Astragalus(Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus(Astragalus membranaceus)
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2013 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.
Related Terms
Astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside III, astragaloside IV, Astragalus adsurgens spp., Astragalus beckari, Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae), Astragalus bisulcatus spp., A.Gray (two-grooved milkvetch), Astragalus canadensis, Astragalus caspicus Bieb., Astragalus cicer, Astragalus compactus Lam., Astragalus complanatus R.Br., Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. (Fabaceae), Astragalus drummondii, Astragalus gummifer spp., Astragalus gummifera, Astragalus icmadophilus, Astragalus incanus, Astragalus lentiginosus (spotted locoweed), Astragalus membranaceus spp., Astragalus mollissimus (wooly locoweed), Astragalus mongholicus spp, Astragalus polysaccharide, Astragalus propinquus, Astragalus sahendi, Astragalus saponin, Astragalus sieberi DC., Astragalus sinicus (Chinese milkvetch), Astragalus sinicus L., Astragalus trigonus, Astragalus wiedemannianus Fischer, astragel, baak kei, beg kei, bei qi, buck qi, calycosin, Chinese milkvetch, Fabaceae (family), formononetin, gaba-aminobytyric acid, goat's horn, goat's thorn, green dragon, gum dragon, gum tragacanthae, gummi tragacanthae, hoang ky, hog gum, Huang Qi, huang-chi, huangoi, huangqi, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (HQGZWWT), hwanggi, isoflavonoids, ji cao, Leguminosae (family), locoweed, membranous milk vetch, milk vetch, milkvetch, Mongolian milk, Mongolian milk vetch, neimeng huangqi, ogi, ononin, ougi, Phaca membranacea Fisch., radix Astragali, radix Astragali (Huangqi), radix Astragali mongolici (Huangqi), radix Astragali seu Hedysari, spino santo, spotted locoweed, swainsonine, Syrian tragacanth, tai shen, tragacanth, trigonoside I, trigonoside II, trigonoside III, wooly locoweed, wong kei, yellow leader, yellow vetch, Zhongfengnaomitong.
Background
Astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in combination with other herbs, to stimulate the immune system. It is also used as an adjunct in chemotherapy to reduce possible adverse effects, such as leucopenia (low white blood cell count). Based on traditional use and clinical experience, astragalus is generally considered to be safe.
Preliminary data suggest several potential uses for astragalus when combined with other herbs; it is not clear if astragalus alone will have the same effects. Well-designed clinical trials evaluating astragalus on its own are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
Astragalus is a huge genus of over 2,000 species. The main medicinal species, Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus, must be distinguished from other astragalus species that may be toxic, such as Astragalus mollissimus (locoweed).
Gummy sap (called tragacanth) from astragalus is used as a thickener in ice cream, a denture adhesive, and an antidiarrheal agent.
Scientific Evidence
Uses These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
Grade* |
Allergic rhinitis According to one study, astragalus, as part of a combination formulation, decreased runny nose in seasonal allergic rhinitis. More well-designed trials are needed. |
C |
Anorexia A combination of herbs including astragalus showed significant benefit in treating anorexia. However, the effects of astragalus cannot be determined from this study, and well designed monotherapy trials are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Aplastic anemia Astragalus-containing herbal combination formulas may have beneficial effects in treating aplastic anemia. |
C |
Asthma Limited evidence suggests that a single administration of astragalus, in addition to an application of strong red light and electromagnetic field (EMF) neutralizer to the respiratory centers of an abnormal medulla oblongata may have beneficial effects on severe asthma triggered by asbestos inhalation. Additional studies on astragalus therapy alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Athletic performance According to early research, an astragalus-containing combination formula may reduce fatigue and increase athletic performance. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Attention deficit disorder Limited evidence suggests that a combination product including astragalus may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with attention-deficit disorder, compared to Ritalin®, but that it may not exhibit greater efficacy. Well-designed trials examining astragalus alone are needed. |
C |
Burns Few studies have investigated astragalus in burn patients. Further research is required before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Cerebral palsy Limited evidence suggests that astragalus may be beneficial for children with cerebral palsy. Further research is needed. |
C |
Chemotherapy In Chinese medicine, astragalus-containing herbal mixtures are sometimes used with the intention of reducing the side effects of cancer treatments. Due to a lack of well-designed research, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn. |
C |
