", Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: "Astragalus. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. View abstract. Astragalus may be safe when used orally and appropriately. 2001;21(10):750-751. Li, Z. P., Cao, Q., and Xing, Q. S. [Effect of Milkvetch Injection on cardiac function and hemodynamics in children with tetralogy of Fallot after radical operation]. While using a supplement naturally produced in the body sounds safe, still check with a doctor. Observation on efficiency of jiangtang capsule in treating diabetes mellitus type 2 with hyperlipidemia. Bai R, Li Q Fang X. Effect of Astragulas membranaceus on natural killer cell activity and induction of alpha- and gamma- interferon in patients with coxsackie B viral myocarditis. Lu, Z. M., Qian, X. H., Chen, Z. W., Zhang, C. H., Guo, L. S., and Chen, J. 2009;50(5-6):185-193. The inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B-3 virus RNA replication. May Alleviate Side Effects of Chemotherapy, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Valerian Root Dosage for Anxiety and Sleep, The 20 Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease, The No BS Guide to Adaptogens for Hormonal Balance and Stress, 14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally, 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Gao, S. R., Bu, J. H., and Zhu, L. Z. Yuan, Y., Sun, M., and Li, K. S. Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced production of TNF-alpha and interleukin-8. Are there any side effects to taking astragalus root? The primary role of your immune system is to protect your body against harmful invaders, including bacteria, germs and viruses that can cause illness (7). Yang, H. Y., Li, J., and Yi, M. [Study on chronical hepatitis B with treatment of integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine]. Yao, X. J., Wainberg, M. A., and Parniak, M. A. While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of astragalus for preventing and treating infections. Int Immunopharmacol. [Experimental study of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus against herpes simplex virus type 1]. Ye, M. N. and Chen, H. F. [Effects of Astragalus injection on proliferation of basal-like breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468]. J Biol Response Mod 1983;2:227-37.. View abstract. Zhang HE and et al. Leehey, D. J., Casini, T., and Massey, D. Remission of membranous nephropathy after therapy with Astragalus membranaceus. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. [Clinical and experimental study on shen-qo injection with chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant tumor of digestive tract]. Astragalus has been shown to improve proteinuria in several studies involving individuals with kidney disease (29). 2018;10(9). Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. View abstract. McCulloch M, See C, Shu XJ, et al. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo. "Magnesium bisglycinate, in particular, can help with relaxation, sleep, and anxiety reduction. Have you ever heard of astragalus? View abstract. View abstract. If you suffer from insomnia, , or interrupted sleep patterns, regular consumption of astragalus root extract can quickly get you back into a healthy Circadian rhythm. If you have these conditions, it would be best to speak with a Doctor or TCM Practitioner to see if Astragalus is safe for you to take, and if not, which other herbs might be beneficial instead. Henan Journal of Chinese Medicine 2001;16:36-37. ", Phytotherapy Research: "Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.". View abstract. A combination of Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus var. 2009;29(9):794-797. View abstract. Liu, Q. Y., Yao, Y. M., Zhang, S. W., and Sheng, Z. Y. Astragalus polysaccharides regulate T cell-mediated immunity via CD11c(high)CD45RB(low) DCs in vitro. Chemotherapy has many negative side effects. Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine 2000;9(1):61. The recommended dose is 20 to 60 drops three times a day. Fractionated extract of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb, potentiates LAK cell cytotoxicity generated by a low dose of recombinant interleukin-2. Journal of Liaoning College of TCM 2004;6(5):390. Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2003;10:38-39. would take about 1/4 the adult dose. Do not give astragalus supplements to a child with a fever as this can make their condition worse. View abstract. Never go off of your diabetes medication until you speak to your doctor. Sara Nuss is a University of Pittsburgh alumna with a passion for writing and journalism. [Clinical study of 96 cases with chronic hepatitis B treated with jiedu yanggan gao by a double-blind method]. In animal research, astragalus root has been shown to help kill bacteria and viruses in mice with infections (9, 10). Kajimura, K., Takagi, Y., Ueba, N., Yamasaki, K., Sakagami, Y., Yokoyama, H., and Yoneda, K. Protective effect of astragali radix by oral administration against Japanese encephalitis virus infection in mice. View abstract. Zhong.Yao Cai. Oncol.Rep. Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2005;22(3):244-245. Li X, Qu L, Dong Y, Han L, Liu E, Fang S, Zhang Y, Wang T. A review of recent research progress on the astragalus genus. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. Here are 15 natural ways to lower your blood sugar levels. Timing will mostly depend on your personal preferences, tolerance, and the type of ashwagandha you choose. Yang, Y. X. View abstract. Yang J, Xie Q. Zou, Y. H. and Liu, X. M. [Effect of astragalus injection combined with chemotherapy on quality of life in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer]. Bi, Z. J. Zhang, H. Shi X. Ji J. L. The effect of Astragalus injection on proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Ying, L. H. Observation of the therapeutic effect of Astragalus injection on diabetic nephropathy. [Effect of Astragalus injection on platelet function and plasma endothelin in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy]. Taixiang, W., Munro, A. J., and Guanjian, L. Chinese medical herbs for chemotherapy side effects in colorectal cancer patients. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. Chinese Journal of Rural Medicine 2004;11:11-12. However, more research is needed. The curative effect of the treatment of chronic congestive cardiac deficiency by Astragalue injection and digoxin. Z., He, Y. Y., and Chen, G. [Clinical and experimental study on effects of man-shen-ling oral liquid in the treatment of 100 cases of chronic nephritis]. Guilin Medicine 2001;3:19-20. Speak to your doctor before you use astragalus supplements to treat your diabetes. Heilongjiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2004;3:8-9. The effect of Astragalus on early stage of diabetic nephropathy. View abstract. Journal of Nursing (China) 2006;13(3):59-60. Yang, Q. Y., Lu, S., and Sun, H. R. [Effects of astragalus on cardiac function and serum tumor neorosis factor-alpha level in patients with chronic heart failure]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 2006;10(3):54-56. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 2012;11:CD003711. 2005; Wang, H. Y. and Chen, Y. P. [Clinical observation on treatment of diabetic nephropathy with compound fructus arctii mixture]. Zeng J. The root of the plant has been used as a medicine and diet supplement for thousands of years. Ningxia Medical Journal 2006;28:220-221. Zhonghua Er.Ke.Za Zhi. Ai.Zheng. J Diabetes Complications 2010;24(3):199-208. Shi, P. Li Z. Sheng, Z. L., Li, N. Y., and Ge, X. P. [Clinical study of baoyuan dahuang decoction in the treatment of chronic renal failure]. Preventive effects of a fractioned polysaccharide from a traditional Chinese herbal medical formula (Yu Ping Feng San) on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis. Is astragalus safe to take every day? View abstract. View abstract. 1987;7(7):403-4, 388. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Xue.Bao. Neurochem.Res 2010;35(1):33-41. [Action of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function of angina pectoris]. Astragalus is used in traditional Chinese medicine for night sweats and diarrhea. [Clinical and experimental study of yushen jiangtang tablet in treating non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1994;114(7):533-538. Chu DT, Lepe-Zuniga J, Wong WL, et al. Astragalus (Astragalus . 1998;21(5):287-288. Chin J Integr.Med 2009;15(3):233-235. View abstract. Image courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs.. 2003;26(11):917-924. Du, W. T. Li F. M. The effect of Astragalus on improvement of renal injury in early stage of diabetic nephropathy. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. Luo Q, Wang Y Hu M. Therapeutic effect observation of Astragalus injection with conventional therapy for 46 elderly patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Nutrients. ~ $13 /100 capsules. Qu, X. L., Dai, Q., Qi, Y. H., Tang, Y. H., Xu, D. H., Wu, Z. H., and Wang, X. X. They contribute to your overall wellbeing and can be added to food, mixed into beverages or taken as tinctures (liquid concentrates) or supplements. Zhang, Z. Endocrine. 2008;6(4):399-404. Proteinuria is a condition in which abnormal amounts of protein are found in urine, which is a sign that the kidneys may be damaged or not functioning normally (28). View abstract. J Clin Oncol 7-1-2006;24(19):3215-3216. Luo X. Shandong J TCM 1992;11(2):15-17. Astragalus may improve your immune system and symptoms of chronic fatigue and seasonal allergies. Ma L, Yu J Han Y. Though no dosage recommendation exists, up to 60 grams daily for up to four months appears to be safe for most people. