Overview

Astragalus is a plant called Astragalus membranaceus. The roots of the plant are used to make astragalus supplements, which seem to be well tolerated. These supplements are used for many reasons, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Before using astragalus, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is astragalus used for?

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using astragalus include the following.

• Common cold
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• To improve immune function
• To increase energy levels

Note: The FDA has not reviewed astragalus for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does astragalus work (mechanism of action)?

Astragalus, also known as milk vetch, is a plant called Astragalus membranaceus. This plant has a long history of use in the traditional medicine system in China, where it is known as huang qi. Astragalus is thought to act as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body respond to stressful changes in its environment. Products that contain astragalus are made from the root of the plant. Most research on astragalus has used an injection that is not available in the U.S.

Astragalus contains many different chemicals that are thought to have effects in the body. Although astragalus supplements have become popular for a wide range of uses, their benefits for any use are not well defined. Studies of astragalus supplements are often of low quality, and it is not clear if these supplements work better than a placebo (a pill with no medicine) when used for any reason.

Some skin care and hair care products may contain astragalus. Traditionally, astragalus has been thought to improve blood flow to the skin and improve the overall health of the skin and hair. But the benefits of applying astragalus to the skin or hair are not well defined.

Herbal products, such as astragalus, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific astragalus product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store astragalus?

You should store astragalus according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of astragalus?

Astragalus seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of astragalus that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of astragalus?

While less common, the most serious side effects of astragalus are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Astragalus may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using astragalus and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use astragalus?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use astragalus.

• Astragalus
• Astragalus membranaceus
• Beg kei
• Huang qi
• Milk vetch
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific astragalus products they stock.

What should I know about astragalus before using it?

Astragalus is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep astragalus out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as astragalus, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific astragalus product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Astragalus is available in many forms, including a tea, liquid extract, tablet, and capsule. It may also be added to skin care and hair care products. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested astragalus products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using astragalus?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if astragalus is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• An autoimmune condition
• Heart failure
• Kidney or liver problems
• Low blood sugar

Other Medicines and Supplements.Astragalus may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using astragalus, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how astragalus could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if astragalus passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does astragalus interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between astragalus and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect astragalus.

Does astragalus interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using astragalus.

• A medicine for diabetes
• A medicine that suppresses your immune system

The interactions between astragalus and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with astragalus is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using astragalus with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much astragalus?

If you or someone else has used too much astragalus, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Astragalus comes in many doses and forms, including products that are taken by mouth or applied to the skin and hair. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use astragalus safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.