Astragalus · Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)
A staple Traditional Chinese Medicine root long used as an immune tonic, now studied for anti-aging effects via telomerase activity, immune modulation, and reduction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) markers.
Short answer
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)) is a adaptogen / telomere & sasp support with evidence grade C, meaning it is backed by mixed or small human trials. We track 0 produkter containing Astragalus. The top-ranked product scores 0 out of 10 on our composite scale (dose, evidence, price, testing, transparency). Prices range up to $0.00 per månad.
What it is
Astragalus membranaceus is a flowering plant whose root has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years, typically as a general immune and vitality tonic. It is the source plant of cycloastragenol.
Why people take it
Astragalus contains multiple bioactive saponins (astragalosides) and polysaccharides thought to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and — in more purified extract forms — activate telomerase. As a whole-herb adaptogen, it is proposed to help the body handle physiological stress more broadly, which is loosely linked to healthy aging.
Our verdict
There is a long history of traditional use and a reasonable base of preclinical and immune-modulation research, but rigorous human RCTs specifically on longevity or aging biomarkers (versus immune/metabolic endpoints) are limited. It's a reasonably well-tolerated adaptogen with plausible but unproven longevity benefits.
Structure & class
Whole-root or standardized extracts contain astragalosides (I-IV), formononetin, and polysaccharides. Some high-purity commercial extracts (e.g., TA-65) are enriched specifically for cycloastragenol content.
Mechanism & clinical data
Preclinical and review literature describes astragalus compounds modulating immune cell populations (T-cell subsets), reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles associated with SASP, and in the case of purified astragaloside/cycloastragenol fractions, activating hTERT. A 2017 review (Liu et al., Aging and Disease) summarizes anti-aging mechanisms including antioxidant, immune-modulatory, and telomerase-related effects, citing TA-65 extract data on immune 'age reversal' in a published cohort. A 2025 Nutrients review further consolidates mechanistic and preclinical evidence.
Pharmacokinetics
Not well characterized for whole-herb extract; active saponin components vary by preparation and standardization.
Dose & forms
What to watch out for
Potential immune-stimulating effect could theoretically be contraindicated in autoimmune conditions or with immunosuppressant drugs; quality and standardization vary widely between raw root produkter and purified extracts; interacts potentially with anticoagulants and diabetes medications per some traditional-use cautions.
Where this dose comes from
The trial dose above is our editorial pick from the published human trials for this ingredient. We choose the dose that the best-available studies used on the endpoint most relevant to longevity. The range shows the lowest and highest doses tested in published trials. The landmark studies below are the papers we read to set it. You can click through and check our work.
When new trials publish, our automated sweeps flag them. If a new study materially changes the dose, we update it through editorial review and record the old dose, new dose, and the triggering study in every affected product's recommendation history. The dose is never changed automatically.
Regelverk status
Timeline
Regelverk events, evidence grade changes, and key research milestones for Astragalus, most recent first. Every entry links to its primär source.
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EU Court sharpens the bar for botanical health claimsA Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in april 2025 further tightened the requirements for how botanical ingredients (herbs, plant extracts) can be marketed with health claims in the EU, effectively removing much of the flexibility of the on-hold list.
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EU report identifies 117 supplement substances as potential health risksThe HoA Working Group on Food Supplements (26 European countries) published its first report evaluating 117 substances used in food supplements. Of these, 65 were assessed as likely novel foods, 6 were already regulated, 34 had insufficient data, and 12 were prioritized for Article 8 restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The 12 priority substances include ashwagandha, curcumin, melatonin, piperine, St. John's wort, coumarin, p-synephrine, maca, holy basil, Melaleuca, black cohosh, and L-tryptophan. The report drew on 1,500 RASFF alerts reviewed between 2017 and mid-2022.
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Liu P, et al. (2017). Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging and Disease. PMID 29344421.Liu P, et al. (2017). Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging and Disease. PMID 29344421.
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EU Health Claims Regulation adoptedRegulation (EC) No 1924/2006 laid down harmonised rules for nutrition and health claims made on foods, including supplements. Only claims listed in the EU Register of authorised claims can be used. Rejected botanical claims are held in a separate on-hold list.
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EU introduces the Novel Food RegulationRegulation (EC) No 258/97 required any food or food ingredient without a history of consumption in the EU before 15 maj 1997 to be authorised before being placed on the market. This is the framework that captures NMN, spermidine as a supplement ingredient, urolithin A, and many other longevity actives.
Landmark studies
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Liu P, et al. (2017). Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging and Disease. PMID 29344421.
Liu P, et al. (2017). Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging and Disease. PMID 29344421.
Läs studie →
Found in these produkter
Alla produkter in our catalog that contain Astragalus, ranked by our overall score. Ranking is editorial, never paid.
No produkter in our catalog contain this yet.
Buying guides and comparisons
Related ingredients
Se alla in Adaptogen / Telomere & SASP support →Molekyler in the same class, plus the actives most often formulated alongside Astragalus in our catalogue.
Nothing else in the database sits close enough to this molecule to list.
Frequently asked questions
What is Astragalus?
Astragalus membranaceus is a flowering plant whose root has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years, typically as a general immune and vitality tonic. It is the source plant of cycloastragenol.
What dose of Astragalus should I take?
The trial dose in published human studies is 0 mg per dag, with a range of 500 to 3000 mg per dag. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement.
Is Astragalus safe?
Potential immune-stimulating effect could theoretically be contraindicated in autoimmune conditions or with immunosuppressant drugs; quality and standardization vary widely between raw root produkter and purified extracts; interacts potentially with anticoagulants and diabetes medications per some traditional-use cautions.
What is the best Astragalus supplement?
We track 0 produkter containing Astragalus. The top-ranked product scores 0 out of 10 on our composite scale, which evaluates dose, evidence, price, third-party testing, and transparency. See the comparison table above. Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard.
What is the evidence grade for Astragalus?
Astragalus has evidence grade C, meaning it is backed by mixed or small human trials. Grade A means replicated human RCTs with hard endpoints. Grade B means human RCTs with biomarker outcomes. Grade C means mixed or small human trials. See our evidence grading methodology.
Data verification
Bevisning grades are reviewed when new human RCTs are published. Product counts update automatically as new produkter are added. Dose ranges reflect published trial data, not brand recommendations. Read how we verify.