Astragalus
EVIDENCE: WEAKAlso sold as: Astragalus membranaceus, huang qi, milkvetch root
Astragalus is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine. Human research comes mostly from Chinese trials using gram-level decoctions or injections alongside standard drugs, especially for diabetic kidney disease. Evidence for an oral supplement at milligram amounts is thin.
Compiled by iSupplementReviews editorial team ·Researched 2026-10-16 · 3 sources
- Type
- Botanical root (traditional Chinese medicine)
- Studied dose
- Typically 9–30 g/day of dried root in decoctions; injections in hospital trials
- Best form
- dried root decoction or standardized extract (astragalosides/polysaccharides)
- Our rating
- WEAK — Mostly small, animal, or traditional evidence
What is astragalus?
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a flowering plant whose root, huang qi, is one of the most used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is traditionally given to “strengthen qi” and support immunity.
Other names and forms
Huang qi, milkvetch root. Products range from sliced root to extracts standardized to astragalosides or polysaccharides; hospital trials in China also use an injectable form.
Where does astragalus come from?
The roots of plants grown mainly in northern China and Mongolia, harvested after several years.
How does astragalus work in the body?
Lab and animal studies point to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune effects from astragaloside IV and polysaccharides. These are proposed mechanisms; they are not confirmed by human outcome trials.
What is astragalus claimed to do?
Support immunity, energy, kidney health, heart health and blood sugar.
What does the research show?
| Claim | Evidence | Dose studied | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney markers in diabetic nephropathy (add-on) | Many Chinese RCTs, meta-analyses | Injections or gram-level decoctions | Positive, low quality |
| Blood sugar on its own | Few direct trials | — | Insufficient |
| Immune support | Lab and small studies | — | Weak |
Diabetic kidney disease
Adding astragalus to standard blood-pressure drugs improved kidney markers in pooled Chinese trials. Lin et al. (2024) pooled 32 trials with about 2,460 patients and found lower urinary protein and serum creatinine, with possible publication bias. Zhu et al. (2022) reported similar results for astragalus injection. These trials studied hospital treatments, not a daily oral supplement.
What dose was studied?
| Goal | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetic kidney disease (add-on) | Injection or 9–30 g dried root as decoction | Weeks to months |
Side effects
Mild stomach upset and allergic reactions are occasionally reported.
Drug interactions
- Immunosuppressants (e.g. cyclosporine, tacrolimus): may counteract them (moderate).
- Blood-pressure drugs and diuretics: possible additive effect (minor).
- Anticoagulants: possible added bleeding risk; clinical relevance unknown (minor).
Who should not take astragalus?
Organ-transplant recipients and people with autoimmune disease, unless a doctor approves; pregnant people (limited safety data).
What the authorities say
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s About Herbs entry calls the clinical evidence limited and mostly low quality, and says it is not known whether oral astragalus has the effects reported for injections. No regulator approves it for diabetes.
What to know about astragalus
Astragalus has low-quality human evidence as an add-on for diabetic kidney disease, using injections or large decoction doses. Evidence for milligram oral amounts is lacking.
Frequently asked questions about Astragalus
Does astragalus lower blood sugar?
Not clearly as a supplement. Meta-analyses of Chinese trials in diabetic kidney disease found that astragalus added to standard drugs improved kidney markers and, in some analyses, fasting glucose. Those trials mostly used injections or large decoction doses, not small oral extracts.
Is astragalus safe?
It is generally well tolerated in studies. Because it may stimulate the immune system, people on immunosuppressant drugs should avoid it unless their doctor agrees.
What part of astragalus is used?
The dried root, usually sliced and boiled into a decoction in traditional use, or concentrated into extracts.
References
- [1]Lin YQ et al. — Efficacy of astragalus combined with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Ren Fail, 2024)
- [2]Zhu Z et al. — Clinical efficacy and safety of astragalus injection combined with ACEI/ARB in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (Medicine (Baltimore), 2022)
- [3]Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Astragalus (About Herbs database)
Products we reviewed containing Astragalus
Based on recorded labels or seller-described formulas. Inclusion does not establish a match to the strains, preparations or amounts studied here; check each review's disclosure limits.