Astragalus
Astragalus is a plant of the legume family whose root, huang qi, is used in traditional Chinese medicine, often together with other herbs.
Also listed as huangqi, Danggui Buxue Tang, DBT, Milk-vetch Root
Immune markers are a starting point
A 2023 meta-analysis of 19 human studies involving 1,094 participants found changes in inflammatory and immune-cell markers. Results varied substantially between studies; these laboratory outcomes do not by themselves establish fewer infections or a broadly stronger immune system. 1
A more specific kidney finding
A 48-week trial randomized 118 people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease to standard care with or without astragalus. Decline in kidney filtration was slower with astragalus, but urinary albumin did not improve significantly. Assessors were blinded; participants did not receive a matching placebo. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
Stress & Mood1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
All studies
8 publications are linked to Astragalus, newest first.