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Benefits of Astragalus

Evidence:Emerging
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Immune cell activation [1] — astragalus polysaccharides (APS) enhance T-cell proliferation, NK cell cytotoxicity, and macrophage phagocytic activity through TLR4 receptor activation and downstream NF-kB signaling
  • Antibody production [2] — animal and human studies show APS increases immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM) and enhances B-cell differentiation, supporting humoral immunity
  • Anti-inflammatory modulation [1] — astragalosides reduce excessive production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) while promoting anti-inflammatory IL-10, helping balance immune responses
  • Telomerase activation [1] — astragaloside IV activates telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. This mechanism has generated significant interest in astragalus for anti-aging and immune senescence prevention
  • Adaptogenic properties — astragalus helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress, supporting adrenal function and reducing cortisol-mediated immune suppression

What the Research Says

Astragalus is a well-researched herb with demonstrated immunomodulatory and therapeutic benefits. A systematic review by Liu et al. (2017) highlighted its anti-aging properties, particularly through telomerase activation, which has been commercialized as TA-65. Block and Mead (2003) confirmed Astragalus's ability to enhance immune function by increasing macrophage activity, antibody production, and cytokine modulation.

Recent studies further support its efficacy across various conditions. Jialiken et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 2793 participants, showing that Astragalus injection significantly improved outcomes in viral myocarditis compared to standard treatment alone. Sheng et al. (2025) reviewed eight studies with 516 cancer patients and found that Astragalus membranaceus reduced fatigue (SMD -1.63, P < .00001) and enhanced quality of life (SMD 0.86, P = 0.01). Additionally, Li et al. (2025) analyzed 31 RCTs involving 2648 participants, concluding that astragalus polysaccharides improved treatment efficacy and immune function in malignant tumor patients with minimal adverse effects.

Astragalus also shows promise in managing diabetic nephropathy. Liu et al. (2024) reviewed 40 animal studies, demonstrating its ability to improve renal outcomes by reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Lin et al. (2024) further supported this with a meta-analysis of 32 studies involving 2462 participants, indicating that combining Astragalus with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers significantly enhances treatment outcomes in stage III diabetic nephropathy.

Overall, Astragalus exhibits robust mechanistic data and an excellent safety profile across multiple therapeutic applications.

Related Conditions

Immune Function
Full Astragalus Guide

References

  1. ReviewLiu P, Zhao H, Luo Y (2017). Anti-aging implications of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi): a well-known Chinese tonic. Aging and Disease. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewBlock KI, Mead MN (2003). Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review. Integrative Cancer Therapies. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisLiang H, Chen Z, Zhu M, Zhong J, et al. (2025). Efficacy and potential pharmacological mechanism of Astragalus-Salvia miltiorrhiza combination in diabetic nephropathy: integrating meta-analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.. Renal failure. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisSheng X, Yang L, Huang B, Lin G, et al. (2025). Efficacy of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huang Qi) for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.. Integrative cancer therapies. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisLi Q, Li J, Wang Y, Wu F, et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of astragalus polysaccharides in patients with malignant tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisLiu M, Di YM, May B, Zhang AL, et al. (2024). Renal protective effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus for diabetic kidney disease in animal models: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  7. Lin YQ, Yu F, Chen HJ, Deng YR, et al. (2024). Efficacy of astragalus combined with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in the treatment of stage III diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Renal failure. DOI PubMed
Show 3 more references
  1. Dan L, Hao Y, Song H, Wang T, et al. (2024). Efficacy and potential mechanisms of the main active ingredients of astragalus mongholicus in animal models of liver fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of ethnopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. Hong KF, Liu PY, Zhang W, Gui DK, et al. (2024). The Efficacy and Safety of Astragalus as an Adjuvant Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine. DOI PubMed
  3. Wang C, Li S, Meng J, Xia M, et al. (2023). Meta-analysis of Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) and Chinese Yam (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) for Diabetic Nephropathy.. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. PubMed