Botanical
Astragalus
Also known as: Huang qi, Astragalus root, Membranous milk vetch, Astragalus Extract (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus root extract is a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient studied for potential immune-supporting and adaptogenic properties. Evidence for human efficacy is limited and primarily from small trials, with most research conducted in Asia.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Astragalus product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Double Wood Astragalus Supplement | 88 A | $0.13 |
| 2 | Nutricost Astragalus Capsules | 88 A | $0.07 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations PureCell | 87 A | $1.28 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations Phyto-ADR | 86 A- | $0.53 |
| 5 | Thorne Stress Balance | 85 A- | $0.77 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations Epi-Integrity powder | 85 A- | $2.00 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Th2 Modulator | 84 A- | $1.02 |
| 8 | NOW Foods Mushroom Immune Renew | 84 A- | $0.13 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Daily Immune | 83 A- | $1.13 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Men's Pure Pack | 82 A- | $3.08 |
| 11 | Vital Nutrients Astragalus Root Extract 300mg | 82 A- | $0.64 |
| 12 | NOW Foods Astragalus | 81 A- | $0.15 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Astragalus should I take?
The typical range is 500-1000mg extract 2-3x daily. Can use long-term for prevention, not during acute infection
When should I take Astragalus?
Daily for prevention. Either way.
Which form of Astragalus is best?
Root extract — Most common. Other forms in the catalog: Dried root slices, Standardized extract, TA-65, Powder extract, Capsule, Dried root, Decoction.
Is Astragalus safe?
Commonly reported: Rare, well tolerated. Serious warnings: May stimulate immune system - avoid in autoimmune conditions. Safe
Which Astragalus supplement scores highest?
Double Wood Astragalus Supplement, at 88/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Immune modulation
- Prevention
- Adaptogen
- Traditional tonic
- Immune system support
- Stress adaptation
- Energy and stamina
- Exercise recovery
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Astragalus reached a verdict on: 5 with a benefit, 2 with no effect. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (5)
“While TA-65 demonstrates telomerase-activating efficacy, particularly in older adults, its failure to improve functional aging metrics underscores limitations of unimodal biomarker targeting.” PMID 41286474
“Supplementation with APS can improve treatment outcomes, enhance immune function, and demonstrate a high level of safety in malignant tumor patients” PMID 40208321
“the incidence of symptoms such as hand-foot numbness and weakness was low, indicating a high safety profile” PMID 40208321
“the administration of AS-IV can improve behavioral and neurochemical deficits largely due to its antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antiinflammatory properties, emerging as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological disorders.” PMID 30207235
“Clinically meaningful benefits for BODE Index and 6MWT were found in multiple studies.” PMID 24622390
Reviews found no effect (2)
“its failure to improve functional aging metrics underscores limitations of unimodal biomarker targeting” PMID 41286474
“No substantial distinctions were noted between the two groups in terms of CD8 + T cell count [MD = -1.74, 95% CI (-4.66, 1.17), P = 0.242]” PMID 40208321
2 findings from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) are not shown here.
How it works
- Increases T-cell activity
- Stimulates macrophages
- Promotes antibody production
- Telomere support (TA-65 extract)
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-1000mg extract 2-3x daily
- Timing
- Daily for prevention
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- Can use long-term for prevention, not during acute infection
- Special populations
- Those wanting immune support, elderly
Forms
- Root extract
- Dried root slices
- Standardized extract
- TA-65
- Powder extract· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Dried root· 70/100
- Decoction· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Rare, well tolerated
Contraindications
- Autoimmune diseases
- Immunosuppressant use
- Active infection (some traditions say don't use)
Products containing Astragalus
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Astragalus on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Traditional use supported by preliminary research
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Astragalus compared head-to-head
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.