Astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range
250-500mg (standardized extract), 4 times a day.

Dried Root: 2-6 grams daily.(1)

Fluid Extract: 4 to 12 milliliters daily.(1)

Most Common Dosage
250mg (standardized extract), 4 times a day.

Dried Root: 2 grams daily.

Fluid Extract: 4 milliliters daily.

Dosage Forms

Adult RDI

Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Immunosuppressive medications

Astragalus has been valued by the Chinese for centuries for its immune-enhancing and adaptogenic properties. As an adaptogen, it may modify and improve the body's response to stress through action on the adrenal cortex.(2, 3) Experiments have reported that astragalus promotes regeneration of cells in the bronchi after viral infection.(4) Astragalus can be safely taken for months without the risk of suppressing immunologic function.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
No known toxicity.(5)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:56.
² He K, et al. Recent Development of Chemical Studies on Some Medicinal Plants of Astragalus spp. Yaoxue Xuebao. 1988;23:873.
³ Zhao TH. Positive Modulating Action of Shengmaisan with Astragalus membranaceus on Anti-tumor Activity of LAK Cells. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. Aug1993;13(8):471.
View Abstract
⁴ Chang H, et al. Pharmacology and Application of Chinese Materia Medica. Singapore: Chinese University of Hong Kong, World Scientific. 1987:4.
⁵ Leung A, et al. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics. New York: Wiley-Interscience Publication; 1996:50-53.

Astragalus(Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus)