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Astragalus

A root from traditional Chinese medicine, sold as an adaptogen and for colds, allergies, fatigue, kidney disease and diabetes. There is not enough reliable evidence to know whether it is useful for any health condition.

Traditional use

Its root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, often in combination with other herbs, and it is considered an adaptogen, a substance theorized to help the body resist physical, environmental and emotional stress. Today it is promoted for upper respiratory infections, hay fever, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and to support the immune system; on the skin, for wounds.

What studies show

  • Insufficient

    Overall: NCCIH says there is not sufficient reliable scientific evidence to know whether astragalus is useful for any health condition.

  • Limited

    Type 2 diabetes: a 2024 review of 20 studies found astragalus added to metformin lowered fasting blood sugar and HbA1c more than metformin alone, but most of the studies were of low quality and at risk of bias.

  • Limited· a lab measure, not a health outcome

    Immune markers: a 2023 review of 19 small, varied studies found it raised immune responses and lowered some inflammatory markers in the blood, which is not the same as showing a health benefit.

  • Limited

    Membranous nephropathy (a kidney disorder): a 2023 review of 50 studies found greater improvement in some kidney measures when astragalus was added to usual care, but the studies were small, low quality and from a limited area.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • NoteIt may be safe by mouth: up to 60 grams a day for as long as 4 months did not seem to cause side effects, but a thorough safety evaluation has not been done. Too little is known about using it on the skin.
  • ConditionIt might worsen autoimmune diseases; people with an autoimmune disease should avoid it.
  • InteractionIt may interact with medicines that suppress the immune system.
  • PregnancyLittle is known about safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and some animal research suggests it can be toxic to the fetus.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Astragalus: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.