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Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a type of flowering plant. The root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Astragalus is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. The chemicals in astragalus also seem to stimulate the immune system and reduce swelling.
People commonly use astragalus for hay fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using astragalus for COVID-19.
There are many species of astragalus. Some species contain a nerve toxin and have been linked to livestock poisonings. These include Astragalus lentiginosus, Astragalus mollissimus, and others. But these species usually aren't found in dietary supplements. Most astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus. Also, don't confuse astragalus with tragacanth. These are different plants.
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for allergic rhinitis.
Login for details - Amenorrhea. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Angina. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for angina.
Login for details - Anthracycline cardiotoxicity. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for preventing cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines. Oral astragalus has not been evaluated for this use.
Login for details - Aplastic anemia. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for aplastic anemia. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition.
Login for details - Asthma. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Beta-thalassemia. Login for details
- Breast cancer. Login for details
- Cervical cancer. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced anemia. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. It is unclear if oral or intravenous astragalus is beneficial for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Early research suggests that intravenous astragalus seems to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy use. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for CINV.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-related fatigue. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for chemotherapy-related fatigue. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition.
Login for details - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for CKD. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition.
Login for details - Cirrhosis. Intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition.
Login for details - Colorectal cancer. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Congestive heart failure (CHF). It is unclear if oral or intravenous astragalus is beneficial for CHF.
Login for details - Diabetes. It is unclear if oral or intravenous astragalus is beneficial for diabetes.
Login for details - Diabetic nephropathy. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for diabetic nephropathy.
Login for details - Diabetic retinopathy. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for diabetic retinopathy.
Login for details - Fibromyalgia. Login for details
- Gastric cancer. Oral and intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Hearing loss. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for hearing loss.
Login for details - Hepatitis B. Login for details
- HIV/AIDS. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - IgA nephropathy. Login for details
- Lung cancer. Early research suggests that oral or intravenous astragalus seems to increase the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy or radiotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Login for details - Membranous nephropathy. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Menopausal symptoms. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Myocardial infarction (MI). Login for details
- Myocarditis. It is unclear if oral or injectable astragalus is beneficial for viral myocarditis.
Login for details - Nephrotic syndrome. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for preventing infections in patients with nephrotic syndrome.
Login for details - Obesity. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Post-stroke fatigue. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for post-stroke fatigue.
Login for details - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for lupus nephritis. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition.
Login for details - Tinnitus. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for tinnitus.
Login for details - Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Login for details
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Wound healing. Login for details
When taken by mouth: Astragalus is possibly safe for most adults. Doses of up to 60 grams daily have been safely used for up to 4 months. Astragalus is usually well-tolerated.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if astragalus is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if astragalus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But some research in animals suggests that it can be toxic during pregnancy and to the fetus. Stay on the safe side and avoid use."Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other immune system conditions: Astragalus might make the immune system more active. This could worsen the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. Avoid using astragalus if you have any of these conditions.
Cyclophosphamide
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cyclophosphamide is used to make the immune system less active. Astragalus increases the activity of the immune system. Taking astragalus along with cyclophosphamide might decrease the effects of cyclophosphamide.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking astragalus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Astragalus can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking astragalus along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Astragalus is available as the dried root, as an extract, and as a liquid decoction. It is also often used in combination with other herbs. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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