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Astragalus

TCM tonic with immune-stimulating and CKD-supportive evidence.

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Overview

TCM tonic with immune-stimulating and CKD-supportive evidence.

Natural sources
  • Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
  • Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
  • Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
Common forms
  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Mechanism of action

Astragalosides upregulate T-cell function; nephroprotective in animal models.

Pathways
  • · Astragalosides upregulate T-cell function
  • · nephroprotective in animal models

Effects on the body

Decreases
proteinuria in CKD (Chinese trials)

Organ system effects

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces proteinuria in CKD (Chinese trials)

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Astragalus is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
Rare
  • · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
  • · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
Serious
  • · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Drug interactions

Immunosuppressants
May counteract.
moderate

Safety & non-supplemental interactions

Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

Avoid if you are
  • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with
  • A high-quality multivitamin
    Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
    Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
Avoid combining with

No specific avoidances listed.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
500–1000 mg standardized
Best form
Most evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Timing
Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With food?
Optional

Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Scientific evidence8Show studies
Systematic reviewIntegr Cancer Ther · 2003

Astragalus and immune function

Block KI, Mead MN

Review of astragalus in immune modulation.

Key findings

Improved immune markers and reduced chemotherapy side effects.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Astragalus — Reduces proteinuria in CKD

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Astragalus Reduces proteinuria in CKD" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astragalus and "Reduces proteinuria in CKD". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Astragalus — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Astragalus randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astragalus and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Astragalus — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Astragalus meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astragalus and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Astragalus — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Astragalus pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astragalus and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Astragalus — safety adverse events

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Astragalus safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astragalus and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Astragalus — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Astragalus dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Astragalus and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Astragalus — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Astragalus as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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