Chronic fatigue syndrome Limited evidence suggests that a combination including astragalus may decrease fatigue-related symptoms. However, the effects of astragalus cannot be determined from this study. Additional well-designed trials examining astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Cognitive function Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination therapy, may improve cognitive function. However, the effects of astragalus alone cannot be determined. More research is required in this field before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Diabetes There is some evidence that astragalus can improve the effectiveness of conventional diabetes therapies. More research is required in this field before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Diabetic complications There is some evidence that astragalus as part of a combination may be an effective cure on diabetic foot ulcers. However, the effects of astragalus alone cannot be determined. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Heart disease Evidence suggests that astragalus may be beneficial in patients with various heart conditions. However, because of the design and analysis limitations of most studies, the clinical efficacy data are inconclusive. |
C |
Helicobacter pylori infection Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination formula, may be effective in reducing H. pylori infections. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Hepatitis Research suggests that astragalus may have antihepatitis effects. Additional research is needed in this area. |
C |
Herpes Some studies suggest that astragalus may inhibit herpes viruses. Additional research is needed in this area. |
C |
HIV Antiviral effects have been reported in early studies. Additional studies are warranted. |
C |
Immune stimulation Several small studies report that astragalus may stimulate and improve immune system function in conditions such as the common cold, blood disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Further research is needed in this area. |
C |
Infection Few studies have investigated the effect of astragalus on infections. Further research is required before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Kidney failure Research suggests that astragalus may be effective in kidney disease. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this claim. |
C |
Liver protection Research suggests that astragalus may be effective in cirrhosis. Further research is required before a conclusion can be made. |
C |
Menopausal symptoms There is unclear evidence as to whether astragalus is helpful for reducing menopausal symptoms. Limited research has reported on the use of a combination product, and thus the effects of astragalus alone are unknown. |
C |
Menstrual disorders Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination formula, may be beneficial in menstrual disorders. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Mental performance Some evidence suggests that astragalus may aid in the mental performance of children with low IQ. Further, well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made. |
C |
Myasthenia gravis Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination formula, may be beneficial in myasthenia gravis. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Neck pain Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination therapy, may offer pain relief in patients with chronic neck pain. However, the effects of astragalus alone cannot be determined. More research is required before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Prostate inflammation Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination formula, may be beneficial in chronic prostate inflammation. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Smoking cessation Astragalus has been used traditionally to aid in smoking cessation. Well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made. |
C |
Stroke Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination formula, may be effective in treating stroke. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Systemic lupus erythematosus Astragalus has been shown to improve immune parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
Tuberculosis Limited evidence suggests the potential for benefit of astragalus in patients with tuberculosis. Further well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made. |
C |
Upper respiratory tract infection Astragalus is often used in Chinese medicine as a part of herbal mixtures to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections. Due to a lack of well-designed research, no firm conclusions can be drawn. |
C |
Viral myocarditis Several studies suggest that astragalus may improve symptoms of viral myocarditis (heart inflammation). However, these studies are small and poorly designed. Larger, higher-quality studies are needed in this area. |
C |
Weight loss Limited evidence suggests that astragalus, as part of a combination formula, may be useful for weight loss. More well-designed trials of astragalus alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
C |
*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work). |
|
Tradition/Theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.
