Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Astragalus Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Emerging
·

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

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well-tolerated with an excellent safety record spanning thousands of years of traditional use
  • Rare mild GI symptoms (bloating, loose stools)
  • Theoretical immune stimulation — not recommended during acute infections in TCM (considered a tonic, not an acute remedy)
  • Rare: allergic reactions in individuals allergic to legumes (astragalus is in the Fabaceae family)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Immunosuppressants — astragalus may counteract immunosuppressive therapy; avoid combining
  • Lithium — astragalus may have diuretic effects that alter lithium levels
  • Anticoagulants — some evidence of mild antiplatelet activity; monitor if on blood thinners

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: No established upper limit; traditional use includes up to 30g dried root daily in decoctions

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