Astragalus

Last Updated: January 30 2023

Astragalus membranaceus is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is claimed to have anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anti-aging effects.

Astragalus is most often used for

What is astragalus?

Various Astragalus species are used in alternative medicine around the world.[177][178] This page refers to Astragalus membranaceus, a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, also known as Astragali radix or huangqi.[179][180] Astragalus membranaceus can be used alone, but it is also paired with another herb called Angelicae sinensis in Danggui Buxue Tang, a Chinese medicine.[181] Astragalus membranaceus contains several bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. One of its major bioactive molecules is called astragaloside IV.[182][183], and another of its bioactive extracts has been patented under the name TA-65 (telomerase activator 65).[184]

What are astragalus’s main benefits?

There are widespread claims about the beneficial effects of Astragalus membranaceus and its extracts (e.g., astragaloside IV, TA-65, etc.) on several conditions. These include chronic heart failure,[185][186] metabolic syndrome,[187] blood lipids,[188] diabetes,[189][190][191][192] kidney disease,[193][194][195][196][191][192] neurological disorders,[197] cell lifespan,[179][184] and cancer.[198][199][200][201] However, the quality of evidence for these effects in humans is generally low because of variable findings between studies, poor methodological quality, unclear methodological details, widespread lack of blinding, use of intravenous rather than oral administration, and publication bias in favor of predominantly positive findings being published.[185][186][193][194][195][196][188][189][190][198][199][200][201] Furthermore, much of the evidence supporting the benefits of astragaloside IV is derived from animal and cell culture experiments,[202][191][192][203][197][204] while clinical studies showing the therapeutic benefit of TA-65 are authored by the group that patented the compound.[184][187] Consequently, high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials by independent researchers are urgently needed to confirm these therapeutic claims.

What are astragalus’s main drawbacks?

There is no obvious toxicity nor serious side effects caused by Astragalus membranaceus or its extracts.[205][206][207][208][184][185][186] However, human studies often fail to record the side effects of astragalus.[193][209][208][185][186][196]

The main drawback is that research in this field has major limitations. For example, systematic reviews conclude that evidence in this field is generally of low quality.[185][186][193][194][195][196][188][189][190][198][199][200][201] Furthermore, it is often unclear which species (e.g., Astragalus membranaceus) or part (entire plant, roots, flowers, etc.) of an Astragalus plant is used, or which type of extract is administered (i.e., a total or purified extract). Additionally, astragalus extracts are often combined with other compounds or drugs so their direct effects cannot always be determined. These limitations reduce the certainty of the claimed benefits.

How does astragalus work?

Pharmacological research indicates that Astragalus membranaceus[179][210][211][212] and its extracts (e.g., astragaloside IV[213][214][182][183] and TA-65[215][216][213][184]) can regulate several pathways, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunological systems, as well as increase telomerase activity, which prolongs the lifespan of cells. This may explain the potential role of astragalus in the treatment of chronic disease. However, most pharmacological evidence is derived from cell culture (i.e., in vitro) and animal experiments.[202][191][192][203][197][204] Further clinical pharmacology research is needed to fully understand the potential mechanism(s) of action in humans.

What else is Astragalus known as?
Note that Astragalus is also known as:
  • Astragalus
  • huangqi
  • (A Component Of) Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT)
  • Membranous Milk-vetch Root
  • Ogi
  • Huang Qi
  • TA-65
  • TAT2
  • Astragalus Membranaceus
Astragalus should not be confused with:
Dosage information

Astragalus membranaceus and Angelicae Sinensis are highly synergistic, meaning they are more powerful when taken together. This combination is traditionally called Dang-gui buxue tang.

The starting point for the preparation of Dang-gui buxue tang in traditional Chinese medicine is 30g of Astragalus membranaceus root paired with 6g of Angelicae sinensis. This is a 5:1 ratio, which is ideal for extracting the bioactive ingredients of the plants.

Astragalus membranaceus can also be supplemented via a root extract. Due to potential differences in the quality/efficiency of the extraction process among different commercial manufacturers, product label recommendations for dosage should be followed and you should consult with your pharmacist or personal physician before taking.

The main bioactive compound in Astragalus membranaceus is astragaloside IV, which can be supplemented by itself. The standard dose for astragaloside IV is 5-10mg.

