Astragalus 

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about astragalus—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

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

milk vetch

Latin Names—Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus

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.

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 for cancer. It is also used as a folk or 

traditional remedy for colds and upper respiratory infections, and for 

heart disease.

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. High-quality clinical trials (studies in people) are generally 

lacking. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that 

astragalus, either alone or in combination with other herbs, may 

have potential benefits for the immune system, heart, and liver, and 

as an adjunctive therapy for cancer.

• 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. It may also affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

• People should be aware that some astragalus species, usually not found in dietary 

supplements used by humans, can be toxic. For example, several species that grow in the 

United States contain the neurotoxin swainsonine and have caused “locoweed” poisoning 

in animals. Other species contain potentially toxic levels of selenium.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

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

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Astragalus. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on April 21, 2009.

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

on April 21, 2009.

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 Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

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

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

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 2012