Astragalus
Description
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a fundamental herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily known for its adaptogenic qualities. It aids the body in adapting to various stresses, whether physical, mental, or environmental, helping to maintain overall balance and resilience. Its active compounds, primarily polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, are believed to be responsible for its diverse health benefits. The herb is widely studied for its potent immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can help regulate and strengthen the immune system. It's often used to support the body's natural defenses, particularly during seasonal changes or periods of increased vulnerability. Beyond immunity, Astragalus also exhibits antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Traditionally, Astragalus has been valued for its role in boosting energy, promoting cardiovascular health, and supporting kidney function. It's often included in formulations aimed at improving stamina, recovery, and general well-being, making it a versatile botanical ingredient for foundational health support.
Sources
Roots of the Astragalus membranaceus plantNative to northern and eastern China, as well as Mongolia and Korea
Cheapest Astragalus supplements
Best Astragalus supplements
Value Astragalus supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Often taken in divided doses throughout the day for consistent support.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum500 mg
Maximum1500 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Interactions
Positive Interactions
Vitamin C
Astragalus can enhance immune function, and Vitamin C is also known for its immune-boosting properties, potentially offering synergistic support for overall immune health.
Zinc
Astragalus supports immune function, and Zinc is crucial for immune cell development and function, suggesting a complementary role in bolstering immunity.
Vitamin D
Astragalus is known for immune support, and Vitamin D plays a vital role in modulating the immune system, potentially working together to enhance immune resilience.
Selenium
Astragalus possesses antioxidant and immune-modulating properties, which could be complemented by Selenium's essential role in antioxidant defense and immune system regulation.
Turmeric
Astragalus has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be enhanced when combined with Turmeric (Curcumin), a potent anti-inflammatory compound, for broader inflammatory support.
Ashwagandha
Astragalus is an adaptogen, and combining it with other adaptogens like Ashwagandha may provide more comprehensive support for stress adaptation and overall vitality.
Recommended products
Best 
Abreve
Zahler
Astragalus: 850 mg
This product is a multi-ingredient blend featuring a strong lineup of traditional herbs and vitamins, mainly focusing on supporting general health and immune function.
Value 
Astragalus Extract 500 mg
NOW
Astragalus: 500 mg
A dedicated Astragalus root extract supplement, providing a good dose of polysaccharides for focused immune support.
Best 
Astragalus
Herb Pharm
Astragalus: 665 mg
A high-dose liquid Astragalus root extract, providing 665mg per serving for flexible and potent immune support.
Value 
Astragalus Root 470 mg
Swanson
Astragalus: 470 mg
A simple, single-ingredient astragalus root supplement providing 470mg per capsule at a very budget-friendly price.
Best 
Astragalus 450 mg
Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs
Astragalus: 1350 mg
A very high-dose astragalus root extract powder, offering 1350mg per serving for potent traditional immune support.
Budget 
Astragalus
Paradise
Astragalus: 250 mg
A large-quantity, concentrated astragalus root extract from Paradise, offering 250mg per capsule at an even more economical price.
Best 
Astragalus
Oregon's Wild Harvest
Astragalus: 1000 mg
An organic, fresh liquid astragalus supplement, providing 1000mg per serving for flexible immunity support.
Best 
Astragalus
Oregon's Wild Harvest
Astragalus: 1125 mg
A high-dose organic astragalus capsule providing 1125mg per serving, ideal for focused immune support.
Best 
Astragalus
Oregon's Wild Harvest
Astragalus: 1125 mg
A high-dose astragalus membranaceous capsule from Oregon's Wild Harvest, offering 1125mg per serving for focused immune support.
Best 
Astragalus
Herb Pharm
Astragalus: 665 mg
A liquid astragalus root extract from a known herbal brand, offering 665mg per serving for immune support.
Budget 
Immune Action
NaturesPlus
Astragalus: 200 mg
A comprehensive, multi-herb blend with astragalus, ligustrum, schisandra, shiitake, echinacea, and pau d'arco, providing broad immune support at a very low cost.
Value 
Full Spectrum Astragalus Extract 500 mg
Planetary Herbals
Astragalus: 500 mg
A 'full spectrum' Astragalus product offering a significant total dose for immune system support, combining extract and raw herb.
Value 
Astragalus 550 mg
Nutricost
Astragalus: 550 mg
A very economical Astragalus supplement, delivering 550mg of raw root powder per serving for general immune support.
Best 
Astragalus Root 2000 mg
Nature's Answer
Astragalus: 2000 mg
A high-concentration liquid Astragalus supplement, delivering 2000mg herbal equivalent per serving for focused immune support.
Value 
Astragalus 550 mg
Solaray
Astragalus: 550 mg
A dependable choice for immune support, offering 550mg of organic, whole Astragalus root in a convenient capsule.
Best 
Astragalus Reishi
Oregon's Wild Harvest
Astragalus: 750 mg
A high-dose organic blend of Astragalus and Reishi mushroom, offering powerful synergistic support for the immune system.
Budget 
Astragalus 1000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
Astragalus: 250 mg
An affordable Astragalus extract with a misleading '1000 mg' product name, as it actually contains 250mg of extract per serving.
Best 
ImmunAbreve
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
Astragalus: 850 mg
This product delivers a focused blend of essential vitamins in specific forms and traditional herbs, designed to support overall wellness and immune system function.