Supplements Demystified: Get Our Unbiased, Evidence-Based Guide

Examine Database: Astragalus
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

References
2.^[No authors listedAstragalus membranaceus. MonographAltern Med Rev.(2003 Feb)
5.^Zhu J, Lee S, Ho MK, Hu Y, Pang H, Ip FC, Chin AC, Harley CB, Ip NY, Wong YHIn vitro intestinal absorption and first-pass intestinal and hepatic metabolism of cycloastragenol, a potent small molecule telomerase activatorDrug Metab Pharmacokinet.(2010)
11.^Hirotani M, Zhou Y, Rui H, Furuya TCycloartane triterpene glycosides from the hairy root cultures of Astragalus membranaceusPhytochemistry.(1994 Nov)
13.^Xu DJ, Xia Q, Wang JJ, Wang PPMolecular weight and monosaccharide composition of Astragalus polysaccharidesMolecules.(2008 Oct 1)
14.^Saito S, Silva G, Santos RX, Gosmann G, Pungartnik C, Brendel MAstragalin from Cassia alata Induces DNA Adducts in Vitro and Repairable DNA Damage in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiaeInt J Mol Sci.(2012)
17.^Lin LZ, He XG, Lindenmaier M, Nolan G, Yang J, Cleary M, Qiu SX, Cordell GALiquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry study of the flavonoids of the roots of Astragalus mongholicus and A. membranaceusJ Chromatogr A.(2000 Apr 21)
20.^Xu F, Zhang Y, Xiao S, Lu X, Yang D, Yang X, Li C, Shang M, Tu P, Cai SAbsorption and metabolism of Astragali radix decoction: in silico, in vitro, and a case study in vivoDrug Metab Dispos.(2006 Jun)
21.^Bedir E, Calis I, Aquino R, Piacente S, Pizza CCycloartane triterpene glycosides from the roots of Astragalus brachypterus and Astragalus microcephalusJ Nat Prod.(1998 Dec)
22.^Zhang BQ, Hu SJ, Qiu LH, Zhu JH, Xie XJ, Sun J, Zhu ZH, Xia Q, Bian KEffects of Astragalus membranaceus and its main components on the acute phase endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteineVascul Pharmacol.(2007 Apr)
24.^Ohkawara S, Okuma Y, Uehara T, Yamagishi T, Nomura YAstrapterocarpan isolated from Astragalus membranaceus inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cellsEur J Pharmacol.(2005 Nov 21)
26.^Gu Y, Wang G, Pan G, Fawcett JP, A J, Sun JTransport and bioavailability studies of astragaloside IV, an active ingredient in Radix AstragaliBasic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol.(2004 Dec)
27.^Yang WJ, Li DP, Li JK, Li MH, Chen YL, Zhang PZSynergistic antioxidant activities of eight traditional Chinese herb pairsBiol Pharm Bull.(2009 Jun)
28.^Harley CB, Liu W, Blasco M, Vera E, Andrews WH, Briggs LA, Raffaele JMA natural product telomerase activator as part of a health maintenance programRejuvenation Res.(2011 Feb)
31.^Fauce SR, Jamieson BD, Chin AC, Mitsuyasu RT, Parish ST, Ng HL, Kitchen CM, Yang OO, Harley CB, Effros RBTelomerase-based pharmacologic enhancement of antiviral function of human CD8+ T lymphocytesJ Immunol.(2008 Nov 15)
36.^Huang CR, Wang GJ, Wu XL, Li H, Xie HT, Lv H, Sun JGAbsorption enhancement study of astragaloside IV based on its transport mechanism in caco-2 cellsEur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet.(2006 Jan-Mar)
39.^Zhang WD, Zhang C, Liu RH, Li HL, Zhang JT, Mao C, Moran S, Chen CLPreclinical pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of a natural cardioprotective agent astragaloside IV in rats and dogsLife Sci.(2006 Jul 17)
40.^Pao LH, Hu OY, Fan HY, Lin CC, Liu LC, Huang PWHerb-drug interaction of 50 Chinese herbal medicines on CYP3A4 activity in vitro and in vivoAm J Chin Med.(2012)
41.^Davies B, Morris TPhysiological parameters in laboratory animals and humansPharm Res.(1993 Jul)
43.^Paradies G, Ruggiero FM, Petrosillo G, Quagliariello EAge-dependent decline in the cytochrome c oxidase activity in rat heart mitochondria: role of cardiolipinFEBS Lett.(1997 Apr 7)
