various forms of fatigue, though much evidence involves combination therapies.
Evidence by Condition
Cochrane reviews support its use in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Evidence suggests oral administration can help prevent frequent episodes of respiratory infections in children.
Studies show renal protective effects, particularly when used in combination with herbs like Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Research indicates potential for reducing various types of fatigue, including post-stroke and cancer-related fatigue.
Combination therapy with Jie Geng may reduce infections in colorectal cancer surgeries.
Astragalus has been shown to affect both humoral and cellular immune responses.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges were not specified in the provided research.
Key Findings
- Astragalus is used for treating chronic kidney disease (PMID: 25335553)
- Oral administration can prevent frequent acute respiratory tract infections in children (PMID: 27905672)
- Combination with Jie Geng reduces surgical site infections in colorectal cancer surgeries (PMID: 38351506)
- Potential efficacy in treating chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19 (PMID: 38834234)
- Demonstrates significant effects on both humoral and cellular immune responses (PMID: 37952511)
Limitations
Much of the evidence relies on combination therapies or animal models, and some human clinical trials have small sample sizes.
Safety & Interactions
Specific interactions and contraindications were not provided in the source text.
AI-generated summary from 9 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 81% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 3% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (9)
BACKGROUND: Astragalus (Radix Astragali, huang qi) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (Family Leguminosae). It is one of the most widely used herbs in trad...
BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are common in children and can involve both upper and lower airways. Many children experience frequent ARTI episodes or recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in early life, which creates...
**Chen et al., 2024** | Int Wound J | Meta Analysis Chen Shiwang, Tian Xudong, ... Liao Zhifeng. Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jie Geng and Huang Qi combination on reducing surgical site infections in colorectal cancer surgeries: A sy...
**Banihashemi et al., 2025** | BMJ Support Palliat Care | Rct Banihashemi Zahra-Sadat, Azizi-Fini Ismail, ... Yadollahi Safoura. Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract. BMJ Support Pa...
**Liang et al., 2025** | Ren Fail | Meta Analysis Liang Huiyu, Chen Zedong, ... Xiao Ya. Efficacy and potential pharmacological mechanism of Astragalus-Salvia miltiorrhiza combination in diabetic nephropathy: integrating meta-analysis, network pharma...
**Liu et al., 2024** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Liu Meifang, Di Yuan Ming, ... Xue Charlie Changli. Renal protective effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus for diabetic kidney disease in animal models: An updated systematic review and...
**Xu et al., 2020** | Metab Brain Dis | Systematic Review Xu Li, Xu Xiao-Yan, ... Zhang Han-Ting. Adjuvant therapy with Astragalus membranaceus for post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review. Metab Brain Dis. 2020-Jan;35(1):83-93. doi:10.1007/s11011-01...
**Sheng et al., 2025** | Integr Cancer Ther | Meta Analysis Sheng Xia, Yang Liu, ... Lin RuJia. Efficacy of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huang Qi) for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. Integr ...
**Zhang et al., 2023** | Complement Med Res | Meta Analysis Zhang Xueling, Qu Xixi, Zou Yu. The Effect of Astragalus on Humoral and Cellular Immune Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Studies. Complement Med Res. 2023;30(6):535-5...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Astragalus and what is it used for?
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine used for its potential benefits to the immune system, kidneys, and energy levels. There is strong evidence supporting its use for managing chronic kidney disease and preventing respiratory infections in children.
Does Astragalus help with kidney disease?
Yes, there is strong evidence from Cochrane reviews supporting its use in treating chronic kidney disease. Additionally, there is moderate evidence that it may provide renal protection in cases of diabetic kidney disease, particularly when used alongside other herbs.
Can Astragalus help with fatigue or immune support?
There is moderate evidence that Astragalus can help reduce various types of fatigue, including fatigue related to cancer, stroke, and post-COVID-19. It has also been shown to moderately affect both cellular and humoral immune responses.
Is Astragalus effective for preventing respiratory infections in children?
Yes, there is strong evidence suggesting that oral administration of Astragalus can help prevent frequent episodes of acute respiratory tract infections in children.
What is the recommended dose of Astragalus?
The current research does not specify an effective or recommended dose range for Astragalus. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate dosage for your needs.
Are there any known drug interactions or safety concerns with Astragalus?
There are no documented drug interactions or specific contraindications provided in the available research. However, you should always speak with a doctor before starting a new supplement to ensure it is safe for your specific health profile.
Can Astragalus help prevent infections after surgery?
There is moderate evidence that using Astragalus in combination with Jie Geng may help reduce the risk of surgical site infections following colorectal cancer surgeries.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.