Evidence Level
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.