44.^Spiteller GLipid peroxidation in aging and age-dependent diseasesExp Gerontol.(2001 Sep)
45.^Li XT, Zhang YK, Kuang HX, Jin FX, Liu DW, Gao MB, Liu Z, Xin XJMitochondrial Protection and Anti-aging Activity of Astragalus Polysaccharides and Their Potential MechanismInt J Mol Sci.(2012)
49.^Wang PC, Zhang ZY, Zhang J, Tong TJTwo isomers of HDTIC isolated from Astragali Radix decrease the expression of p16 in 2BS cellsChin Med J (Engl).(2008 Feb 5)
50.^Haferkamp S, Becker TM, Scurr LL, Kefford RF, Rizos Hp16INK4a-induced senescence is disabled by melanoma-associated mutationsAging Cell.(2008 Oct)
51.^Beauséjour CM, Krtolica A, Galimi F, Narita M, Lowe SW, Yaswen P, Campisi JReversal of human cellular senescence: roles of the p53 and p16 pathwaysEMBO J.(2003 Aug 15)
53.^Park HJ, Kim HY, Yoon KH, Kim KS, Shim IThe Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus on Repeated Restraint Stress-induced Biochemical and Behavioral ResponsesKorean J Physiol Pharmacol.(2009 Aug)
56.^Qu YZ, Li M, Zhao YL, Zhao ZW, Wei XY, Liu JP, Gao L, Gao GDAstragaloside IV attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion-induced increase in permeability of the blood-brain barrier in ratsEur J Pharmacol.(2009 Mar 15)
57.^Luo Y, Qin Z, Hong Z, Zhang X, Ding D, Fu JH, Zhang WD, Chen JAstragaloside IV protects against ischemic brain injury in a murine model of transient focal ischemiaNeurosci Lett.(2004 Jun 17)
58.^Chan WS, Durairajan SS, Lu JH, Wang Y, Xie LX, Kum WF, Koo I, Yung KK, Li MNeuroprotective effects of Astragaloside IV in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated primary nigral cell cultureNeurochem Int.(2009 Nov)
62.^Zhang C, Wang XH, Zhong MF, Liu RH, Li HL, Zhang WD, Chen HMechanisms underlying vasorelaxant action of astragaloside IV in isolated rat aortic ringsClin Exp Pharmacol Physiol.(2007 May-Jun)
65.^Chao M, Zou D, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Wang M, Wu H, Ning G, Wang WImproving insulin resistance with traditional Chinese medicine in type 2 diabetic patientsEndocrine.(2009 Oct)
67.^Li JX, Xue B, Chai Q, Liu ZX, Zhao AP, Chen LBAntihypertensive effect of total flavonoid fraction of Astragalus complanatus in hypertensive ratsChin J Physiol.(2005 Jun 30)
68.^Zheng KY, Choi RC, Cheung AW, Guo AJ, Bi CW, Zhu KY, Fu Q, Du Y, Zhang WL, Zhan JY, Duan R, Lau DT, Dong TT, Tsim KWFlavonoids from Radix Astragali induce the expression of erythropoietin in cultured cells: a signaling mediated via the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1αJ Agric Food Chem.(2011 Mar 9)
71.^Fujiwara Y, Hayashida A, Tsurushima K, Nagai R, Yoshitomi M, Daiguji N, Sakashita N, Takeya M, Tsukamoto S, Ikeda TTriterpenoids isolated from Zizyphus jujuba inhibit foam cell formation in macrophagesJ Agric Food Chem.(2011 May 11)
73.^Zhou ZL, Yu P, Lin D{Study on effect of Astragalus injection in treating congestive heart failure}Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.(2001 Oct)
75.^Zhang JG, Yang N, He H, Wei GH, Gao DS, Wang XL, Wang XZ, Song GY{Effect of Astragalus injection on plasma levels of apoptosis-related factors in aged patients with chronic heart failure}Chin J Integr Med.(2005 Sep)
76.^Liu ZG, Xiong ZM, Yu XY{Effect of astragalus injection on immune function in patients with congestive heart failure}Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.(2003 May)
78.^Fu S, Zhang J, Menniti-Ippolito F, Gao X, Galeotti F, Massari M, Hu L, Zhang B, Ferrelli R, Fauci A, Firenzuoli F, Shang H, Guerra R, Raschetti RHuangqi injection {a traditional Chinese patent medicine} for chronic heart failure: a systematic reviewPLoS One.(2011 May 6)
79.^Cheng Y, Tang K, Wu S, Liu L, Qiang C, Lin X, Liu BAstragalus polysaccharides lowers plasma cholesterol through mechanisms distinct from statinsPLoS One.(2011)