Altitude sickness (acute), adaptogen, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), aggression, aging, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, ankylosing spondylitis, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, anxiety, astringent, atopic dermatitis, beta-thalassemia, blood circulation, blood vessel disorders, bone loss, bone marrow suppression (from cancer or HIV), brain injuries (minimal brain dysfunction), bronchitis, cancer, cardiac abnormalities (hypertrophy, pulmonary heart disease), cardiac ischemia, cardiovascular disorders, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), chest congestion, chronic illness, cleanser, colitis, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, common cold, connective tissue disorders (visceral fibrosis), cytomegalovirus, dementia, demulcent (soothes inflamed tissue), denture adhesive (astragalus sap), dermatitis, diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diarrhea, digestion enhancement, diuretic (urination stimulant), ear infection, exhaustion, expectorant (removes phlegm), fatigue, fever, gangrene, gastric cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, genetic damage (X-ray-induced chromosomal damage), graft healing, hearing damage from toxins/gentamicin, hematopoiesis (stimulation of blood cell production), hemorrhage (bleeding), hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hyperthyroidism, infertility, insomnia, jaundice (obstructive), joint pain, kidney disease (chronic, insufficiency, microalbuminuria, nephritic syndrome, nephropathy, renal fibrosis, vascular renal hypertension), kidney stones, labor, laxative, leprosy, leukemia, loss of appetite, lung cancer, male fertility (sperm motility), memory, metabolic disorders, multiple sclerosis, muscle wasting/weakness (after illness), myalgia (muscle pain), myocardial ischemia, nephritis, neuroprotective (nerve protective), night sweats, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, pain, palpitations, Parkinson's disease, pelvic congestion syndrome, postpartum fever, postpartum urinary retention, psoriasis, pulmonary fibrosis, qi deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome in heart disease (Eastern medicine) (fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite), radioprotection, rectal prolapse, renal impairment, rheumatoid arthritis, seizure disorders, sepsis, shortness of breath, skin care, spleen disorders (insufficiency), stomach ulcers, stress, sweating (excessive), swelling, thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets), tissue oxygenation, tonic, tonsillitis, urinary tract infection, uterine bleeding, uterine prolapse, vaccine adjunct, viral infection (infectious bursa disease virus (veterinary use)), vitality, wound healing.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adults (over 18 years old)
General: In Chinese medicine, astragalus is used in soups, teas, extracts, and pills. In practice and in most scientific studies, astragalus is one component of multiherb mixtures. Therefore, the precise dosing of astragalus alone is not clear. Safety and effectiveness have not been clearly established for any particular dose. A few studies have used astragalus extract or isolated astragaloside fractions. Astragalus is commercially available as a solid powdered extract, dried root, decoction, fluid extract, and tincture. Various doses of astragalus have been used or studied, including 20-500 milligrams of extract taken 3-4 times daily; 1-30 grams of dried root taken daily (doses as high as 60 grams have been reported); or 500-1,000 milligrams of root capsules taken three times daily. Dosing of tinctures or fluid extracts depends on the strength of preparations, although 2-4 milliliters of a 1:1 water or alcohol whole root extract in 25% ethanol has been used 3-4 times daily, and 3-5 milliliters of a tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol has been used three times daily. As a decoction (strong boiled tea), 3-6 grams of dried root per 12 oz. of water three times daily has been used. The maximum level of astragalus used is 1.3% when used topically in lotions, denture creams, toothpastes, or cosmetics.
For allergic rhinitis, an herb and mineral complex (HMC) containing 80 milligrams of Astragalus membranaceus root per capsule, standardized to contain 40% polysaccharides, has been taken by mouth.
For aplastic anemia, 80-120 grams of injectable Astragalus (20 grams per 10 milliliters, in 200 milliliters of 5% glucose solution or 0.9% NaCl solution) has been used as an intravenous infusion once daily for 15 days.
For cancer, 60 milliliters Astragalus injection (equivalent to 120 grams of astragalus) in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose has been used in water once daily until the termination of chemotherapy.
For chemotherapy side effects, 90 grams of astragalus has been taken by mouth daily as a tincture for 30 days. An intravenous drip of 20 milliliters of astragalus in 250 milliliters of saline has been used once daily for three months. An astragalus intravenous drip of 60 milliliters daily for 2-3 treatment cycles (each cycle lasting 21-28 days), in combination with chemotherapy, has been used. Four milliliters of Injectio Radici Astragali into the acupuncture point Zusanli (ST 36) has been used daily for three weeks.
