What is the recommended dose of Astragalus?

- **Root powder/extract:** 500-2,000mg/day - **Standardized extract:** 200-500mg/day (standardized to astragaloside IV) - **TA-65 (cycloastragenol):** 8-25mg/day (proprietary dosing) - Most TCM for...

Is Astragalus safe to take daily?

Astragalus is rated "Prescription Interactions" based on clinical evidence. - Generally well tolerated - Mild GI effects at high doses - May cause immune stimulation (problematic in autoimmune conditions)

Does Astragalus interact with any medications?

Astragalus has 4 known drug interactions, including interactions with Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), Lithium, Anticoagulants (warfarin). Check with your doctor before combining with prescription medications.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Astragalus

LIMITED EVIDENCEAdaptogenLast updated April 2026

AVELOR SUMMARY

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicine herb with preliminary evidence for immune modulation, kidney protection, and cardiovascular support. Most evidence comes from Chinese clinical trials with moderate-to-low quality. Our research identifies immunostimulatory effects that conflict with immunosuppressant therapy.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Immune functionLow-moderate, mostly TCM trials

C+

Kidney disease (adjunct)Low-moderate, Chinese RCTs

C+

Cardiovascular protectionLimited

Anti-aging (telomerase activation)Preliminary, TA-65 extract specifically

C-

Exercise performanceInsufficient evidence

WHAT IT DOES

Astragalus contains active compounds including astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, and polysaccharides. Astragaloside IV has demonstrated cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. Cycloastragenol activates telomerase (marketed as TA-65), though clinical anti-aging evidence remains preliminary. Astragalus polysaccharides stimulate immune cell proliferation and cytokine production.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Root powder/extract: 500-2,000mg/day
Standardized extract: 200-500mg/day (standardized to astragaloside IV)
TA-65 (cycloastragenol): 8-25mg/day (proprietary dosing)
Most TCM formulas use astragalus as part of multi-herb combinations

Scan a supplement containing Astragalus

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)Severe

Astragalus is immunostimulatory, directly opposes immunosuppression

LithiumModerate

May reduce lithium excretion (diuretic properties)

Anticoagulants (warfarin)Moderate

Theoretical antiplatelet effects

Diabetes medicationsModerate

May lower blood sugar additively

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated
Mild GI effects at high doses
May cause immune stimulation (problematic in autoimmune conditions)

Pregnancy & Lactation

Traditional use in TCM during pregnancy exists, but no modern safety data. Use with caution.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW AVELOR SCORES THIS

Products standardized to astragaloside IV score higher

Autoimmune disease and immunosuppressant use trigger automatic flags

TA-65 products are expensive; evidence for anti-aging claims is very preliminary

Quality varies widely in TCM-sourced products; third-party testing important

CLINICAL REFERENCES

Reference identifiers on this page are being re-verified against PubMed. Some may not yet link to the paper named beside them.

, Harley CB et al. A natural product telomerase activator (TA-65).

PMID: 26916911

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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