86.^Wu Y, Ou-Yang JP, Wu K, Wang Y, Zhou YF, Wen CYHypoglycemic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide and its effect on PTP1BActa Pharmacol Sin.(2005 Mar)
91.^Liu Y, Wang WJ, Chen WH, Yin JEffects of Astragalus polysaccharides on proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytesZhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao.(2007 Jul)
93.^Xu ME, Xiao SZ, Sun YH, Ou-Yang Y, Zheng XXEffects of astragaloside IV on pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in vitroActa Pharmacol Sin.(2006 Feb)
95.^Yamakawa J, Moriya J, Takahashi T, Ishige A, Motoo Y, Yoshizaki F, Kanda TA Kampo Medicine, Boi-ogi-to, Inhibits Obesity in Ovariectomized RatsEvid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2010 Mar)
97.^Denzler KL, Waters R, Jacobs BL, Rochon Y, Langland JORegulation of inflammatory gene expression in PBMCs by immunostimulatory botanicalsPLoS One.(2010 Sep 3)
98.^Zhao LH, Ma ZX, Zhu J, Yu XH, Weng DPCharacterization of polysaccharide from Astragalus radix as the macrophage stimulatorCell Immunol.(2011)
101.^Schepetkin IA, Quinn MTBotanical polysaccharides: macrophage immunomodulation and therapeutic potentialInt Immunopharmacol.(2006 Mar)
102.^Lai PK, Chan JY, Cheng L, Lau CP, Han SQ, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lau CBIsolation of Anti-inflammatory Fractions and Compounds from the Root of Astragalus membranaceusPhytother Res.(2012 Jun 13)
105.^Clement-Kruzel S, Hwang SA, Kruzel MC, Dasgupta A, Actor JKImmune modulation of macrophage pro-inflammatory response by goldenseal and Astragalus extractsJ Med Food.(2008 Sep)
107.^Rajput ZI, Hu SH, Xiao CW, Arijo AGAdjuvant effects of saponins on animal immune responsesJ Zhejiang Univ Sci B.(2007 Mar)
109.^You Y, Duan Y, Liu SW, Zhang XL, Zhang XL, Feng JT, Yan CH, Han YLAnti-atherosclerotic function of Astragali Radix extract: downregulation of adhesion molecules in vitro and in vivoBMC Complement Altern Med.(2012 Apr 26)
112.^Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, Tu P, Li Z, Gao XMA study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herbBiochem Biophys Res Commun.(2004 Aug 6)
114.^Yin X, Chen L, Liu Y, Yang J, Ma C, Yao Z, Yang L, Wei L, Li MEnhancement of the innate immune response of bladder epithelial cells by Astragalus polysaccharides through upregulation of TLR4 expressionBiochem Biophys Res Commun.(2010 Jun 25)
117.^Shao P, Zhao LH, Zhi-Chen, Pan JPRegulation on maturation and function of dendritic cells by Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharidesInt Immunopharmacol.(2006 Jul)
118.^Kim MY, Kim JY, Lim D, Lee D, Kim Y, Chang GT, Choi HY, Kim HSkeletal Growth and IGF Levels in Rats after HT042 TreatmentPhytother Res.(2012 Mar 3)
124.^Kim IG, Kang SC, Kim KC, Choung ES, Zee OPScreening of estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities from medicinal plantsEnviron Toxicol Pharmacol.(2008 Jan)
129.^Zhao L, Lan LG, Min XL, Lu AH, Zhu LQ, He XH, He LJIntegrated treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine for early- and intermediate-stage diabetic nephropathyNan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao.(2007 Jul)
130.^Li SM, Yan JX, Yang LEffects of Astragalus injection on renal tubular function in patients with IgA nephropathyZhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.(2006 Jun)
131.^Chen LP, Zhou QL, Yang JHProtective effects of astragali injection on tubular in patients with primary nephrotic syndromeZhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban.(2004 Apr)
132.^Li M, Wang W, Xue J, Gu Y, Lin SMeta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathyJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Jan 27)
