Astragalus 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb astragalus—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Native 

to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese 

medicine. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s. There 

are actually over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the two related species 

Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the ones primarily used 

for health purposes. 

Common Names—astragalus, bei qi, huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch 

Latin Names—Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, 

usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the 

immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic hepatitis 

and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer. 

•	 It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and upper 

respiratory infections. 

•	 Astragalus has also been used for heart disease. 

How It Is Used 

The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or 

capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, 

angelica, and licorice. 

What the Science Says 

•	 The evidence for using astragalus for any health condition is limited. Results 

from small or preliminary studies suggest that astragalus may benefit heart 

function and help the immune system fight infections. 

•	 A few studies have shown potential benefits for using astragalus—in 

combination with another herb, glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum)—as an 

adjunctive therapy for cancer. In general, however, these studies were not 

well designed. 

•	 NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the effects of astragalus on the 

body, particularly on the immune system. 
 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Astragalus is considered safe for most adults. Its possible side effects are not well known because 

astragalus is generally used in combination with other herbs. 

•	 Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as the 

drug cyclophosphamide taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ 

transplant recipients. 

•	 People should avoid using astragalus species such as “locoweed” that grow in the United 

States, as these other species may have different effects and side effects. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

Astragalus. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

May 10, 2007. 

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 9, 2007. 

Upton R. Astragalus. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: 

Marcel Dekker; 2005:25-30. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D384 

Created May 2007 

Updated April 2008 

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