Astragalus
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a dietary supplement with 25 published peer-reviewed studies involving 988 participants, researched for Immune Support, Kidney Health, Anti-Aging and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Support
StrongKidney Health
ModerateAnti-Aging
WeakSystematic reviews
WeakClinical trials
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Support
To assess Astragalus injection on immune function in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess Astragalus injection on immune function in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Dose
20 g/day IV Astragalus injection
Participants
120 cancer patients
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Astragalus injection significantly enhanced NK cell activity and T-cell counts, and reduced chemotherapy-associated immunosuppression. PMID: 15619473
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, T-cell counts, cytokine levels
To meta-analyze Astragalus-based treatments on immune outcomes in cancer patients
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To meta-analyze Astragalus-based treatments on immune outcomes in cancer patients
Dose
Various
Participants
Multiple RCTs pooled
Duration
Various
Results
Astragalus-based formulations significantly improved 1-year survival and quality of life in non-small cell lung cancer patients. PMID: 16368563
How They Measured It
Survival, tumor response, quality of life, immune markers
To evaluate Astragalus polysaccharides on vaccine immune response
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Astragalus polysaccharides on vaccine immune response
Dose
10 g/day
Participants
60 healthy elderly adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Astragalus supplementation significantly enhanced antibody production and cellular immune response following influenza vaccination in elderly.
How They Measured It
Antibody titers, cellular immune markers
Kidney Health
To assess Astragalus in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Study Type
Case report and clinical study
Purpose
To assess Astragalus in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Dose
Astragalus root extract
Participants
12 nephropathy patients
Duration
6 months
Results
Astragalus membranaceus treatment improved kidney function, reduced proteinuria, and achieved clinical remission in nephropathy unresponsive to conventional therapy. PMID: 18037104
How They Measured It
GFR, proteinuria, serum creatinine
To assess Astragalus formula in moderate-high risk membranous nephropathy
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess Astragalus formula in moderate-high risk membranous nephropathy
Dose
Various formulations
Participants
Multiple RCTs pooled
Duration
Various
Results
Astragalus combined with conventional therapy significantly improved complete and partial remission rates compared to conventional therapy alone. PMCID: PMC9981402
How They Measured It
Proteinuria, GFR, remission rate
To evaluate Astragalus on diabetic nephropathy
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Astragalus on diabetic nephropathy
Dose
15 g/day extract
Participants
80 patients with diabetic nephropathy
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Astragalus supplementation increased GFR, decreased urinary protein, and reduced inflammatory markers in diabetic nephropathy patients.
How They Measured It
GFR, urinary protein, TNF-α, MCP-1
Anti-Aging
To investigate Astragalus anti-aging effects through hematopoietic stem cell quiescence
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate Astragalus anti-aging effects through hematopoietic stem cell quiescence
Dose
200 mg/day ground Astragalus
Participants
Aged mice
Duration
Lifetime study
Results
Astragalus supplementation maintained hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and decreased cellular senescence, contributing to anti-aging effects. PMID: 30891565
How They Measured It
Stem cell populations, senescence markers, lifespan
To evaluate ASTCOQ02 (Astragalus-based) on anti-aging safety and tolerability
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate ASTCOQ02 (Astragalus-based) on anti-aging safety and tolerability
Dose
Standardized ASTCOQ02 capsules
Participants
68 healthy adults aged 53-87
Duration
6 months
Results
Astragalus-based supplement was well-tolerated with no significant changes in weight, blood pressure, immune parameters, or biochemical safety markers.
How They Measured It
Biomarkers, weight, blood pressure, immune parameters, ECG
To review Astragalus membranaceus capacity to delay cellular aging
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review Astragalus membranaceus capacity to delay cellular aging
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Astragalus exerts anti-aging effects via telomerase activation (cycloastragenol), reduction of oxidative stress, and immune modulation. PMCID: PMC12029721
How They Measured It
Literature review across cell and animal studies
To investigate cycloastragenol (Astragalus derivative) on telomerase and cellular aging
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate cycloastragenol (Astragalus derivative) on telomerase and cellular aging
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Human fibroblast and T-cell cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
Cycloastragenol significantly activated telomerase, elongated telomeres, and increased proliferative capacity of T-cells without evidence of malignant transformation.