134.^Ahmed MS, Hou SH, Battaglia MC, Picken MM, Leehey DJTreatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with the herb Astragalus membranaceusAm J Kidney Dis.(2007 Dec)
138.^Ai P, Yong G, Dingkun G, Qiuyu Z, Kaiyuan Z, Shanyan LAqueous extract of Astragali Radix induces human natriuresis through enhancement of renal response to atrial natriuretic peptideJ Ethnopharmacol.(2008 Mar 28)
140.^Lee SJ, Oh SG, Seo SW, Ahn HJ, Geum D, Cho JJ, Park CSOral administration of Astragalus membranaceus inhibits the development of DNFB-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga miceBiol Pharm Bull.(2007 Aug)
143.^Chen X, Peng LH, Li N, Li QM, Li P, Fung KP, Leung PC, Gao JQThe healing and anti-scar effects of astragaloside IV on the wound repair in vitro and in vivoJ Ethnopharmacol.(2012 Feb 15)
144.^Peng LH, Chen X, Chen L, Li N, Liang WQ, Gao JQTopical Astragaloside IV-Releasing Hydrogel Improves Healing of Skin Wounds <i>in Vivo</i>Biol Pharm Bull.(2012)
145.^Shah M, Revis D, Herrick S, Baillie R, Thorgeirson S, Ferguson M, Roberts ARole of elevated plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 levels in wound healingAm J Pathol.(1999 Apr)
148.^Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, Plavec D, Pecanic S, Tudoric NEfficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitisPhytother Res.(2010 Feb)
153.^Zhao KJ, Dong TT, Tu PF, Song ZH, Lo CK, Tsim KWMolecular genetic and chemical assessment of radix Angelica (Danggui) in ChinaJ Agric Food Chem.(2003 Apr 23)
155.^Gao QT, Cheung JK, Choi RC, Cheung AW, Li J, Jiang ZY, Duan R, Zhao KJ, Ding AW, Dong TT, Tsim KWA Chinese herbal decoction prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis induces the expression of erythropoietin in cultured Hep3B cellsPlanta Med.(2008 Mar)
156.^Yang M, Chan GC, Deng R, Ng MH, Cheng SW, Lau CP, Ye JY, Wang L, Liu CAn herbal decoction of Radix astragali and Radix angelicae sinensis promotes hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesisJ Ethnopharmacol.(2009 Jul 6)
158.^Tse HY, Hui MN, Li L, Lee SM, Leung AY, Cheng SHAngiogenic efficacy of simplified 2-herb formula (NF3) in zebrafish embryos in vivo and rat aortic ring in vitroJ Ethnopharmacol.(2012 Jan 31)
159.^Tam JC, Lau KM, Liu CL, To MH, Kwok HF, Lai KK, Lau CP, Ko CH, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lau CBThe in vivo and in vitro diabetic wound healing effects of a 2-herb formula and its mechanisms of actionJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Apr 12)
160.^Lau KM, Lai KK, Liu CL, Tam JC, To MH, Kwok HF, Lau CP, Ko CH, Leung PC, Fung KP, Poon SK, Lau CBSynergistic interaction between Astragali Radix and Rehmanniae Radix in a Chinese herbal formula to promote diabetic wound healingJ Ethnopharmacol.(2012 May 7)
161.^Zhang Q, Wei F, Fong CC, Yu WK, Chen Y, Koon CM, Lau KM, Leung PC, Lau CB, Fung KP, Yang MTranscriptional profiling of human skin fibroblast cell line Hs27 induced by herbal formula Astragali Radix and Rehmanniae RadixJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Dec 8)
162.^Chan CM, Chan YW, Lau CH, Lau TW, Lau KM, Lam FC, Che CT, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lau CB, Ho YYInfluence of an anti-diabetic foot ulcer formula and its component herbs on tissue and systemic glucose homeostasisJ Ethnopharmacol.(2007 Jan 3)
168.^Yan F, Zhang QY, Jiao L, Han T, Zhang H, Qin LP, Khalid RSynergistic hepatoprotective effect of Schisandrae lignans with Astragalus polysaccharides on chronic liver injury in ratsPhytomedicine.(2009 Sep)
176.^Roberts AT, Martin CK, Liu Z, Amen RJ, Woltering EA, Rood JC, Caruso MK, Yu Y, Xie H, Greenway FLThe safety and efficacy of a dietary herbal supplement and gallic acid for weight lossJ Med Food.(2007 Mar)