Astragalus

Important astragalus facts

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese herb that’s been used for centuries in herbal medicine. It’s known as Huang Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The root of the plant is the part most often used, typically dried and made into teas, extracts, powders, or capsules.

Astragalus is considered an adaptogen – meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and restore balance. In TCM, it’s prized for supporting vitality, resilience and immunity. Modern herbalists and naturopaths often recommend it for people who need to strengthen their immune system, improve recovery or boost energy levels.

Astragalus works best with

Astragalus is often most effective when combined with other supplements. Here’s a breakdown of what astragalus works well with and why:

Herbs

• Echinacea – works really well with astragalus for immune support (especially short-term use during colds)
• Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) – enhances astragalus’ immune-modulating and adaptogenic effects
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – greatly improves stamina and energy when combined with astragalus
• Schisandra berry – another adaptogen, supports stress resilience and liver health when combined with astragalus
• Ginger & licorice root – these are often combined in traditional Chinese formulas for digestion, immunity and vitality. People with any type of heart conditions should avoid licorice

Vitamins

• Vitamin C – astragalus enhances vitamin C’s immune-boosting and antioxidant effects
• Vitamin D – this vitamin is vital for immune regulation and it works well with astragalus to maintain immune health
• B-complex vitamins – together, they support energy metabolism and recovery from fatigue

Minerals

• Magnesium – supports stress resilience, sleep, and energy production
• Zinc – essential for immune cell activity, works well with astragalus for fighting infections
• Selenium – works with astragalus’ antioxidant properties to reduce oxidative stress

Amino acids

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – boosts glutathione levels and antioxidant defences
• Glutamine – supports gut lining and immune health, pairs well with astragalus for overall immunity
• Arginine – promotes circulation and immune response and it complements astragalus’ cardiovascular support

Other supplements

• Probiotics – work with astragalus to strengthen gut-immune connection
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil or algae oil) – reduce inflammation and support immune regulation
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – supports energy and cardiovascular health, especially in older adults but make sure you buy the ubiquinol version of CoQ10 as that is the active form and will be absorbed more readily and have more potent and be most helpful

Best complimentary supplements with astragalus

• Astragalus + Vitamin C + zinc → general immune support
• Astragalus + Reishi + B vitamins → energy and resilience
• Astragalus + Omega-3 + selenium → antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support

Important supplement info

• Short term immunity – combining astragalus with immune-stimulating herbs like echinacea is best during cold and flu season
• Long-term vitality – astragalus is usually paired with adaptogens like reishi or ginseng

Always check any supplements with a qualified practitioner if you’re on medications or have a medical condition

Astragalus and health

Evidence (from both traditional use and modern studies) suggests Astragalus may:

• Kidney and liver support – sometimes used in chronic conditions under professional guidance.
• Support immune function – helps defend against colds and infections.
• Increase energy and stamina – especially useful for fatigue.
• Support cardiovascular health – may help circulation and blood vessel function.
• Aid recovery – supports healing and resilience after illness.
• Anti-ageing properties – antioxidants may protect cells from damage.

Groups at risk of astragalus deficiency

Astragalus is not considered important or necessary for human survival, so no deficiency exists. But some people may benefit from astragalus supplementation:

• People with low immunity who catch colds easily
• Those experiencing chronic fatigue or low energy
• Individuals recovering from illness or stress
• Older adults looking for immune and vitality support
• People under ongoing physical or mental stress

Always talk to your doctor before you try astragalus, especially if you are already taking medication or have have a medical condition.

Astragalus food sources

Astragalus only comes from one source – astragalus plant and in particular, the root.

Astragalus supplement types

There are many ways you can take astragalus and these include:

• Dried herb as a tea – sliced dried root simmered in water, sometimes added to soups
• Capsules or tablets – provided as standardised extracts
• Powder – this can be mixed into smoothies or drinks
• Tincture or liquid extract – usually taken in drops with water

Astragalus is usually found in health food shops or pharmacies and online.

Astragalus recommended dosage

Dosage varies as it depends on how you’re taking it. It’s best to follow practitioner advice or the instructions on the product. Here are some general guidelines:

• Dried root tea: 9–30 g daily (traditionally used in TCM)
• Capsules/Tablets (extract): usually 500 mg – 2,000 mg a day (but check label instructions and start with the lowest dose)
• Tincture: Approx 2–4 mL, 2–3 times a day

Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for astragalus

Astragalus is generally considered safe, but possible side effects include:

• May interact with certain medicines (see below).
• Mild digestive upset (diarrhoea, bloating).
• Allergic reactions (rare, more likely in people allergic to legumes).

Precautions

Astragalus is generally recommended only for long-term immune support, not during acute feverish illnesses. Some people should avoid it:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women – the safety of astragalus is not well studied and these women should avoid any supplementation
• People with autoimmune conditions – astragalus may cause immune system over-stimulation and symptom relapse in people with conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis
• Transplant patients – astragalus can interfere with immunosuppressant medications
• People taking certain medications – people on medications such as blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, diuretics, or immunosuppressants

Interactions with astragalus

Medication interactions

Astragalus may have adverse interactions with the following medications:

Health conditions

People with the following health conditions should avoid taking astragalus:

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) – astragalus may overstimulate the immune system and cause relapse in symptoms
• Transplant recipients– astragalus can interfere with necessary immunosuppression medications and cause the body to reject the transplanted organ
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding – the safety of astragalus in these women and their fetus or baby is not established

Astragalus is usually safe for healthy adults. It should be avoided by people taking immunosuppressants, anticoagulants and certain cardiovascular medications unless approved by a doctor.

References

Chen X, Wang Y, Zhao J, et al. The effect of Astragalus on humoral and cellular immunity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Med Res 2023;30(6):535–48.

Zhang Y, Liu J, Wang X, et al. Immunomodulatory activities of Astragalus polysaccharides: a review of recent developments and perspectives. Arch Pharm Res 2022;45:879–96.

Qin T, Wu Y, Chen Y, et al. Astragalus membranaceus: a review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Front Nat Prod 2022;1:971679.

Auyeung KK, Han QB, Ko JK. Astragali Radix (Huangqi): a promising Chinese herb for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and other fatigue-related disorders. J Ethnopharmacol 2019;231:637–44.

Zhang S, Xu X, Liu Y, et al. Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides supplementation on immune function in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2025;398:137–51.

Liu QY, Yao YM, Zhang SW, et al. Effects of Astragalus extract on macrophage migration and immune mediator secretion. Molecules 2004;9(6):725–30.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Astragalus. The ASCO Post 2020;11(18):78–9.

Merck Manual Professional Edition. Astragalus. Kenilworth, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2021. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/astragalus

ScienceDirect Topics. Astragalus. Elsevier; 2022. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/astragalus

CancerChoices. Astragalus: Safety. CancerChoices.org; 2023. Available from: https://cancerchoices.org/therapy/astragalus/safety

Last reviewed and updated: 15 August 2025