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. Kor J Pharmacogn 1997;28(2):72-74. Still, some people swear by natural remedies for cold symptoms like runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, headache, fatigue, and body aches. Weng, X. S. [Treatment of leucopenia with pure Astragalus preparation--an analysis of 115 leucopenic cases]. Its hard to say for sure what health benefits astragalus might offer. View abstract. View abstract. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Materia Medica of Jilin 1995;15(2):7-8. The amount of astaxanthin found in whole food sources is generally safe and can be consumed with minimal risk of side effects. View abstract. J Nat.Med 2009;63(4):421-429. [Primary research on the clinical significance of ventricular late potentials (VLPs), and the impact of mexiletine, lidocaine and Astragalus membranaceus on VLPs]. Always tell your doctor about all supplements and medications you are taking. Chin J Indigenous Med 1997;3(3):21-22. If you are taking medication for an autoimmune disease, like lupus, do not take astragalus supplements. Theres not much research on the safety or effectiveness of astragalus on the skin, but a study of human skin cells published in Aging and Diseasein December 2017 found that astragalus might protect against UVA rays. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine on Cardio-Cerebro Vascular Disease 2008;6:114-115. Proponents say it may also improve heart and kidney health and fight diabetes and cancer. B., Wang, F. J., Zhang, G. Q., Yang, W. M., Qin, H. S., and Liu, X. T. [Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection on TNF-alpha-induced release of inflammatory factors from HUVECs and the molecular mechanisms]. It is an adaptogen, which means it can protect your body from physical, mental, and emotional stress. Ma J, Peng A, Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Cyclophosphamide is used to make the immune system less active. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. If you have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or another autoimmune disease, you should not use astragalus root.. 1993;13(5):269-60. View abstract. Auyeung, K. K., Law, P. C., and Ko, J. K. Astragalus saponins induce apoptosis via an ERK-independent NF-kappaB signaling pathway in the human hepatocellular HepG2 cell line. View abstract. 2011;11(2):142-148. ", Institute for Traditional Medicine: "Astragalus. China Tropical Medicine 2007;7(8):1343-1344. Acupunct.Electrother.Res 2009;34(1-2):41-73. Huh, J. E., Seo, D. M., Baek, Y. H., Choi, D. Y., Park, D. S., and Lee, J. D. Biphasic positive effect of formononetin on metabolic activity of human normal and osteoarthritic subchondral osteoblasts. Hu S. Therapeutic effect observation of Huangqi injection as assisted treatment for chronic heart failure. Fish Oil Sleep Side Effects. Modern Medicine & Health 2005;21(17):2337-2338. Though astragalus is safe for most people, the following people should avoid it: Astragalus may also have effects on blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Z., Ding, F., and Tan, L. W. [Clinical and experimental study on yi-gan-ning granule in treating chronic hepatitis B]. Well tell you about how they work, which ones to take, and pitfalls to avoid. Zhongguo Zhen.Jiu. Acta Pharmacol.Sin. Li, L., Zhang, S. L., Zhong, X. L., Xu, L. L., and Duan, A. Y. For most people, astragalus is well tolerated. Wang S, Yu L. Clinical observation of astragalus in treatment of heart failure in 102 cases with chronic pulmonary heart disease. Integr.Cancer Ther. Rehmannia has been used to balance the yin for 2,000 years. View abstract. View abstract. Cochrane Database Syst.Rev. Journal of Emergency in Traditional Chinese Medicine 2003;12(1):35. Li, S. Q., Yuan, R. X., and Gao, H. [Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus]. The root contains many active plant compounds, which are believed to be responsible for its potential benefits (3, 4). For example, 7.5-15 grams of astragalus taken daily for three to six months reduced the risk of infection by 38% in people with a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome. Astragalus benefits the immune system via its immunoregulatory properties. Speak to your doctor before taking astragalus supplements if you are taking other herbal medications or treatments. View abstract. Su, Y. C., Lin, C. J., Chen, K. T., Lee, S. M., Lin, J. S., Tsai, C. C., Chou, Y., and Lin, J. G. Effects of huangqi jianzhong tang on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes. Liu, D. Liu S. Ding H. Investigation of the effect of Astragalus injection on treating diabetic nephropathy. Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum protect rat heart mitochondria against lipid peroxidation. Cassileth, B. R., Rizvi, N., Deng, G., Yeung, K. S., Vickers, A., Guillen, S., Woo, D., Coleton, M., and Kris, M. G. Safety and pharmacokinetic trial of docetaxel plus an Astragalus-based herbal formula for non-small cell lung cancer patients. J Tradit.Chin Med 2005;25(1):21-22. Effect of Radix Astragali seu Hedysari on the interferon system. Li J, Xu B Xue J Chen L Ling W. Clinical observation on the effect of sodium nitroprusside combined with milkvetch root injection on chronic congestive heart failure. Specifically, the root of the plant is made into many different forms of supplements, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders and teas. Journal of Medical Theory and Practice 2002;15:510-511. Zhong.Nan.Da.Xue.Xue.Bao.Yi.Xue.Ban. Lu, L. J., Zhao, D. Y., Li, S. Y., and Lin, Q. F. Clinical analysis of 179 cases of hepatitis B treated with Chinese herbal combination hepatitis B formula #3 [in Chinese]. While most people take astragalus for a few weeks, some people take it continuously. Nan.Fang Yi.Ke.Da.Xue.Xue.Bao. Taking astragalus along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications. In another study, patients with heart failure received 60 grams per day of astragalus by IV along with conventional treatment. Make sure you water deeply to help germination. View abstract. But for your average person, Astragalus is safe to take. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. While there are few risks of astragalus use, some side effects have been reported, including: Nausea Diarrhea Itching Rash Runny nose It may be safe for most people to use, but astragalus may. Lithium: Astragalus can affect how the body reduces lithium levels because of its diuretic qualities. Yang, Q. Y., Lu, S., and Sun, H. R. Clinical effect of Astragalus granule of different dosages on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Historically and even today, they use it for chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart health, adjunctive therapy during cancer, and as an adaptogen (stress support) among other ailments. 2006;26(5):443-445. Lishizhen Medicine and Materia Medica Research 2007;18:1743-1744. Astragalus is generally well tolerated but should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease or are taking immunosuppressant drugs. View abstract. Wu, H. M., Tang, J. L., Cao, L., Sha, Z. H., and Li, Y. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. Gao, X. H., Xu, X. X., Pan, R., Li, Y., Luo, Y. A phase II study of an herbal decoction that includes Astragali radix for cancer-associated anorexia in patients with advanced cancer. View abstract. This article was co-authored by Claudia Carberry, RD, MS. Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Based on Network Pharmacology to Explore the Molecular Mechanisms of. Chinese Journal of Misdiagnosis 2008;8(23):5584-5585. Cytokine 2009;47(2):85-90. Vorgerd M, Grehl T, Jager M, et al. Virology 1992;187(1):56-62. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. View abstract. For example, one clinical study in people undergoing chemotherapy found that astragalus given by IV reduced nausea by 36%, vomiting by 50% and diarrhea by 59% (19). Tian L, Ai J Wu X. Huangqi injection combined with dobutamine for the treatment of 54 patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease refractory heart failure. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, being known as Huang Qi. View abstract. You can learn more about adrenal dysfunction, as well as how to address and treat it through an at-home protocol, . Central Plain Medical Journal 2006;33(2):85-86. (e.g. The. Molecules. View abstract. [Extracorporeal experimental study on immuno-modulatory activity of Astragalus memhranaceus extract]. Pang M, Guo F Sun X Guo L. Effective observation of Astragalus injection for refractory heart failure. 4 You shouldn't use astragalus without a healthcare practitioner's recommendation if you have autoimmune diseases such as: Crohn's disease Multiple sclerosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis Type 1 diabetes Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomized clinical trials of radix astragali and its prescriptions for diabetic retinopathy. Zhongguo Wei Zhong.Bing.Ji.Jiu.Yi.Xue. 2002;23(8):757-761. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. View abstract. J Med Theor & Prac 2002;15(11):1277-1278. 2009;32(5):744-747. [A study on combination therapy of Western and traditional Chinese medicine of acute viral myocarditis]. 2008;6(5):468-472. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Xue.Bao. 1. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. 2004;29(2):152-153. 2001;21(5):349-350. Chen, H. 104 cases of acute viral myocarditis treated with Astragalus membranaceus injection. Effects of several Chinese herbal aqueous extracts on human sperm motility in vitro. Liu, J. P., McIntosh, H., and Lin, H. Chinese medicinal herbs for asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B virus infection. Astragalus may improve your immune system and symptoms of chronic fatigue and seasonal allergies. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The therapeutic effect of Astragalus injection on chronic heart failure.