How much Astragalus should I take daily?
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Daily Dosage Recommendations for Astragalus
Introduction to Astragalus Supplementation
Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Astragalus, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support and antioxidant properties. However, determining the appropriate daily dosage is crucial for maximizing its benefits while ensuring safety.
Recommended Dosage for General Adult Population
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated a botanical extract derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng, known as AstraGin™, for safety as a novel food supplement. The EFSA panel concluded that the maximum safe daily intake for the general adult population, excluding pregnant women, is 35 mg of the extract per day1. This recommendation is based on a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg body weight per day, with an applied uncertainty factor of 2001.
Safety and Toxicity Studies
Subchronic toxicity studies on Radix Astragali extract (RAE) in rats and dogs have demonstrated that RAE is safe without distinct toxicity or side effects. The studies identified a safety dosage range of 5.7-39.9 g/kg for rats and 2.85-19.95 g/kg for beagle dogs, which translates to approximately 0.57 g/kg for humans, considering an average body weight of 70 kg2. This suggests a significantly higher tolerance in animal models, but human dosages should remain conservative.
Dosage for Specific Health Conditions
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
In a self-controlled case series involving patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), astragalus-containing preparations were associated with a statistically significant improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The study did not specify an exact dosage but indicated that the preparations were well-tolerated without severe adverse reactions5. This suggests potential benefits for CKD patients, but further research is needed to establish precise dosage guidelines.
Conclusion
Based on current research, a safe and effective daily dosage of Astragalus for the general adult population is up to 35 mg of the extract per day, excluding pregnant women. While higher dosages have been tested in animal studies, human dosages should remain conservative to ensure safety. For specific health conditions like CKD, further research is necessary to determine optimal dosages. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Safety of a botanical extract derived from Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranaceus (AstraGin™) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283
The EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods, and Food Allergens found that AstraGinTM, a botanical extract derived from Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranaceus, is safe for consumption at a maximum daily intake of 35 mg for adults excluding pregnant women
Subchronic toxicity studies of Radix Astragali extract in rats and dogs.
Radix Astragali extract (RAE) is safe with a safety dosage range of 5.7-39.9g/kg for rats and 2.85-19.95g/kg for beagle dogs, equivalent to 70 or 35 times of human doses.
RCT
Animal StudyAstragalus membranaceus root supplementation improves average daily gain, rumen fermentation, serum immunity and antioxidant indices of Tibetan sheep.
Astragalus membranaceus root supplementation in Tibetan sheep feed improves growth performance, rumen fermentation, and enhances immunity, with 50 and 80 g/kg showing the most promising results.
RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalAstragalus root extract improved average daily gain, immunity, antioxidant status and ruminal microbiota of early weaned yak calves.
Astragalus root extract supplementation at 5% to 8% DMI improves growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in early weaned yak calves.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalOral Astragalus Root Supplementation for Mild to Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease: A Self-Controlled Case-Series
Astragalus root supplementation significantly improves estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease.
Observational StudyCardiac protective effect of Astragalus on viral myocarditis mice: comparison with Perindopril.
Astragalus root has similar protective effects on survival rate, SERCA2 activity, and endothelin system as Perindopril, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for viral myocarditis.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyEffect of Different Astragalus Polysaccharides Levels in Diets on Growth Performance in Dairy Bull Calf
Adding 5g Astragalus polysaccharides to dairy bull calves' diets every day significantly improves feed intake, daily gain, reduces diarrhea rates, and increases body size indicators.
RCT[Effects of large dose of Astragalus membranaceus on the dendritic cell induction of peripheral mononuclear cell and antigen presenting ability of dendritic cells in children with acute leukemia].
Large dose of Astragalus can increase dendritic cell induction and enhance antigen presenting ability in children with acute leukemia.
RCTAstragalus membranaceus Additive Improves Serum Biochemical Parameters and Reproductive Performance in Postpartum Dairy Cows
Feeding Astragalus membranaceus as a feed additive to postpartum dairy cows improves wound recovery, immune function, endocrine regulation, and breeding efficiency.
RCTAnimal StudyAstragalus adscendens extract shows antidiabetic effects through controlling oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Astragalus adscendens methanolic extract shows potent antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects in diabetic rats.
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