For coronary heart disease, 20 grams of astragalus has been taken by mouth three times daily.
For diabetes, four grams of astragalus granules has been taken by mouth twice daily as a suspension for eight weeks. Twenty milliliters of astragalus solution (equivalent to 40 grams of astragalus) in 250 milliliters of normal saline has been injected once daily for 30 days.
For heart disease, 20 grams of Astragalus membranaceus, a qi tonic, has been taken by mouth three times daily for an unspecified amount of time. An intravenous drip of 30-40 milliliters of astragalus (equivalent to 60-80 grams of crude drug) in 500 milliliters of 5% glucose solution has been used once daily for 14-20 days. Forty milliliters of astragalus solution (one milliliter of solution, equivalent to two grams of crude astragalus root) in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been injected once daily. Astragalus intravenous infusion (equivalent to 24 grams of crude astragalus) has been used once daily for two weeks.
For heart failure, 20 milliliters of danshen solution by intravenous infusion in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been used once daily. Forty milliliters of astragalus solution by intravenous infusion in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been used once daily. Thirty milliliters of astragalus (equivalent to 60 grams of crude drug) as an intravenous drip in 500 milliliters of 5% glucose solution has been used once daily for 20 days. Astragalus by intravenous drip 40 milliliters (equivalent to 80 grams of crude drug) in 500 milliliters of 5% glucose solution has been used once daily.
For herpes simplex keratitis, a dose of 0.5 milliliters of astragalus (1:1 extract) has been applied to the skin for three weeks.
For immune stimulation, conventional treatment with 20 milliliters of astragalus added into 250 milliliters of 5% glucose solution has been used. Ten milliliters of a preparation equal to 15 grams of astragalus has been used twice daily for eight weeks.
For infection, two milliliters of astragalus injection per foot has been used three times weekly for eight weeks.
For kidney failure, 20 milliliters of astragalus solution (one milliliter, equivalent to two grams of astragalus) in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been used (duration unspecified). Forty milliliters of astragalus solution in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water by intravenous infusion has been used once daily for five days after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Infusion of 40 milliliters of astragalus (one milliliter of solution, equivalent to two grams of astragalus) in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been used once daily for one month.
For stroke (cerebral infarction), 20 milliliters of astragalus solution (one milliliter, equivalent to two grams of astragalus) by intravenous infusion in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been used once daily for 10 days.
For systemic lupus erythematosus, 20 milliliters of astragalus solution (equivalent to 40 milligrams of astragalus) in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water, given once daily as intravenous drip, has been used for 12 consecutive days each month. Forty milliliters of solution (equivalent to 80 grams of astragalus) in 250 milliliters of 5% dextrose in water has been used daily for four weeks.
For tuberculosis, a dose of 20 milliliters has been used daily for two months.
For viral myocarditis, an injection equivalent to eight grams of pure herb has been used daily for 3-4 months.
For wound healing, a preparation of 10% astragalus ointment has been applied to wound surfaces.
Children (younger than 18 years)
General: Children have been given adult doses proportional to their body weight. Most adult herbal doses are standardized to a 70 kilogram adult male. Therefore, a child who weighs 25 kilograms would be given 1/3 of the adult dosage. This dose has been taken once daily for up to one month. There are not enough scientific data to recommend astragalus for children.
For immune stimulation, 15 milliliters of astragalus has been injected every 12 hours for seven days.
For upper respiratory tract infection, astragalus solution (10 milliliters twice daily if six years of age or younger, and three times daily if over six years of age) has been taken by mouth.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Astragalus membranaceus, its constituents, or other members of the Fabaceae family. In theory, patients with allergies to members of the Leguminosae (pea) family may react to astragalus. Cross-reactivity with quillaja bark (soapbark) has been reported.
A positive skin reaction to Huangqi powder injection has been reported.
Side Effects and Warnings
Use cautiously in patients using immunosuppressant agents or those who have autoimmune disease, as astragalus may stimulate the immune system.