Value 
Astragalus 500 mg
Swanson
Astragalus: 500 mg
A high-potency Astragalus extract, specifically standardized to a unique compound, offering targeted immune support at a higher cost.
Budget 
Astragalus 500 mg
Nature's Answer
Astragalus: 250 mg
This supplement combines a standardized Astragalus root extract (for astragalosides) with additional raw Astragalus for broad immune support.
Value 
Astragalus Root Extract
Bluebonnet
Astragalus: 400 mg
A standardized astragalus root extract from Bluebonnet, providing 400mg standardized for polysaccharides for consistent immune support.
Budget 
Astragalus
Paradise
Astragalus: 250 mg
A concentrated astragalus root extract at a very budget-friendly price, offering 250mg per capsule for immune support.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$30.19
Median$23.65
Price per serving
Average$0.80
Median$0.64
Price per 100 mg
Average$1.15
Median$0.57
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Polysaccharides (7) 88
Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are a major active constituent responsible for many of Astragalus's immunomodulatory properties. They have been shown to stimulate T-cell proliferation, enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, increase interferon production, and promote macrophage phagocytosis, thereby boosting both innate and adaptive immunity.
Pros
- Strong scientific evidence for immune enhancement
- Directly target immune cells to boost function
- Exhibit adaptogenic properties
Cons
- May not capture the full synergistic effects of the whole herb
- Purity and concentration can vary between products
Per product
Avg$20.78
Med$18.00
Per serving
Avg$0.38
Med$0.27
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.07
Med$0.08
Price distribution
Astragalosides (4) 85
Astragalosides, particularly astragaloside IV, are a class of saponins that contribute to Astragalus's therapeutic effects. They support immune function by promoting T-cell activation, increasing antibody production, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects that can indirectly benefit immune health. They also possess antioxidant properties that protect immune cells.
Pros
- Specific immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Well-researched component of Astragalus
- Often standardized for consistent potency
Cons
- Focus on a specific compound group might exclude other beneficial co-factors of the whole plant
Per product
Avg$19.65
Med$19.50
Per serving
Avg$0.25
Med$0.25
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.05
Med$0.05
Price distribution
Astragalus membranaceus Root Extract (4) 85
This form is a concentrated preparation of the *Astragalus membranaceus* root, aiming to provide a higher potency of beneficial compounds compared to the raw herb. Extracts can be standardized to specific markers like polysaccharides or astragalosides, or provided as a broad-spectrum extract, offering a balance of key bioactives for immune enhancement and overall adaptogenic benefits.
Pros
- Higher concentration of active compounds
- More consistent potency (especially if standardized)
- Convenient and easier to dose than raw herb
Cons
- Extraction processes might alter or reduce some minor compounds
- Not all extracts are standardized, leading to variability
Per product
Avg$37.00
Med$34.00
Per serving
Avg$0.96
Med$0.98
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.50
Med$0.57
Price distribution
Astragalus membranaceous (2) 82
*Astragalus membranaceus* is the botanical name for the species from which the root is traditionally used in herbal medicine. When specified as *Astragalus membranaceus*, it typically implies the use of the whole root or a minimally processed extract, preserving the full spectrum of its natural compounds, including polysaccharides, astragalosides, and flavonoids, which work synergistically.
Pros
- Provides a full spectrum of natural compounds
- Traditional use supports holistic benefits
- Potential for synergistic effects among its constituents
Cons
- Potency can vary significantly depending on cultivation, harvest, and processing methods
- Less precise dosing compared to standardized extracts
Per product
Avg$19.83
Med$19.83
Per serving
Avg$0.29
Med$0.29
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.04
Med$0.04
Price distribution
Astragalus membranaceus (2) 82
*Astragalus membranaceus* is the botanical name for the species from which the root is traditionally used in herbal medicine. When specified as *Astragalus membranaceus*, it typically implies the use of the whole root or a minimally processed extract, preserving the full spectrum of its natural compounds, including polysaccharides, astragalosides, and flavonoids, which work synergistically.
Pros
- Provides a full spectrum of natural compounds
- Traditional use supports holistic benefits
- Potential for synergistic effects among its constituents
Cons
- Potency can vary significantly depending on cultivation, harvest, and processing methods
- Less precise dosing compared to standardized extracts
Per product
Avg$18.25
Med$18.25
Per serving
Avg$0.82
Med$0.82
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.53
Med$1.53
Price distribution
Calycosin 7-O-Beta D-Glucopyranoside (1) 65
Calycosin 7-O-Beta D-Glucopyranoside is one of several flavonoids present in Astragalus. While flavonoids are generally known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can indirectly support a healthy immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, this specific compound is not considered the primary direct driver of Astragalus's broad immune-modulating benefits attributed to polysaccharides and astragalosides.
Pros
- Specific antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Contributes to the overall beneficial profile of Astragalus
- Supports cellular health indirectly benefiting immunity
Cons
- Limited direct research on its isolated impact on broad immune function compared to other Astragalus components
- Typically present in smaller amounts and less potent for direct immune modulation
Per product
Avg$46.43
Med$46.43
Per serving
Avg$0.38
Med$0.38
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.08
Med$0.08
Price distribution