How They Measured It
Telomerase activity, telomere length, cell proliferation
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in potential preventive effects of selected traditional chinese medicine as adjuvant therapy on hypertensive heart disease progression by replenishing qi
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in potential preventive effects of selected traditional chinese medicine as adjuvant therapy on hypertensive heart disease progression by replenishing qi
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ith high morbidity and mortality and was emerging as a risk factor for future heart failure. The transition from hypertension to hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and heart failure grew progressively with time. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a history of several thousand years, where selected TCM for replenishing qi and activating blood circulation provides an alternative treatment for HHD.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in corrigendum to "osteochondral lesions of the talus with small cysts may not affect the outcome of arthroscopic microfracture: a systematic review and
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in corrigendum to "osteochondral lesions of the talus with small cysts may not affect the outcome of arthroscopic microfracture: a systematic review and
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Heart failure (HF) is a major global health challenge. Traditional therapies have limitations, while recent studies highlight plant extracts' potential due to their medicinal properties and milder side effects.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in effects of plant extracts on patients with heart failure: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in effects of plant extracts on patients with heart failure: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Heart failure (HF) is a major global health challenge. Traditional therapies have limitations, while recent studies highlight plant extracts' potential due to their medicinal properties and milder side effects.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy and safety of chinese medicine injection combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer: a bayesian network
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy and safety of chinese medicine injection combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer: a bayesian network
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a significant global health concern. Chinese medicine injections (CMIs) are widely utilized as adjunctive therapies for EC. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of various CMIs in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for the treatment of EC.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in ankle disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in ankle disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Ankle osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma has emerged as a novel cellular therapy in clinical practice. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after intervention in ankle disorders, so as to provide strong evidence in support of clinical treatment.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy of chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in treatment of preeclampsia: a systematic review and bayesian networ
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy of chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in treatment of preeclampsia: a systematic review and bayesian networ
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
psia (PE) are often linked to serious side effects, such as higher rates of cesarean delivery and medically induced preterm birth. In contrast, recent clinical research has highlighted the potential of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) as an effective alternative treatment. These studies show that CPMs may help lower blood pressure, reduce 24-h urinary protein levels, and improve pregnancy outcomes.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy of chinese herbal medicines combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound for patients with uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis with core her
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy of chinese herbal medicines combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound for patients with uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis with core her
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ffecting women; they often present with symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has emerged as a non-invasive treatment option. Recent studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) may enhance the efficacy of HIFU, but a comprehensive evaluation of their combined effects is lacking.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy and safety of astragalus polysaccharides in patients with malignant tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy and safety of astragalus polysaccharides in patients with malignant tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
648 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ch as hand-foot numbness and weakness was low, indicating a high safety profile. Supplementation with APS can improve treatment outcomes, enhance immune function, and demonstrate a high level of safety in malignant tumor patients, making it a promising option for clinical use. However, given the variety of cancer types included in the studies, future research should focus on specific cancer types.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in potential effects of bioactive compounds of plant-based foods and medicinal plants in chronic kidney disease and dialysis: a systematic review.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in potential effects of bioactive compounds of plant-based foods and medicinal plants in chronic kidney disease and dialysis: a systematic review.
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The bioactive components of plant foods and medicinal plants have attracted interest due to their potential impact on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and outcomes.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy of subtalar arthroereisis and kidner procedure for adolescent flexible flatfoot with painful accessory navicular: a systematic review and met
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy of subtalar arthroereisis and kidner procedure for adolescent flexible flatfoot with painful accessory navicular: a systematic review and met
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Flexible flatfoot with painful accessory navicular poses a significant therapeutic challenge in adolescents, with no consensus on optimal surgical management. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of subtalar arthroereisis (STA) combined with the Kidner procedure for this condition.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in [effects and efficacy of wenyang huayin yangxin prescription on the traditional chinese medicine syndromes of patients with chronic heart failure comb
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in [effects and efficacy of wenyang huayin yangxin prescription on the traditional chinese medicine syndromes of patients with chronic heart failure comb
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To study the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) combined with diuretic resistance by using the Wenyang Huayin Yangxin Prescription, and to observe its therapeutic efficacy.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy and safety of sh003 on immune function: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Study Type
Clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in efficacy and safety of sh003 on immune function: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
obal public health challenges have increased interest in natural products that enhance immune function. SH003, a compound derived from Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas Radix, and Trichosanthis Radix, has shown potential as an immunomodulatory agent. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SH003 in improving immune function in individuals with a mildly weakened immune systems.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in shpro(®) (mixture of angelica gigas and astragalus membranaceus) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in shpro(®) (mixture of angelica gigas and astragalus membranaceus) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
preclinical trial confirmed that Angelica gigas and Astragalus membranaceus had a curative effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of this compound in patients with BPH symptoms.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in prospective comparison of two different surgical technique in the treatment of deep osteochondral lesions of the talus: mosaicplasty versus all-arthro
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in prospective comparison of two different surgical technique in the treatment of deep osteochondral lesions of the talus: mosaicplasty versus all-arthro
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
sions of the talus (OLT). The mosaicplasty technique is one of the most commonly used methods for deep lesions. The all-arthroscopic technique with scaffold and autograft bone taken from the tibial plafond is a novel method as an alternative to the mosaicplasty. This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological results of these two different surgical techniques in the treatment of deep OLT.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in jinbei oral liquid for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Astragalus in jinbei oral liquid for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Dose
Astragalus (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
26 weeks
Results
ences did not reach statistical significance. JBOL exhibited comparable safety to placebo. This study has preliminarily shown the efficacy and safety of JBOL for IPF, but this is an exploratory clinical trial, more patient-involved studies should be needed in the near future.Trial registration: Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000035351; the trial was prospective clinical studies registered on August 9, 2020.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Astragalus research
There are currently 25 peer-reviewed studies on Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), involving 988 total participants. Research covers Immune Support, Kidney Health, Anti-Aging and 2 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (10 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Astragalus has been researched for: Immune Support, Kidney Health, Anti-Aging, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 10 out of 25 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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