Astragalus may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Astragalus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Astragalus may lower blood pressure. At higher doses, it may raise blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients with high blood pressure or those taking herbs or supplements that affect blood pressure.
Use cautiously with anesthetics, beta-blockers, central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, colchicines, dopamine agonists, drugs that increase urination, drugs that reduce vascular pressure, growth hormones, immune suppressants, interferons, and neuromuscular blockers, due to possible additive effects.
Astragalus may also cause chest pain, dehydration, diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal effects, inflammation of the nasal passages and sinus cavities, increased growth hormone levels, increased urination, inflammation of the vulva (the external female genitalia), metabolic abnormalities, nerve-stimulating effects, neurological syndromes, palpitations, pneumonia, and sore throat.
Use cautiously during pregnancy or breastfeeding, due to harmful effects seen in preliminary studies.
Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Astragalus membranaceus, its constituents, or other members of the Fabaceae family. In theory, patients with allergies to members of the Leguminosae (pea) family may react to astragalus. Cross-reactivity with quillaja bark (soapbark) has been reported. A positive skin reaction to Huangqi powder injection has been reported.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Astragalus is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, due to harmful effects seen in preliminary studies.
Interactions
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
In theory, consumption of the tragacanth (gummy sap) derived from astragalus may reduce the absorption of agents taken by mouth. Therefore, tragacanth and other agents should be taken at separate times.
Astragalus may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
Astragalus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Astragalus may lower blood pressure. At higher doses, it may raise blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood pressure.
Sedatives may decrease the effects of astragalus. Examples of sedatives include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol.
Astragalus may also interact with anesthetics, antiaging agents, antiarthritic agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiobesity agents, antiseizure agents, antiviral agents, beta-blockers, cholesterol-lowering agents, CNS stimulants, colchicine, cyclophosphamide, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dopamine agonists, drugs for anxiety, drugs that are toxic to the liver, drugs that decrease vascular pressure, drugs that increase urination, drugs that protect against radiation, drugs with hormone activity, gastrointestinal agents, growth hormone, hematological agents, immunosuppressants, inotropes, interferons, nalbuphine, neuromuscular blockers, neuroprotective agents, osteoporosis agents, procarbazine, propoxyphene, sedatives, steroids, and vaccines.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
In theory, consumption of the tragacanth (gummy sap) derived from astragalus may reduce absorption of agents taken by mouth. Therefore, tragacanth and other agents should be taken at separate times.
Astragalus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
Astragalus may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.
Astragalus may lower blood pressure. At higher doses, it may raise blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that affect blood pressure.
Herbs and supplements with sedative effects may decrease the effects of astragalus.
Astragalus may also interact with amino acids, anesthetics, antiadrenergic herbs and supplements, antiaging herbs and supplements, antiarthritic agents, antibacterials, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antiobesity herbs and supplements, antioxidants, antiseizure herbs and supplements, antiviral agents, beta-blockers, bone herbs and supplements, cholesterol-lowering agents, chronotropic herbs and supplements, dopamine agonists, gastrointestinal agents, growth hormone, hematological herbs and supplements, herbs and supplements for anxiety, herbs and supplements for the heart, herbs and supplements that are toxic to the liver, herbs and supplements that decrease vascular pressure, herbs and supplements that increase urination, herbs and supplements that protect against radiation, herbs and supplements with hormone activity, immunosuppressants, inotropic herbs and supplements, neuroprotective herbs and supplements, Rauwolfia alkaloids, rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, sedatives, selenium, and stimulants.
Author Information
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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Weng XS. [Treatment of leucopenia with pure Astragalus preparation--an analysis of 115 leucopenic cases]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1995;15(8):462-464. View Abstract
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Yin X, Zhang S, Kong Y, et al. Observation on efficiency of jiangtang capsule in treating diabetes mellitus type 2 with hyperlipidemia. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine 2001;7(3):214-216.
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Copyright © 2013 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
Updated:
March 22, 2017