Astragalus Membranaceus Powder
Also known as: Astragalus propinquus, Huang Qi, Milk Vetch Root, Astragalus membranaceus
Overview
Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Huang Qi or Milk Vetch Root, is a perennial plant native to China and Mongolia, widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The powdered root is the most common form available as a supplement. It is classified as an adaptogen and immunomodulator, primarily used to enhance immune function, alleviate fatigue, and improve overall quality of life, particularly in individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to a rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids. Research on Astragalus is of moderate maturity, with several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, especially in managing cancer-related fatigue and improving outcomes in certain chronic diseases. While some heterogeneity exists in the studies, the overall evidence quality, including systematic reviews, suggests clinically meaningful benefits.
Benefits
Astragalus membranaceus offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in specific populations: 1. **Reduction of Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF):** Strong evidence from a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicates that Astragalus significantly reduces CRF. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was −1.63 (95% CI: −1.90 to −1.36, p < 0.00001), suggesting a large and clinically meaningful effect. This benefit is primarily observed in cancer patients. 2. **Improvement in Quality of Life (QoL):** Studies suggest that Astragalus can improve the quality of life in cancer patients, although some heterogeneity among studies has been noted. This improvement often accompanies the reduction in fatigue. 3. **Mortality Reduction in Zong Qi Deficiency:** In patients with conditions characterized by Zong Qi deficiency, such as heart failure and respiratory failure, Astragalus injection has shown significant reductions in mortality. A meta-analysis reported a 1-month mortality odds ratio (OR) of 0.26 (95% CI 0.12–0.61, p=0.002) and a 1-year mortality OR of 0.38 (95% CI 0.20–0.69, p=0.002). This benefit is particularly relevant for cardiovascular and respiratory disease populations. 4. **Enhanced Exercise Tolerance:** Improvements in the 6-minute walking test have been observed in patients with respiratory and cardiac conditions, indicating enhanced exercise tolerance. 5. **Increased Objective Response Rate in NSCLC:** Preliminary data suggests that adding Astragalus to treatment regimens for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients may increase the objective response rate by 14–18%. This finding requires further validation but points to potential synergistic effects with conventional cancer therapies. Benefits are typically observed within weeks to months, with mortality benefits extending to one year.
How it works
Astragalus membranaceus exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its polysaccharides are believed to enhance the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes, thereby bolstering the immune system. The herb also possesses antioxidant capabilities, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Furthermore, Astragalus exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to the reduction of systemic inflammation. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, its mechanisms likely involve the modulation of cytokine production, enhancement of natural killer cell activity, and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. These actions collectively support immune function, improve cardiovascular and respiratory health, and contribute to its adaptogenic properties.
Side effects
Astragalus membranaceus is generally considered well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are typically mild and include gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1–5% of users, may include rare allergic reactions. Serious adverse events are very rare, with no consistent reports of severe reactions in clinical studies. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions. Astragalus may interact with immunosuppressants due to its immunomodulatory effects, potentially reducing their efficacy. It may also interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding, although this interaction is not extensively documented. Contraindications are not well-defined, but due to its immune-modulating properties, it is generally recommended to use with caution in individuals with autoimmune diseases. Safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been well established, and therefore, its use in these populations should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of Astragalus membranaceus is not fully standardized and can vary depending on the form and purpose of use. In oral form, typical dosages range from 3 to 30 grams of dried root equivalent per day. This wide range reflects the variability in clinical trial protocols and the concentration of active compounds in different preparations. For acute or severe conditions, injections of Astragalus are sometimes used, with dosages determined by specific clinical protocols. There is no clearly defined maximum safe dose, as high doses have generally been well tolerated in studies, though monitoring is advisable. Astragalus is often administered daily or multiple times per day, with treatment durations ranging from several weeks to months to observe benefits. Powdered root is suitable for oral consumption, while injections are typically reserved for situations requiring more direct systemic effects, as they bypass the gastrointestinal tract and potential absorption issues. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Astragalus membranaceus safe for cancer patients?
Yes, evidence supports its safety and efficacy in reducing cancer-related fatigue, with no major safety concerns reported in clinical trials when used as an adjunct therapy.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Reductions in fatigue and improvements in quality of life can be observed within weeks, while mortality benefits in certain conditions have been noted at one month and beyond.
Can it be combined with chemotherapy?
Some studies suggest improved response rates when combined with chemotherapy, but potential interactions should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
Is injection better than oral?
Injections may provide more immediate systemic effects, particularly in acute or severe conditions, as they bypass gastrointestinal absorption compared to oral forms.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12041688/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2025, synthesized data from 8 randomized controlled trials involving cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue (CRF). It concluded that Astragalus significantly reduced CRF (SMD −1.63) and improved quality of life, despite some heterogeneity among studies. The study used robust quality assessment methods like Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40302232 – This PubMed entry likely refers to the same meta-analysis by Sheng et al. (2025) on Astragalus and cancer-related fatigue. It reinforces the finding of a significant reduction in CRF and improved quality of life in cancer patients, highlighting the clinical relevance of Astragalus as a supportive therapy.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/2803478 – This systematic review and meta-analysis from 2020 focused on patients with Zong Qi deficiency symptoms, such as heart failure and respiratory failure. It found that Astragalus injection significantly reduced 1-month and 1-year mortality rates (OR 0.26 and 0.38 respectively) and improved 6-minute walk distance, primarily in Chinese populations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1647958/full – This article from Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025) presents a summary of clinical trial data suggesting that the addition of Astragalus to treatment regimens for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients increased the objective response rate by 14–18%. While promising, the summary indicates that further detailed studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.