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Astragalus (astragalus membranaceous) is an adaptogen listed as one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Mongolian medicine [1].
Astragalus also grows best from the Mongolian Plateau, where the balance of sunlight and rainfall creates an excellent environment for it to grow.
It’s also used widely in traditional Chinese medicine practice, where it’s referred to as “huang qi,” which translates to “yellow life energy” [2]. This also refers to astragalus’s medicinal yellow roots that are often consumed to bring various health benefits.
Astragalus supplements also come in various forms: tablets, capsules, granules, or even powder. But with so many options, how do you choose the best one for yourself? This article will take a closer look into the best astragalus supplements you can use to reap the most benefits.
Quick Summary
Best For Powder Formulation: Apothekary Astragalus
Great For High Potency: Solaray Organically Grown Astragalus
Best For Cost-Effectiveness: Double Wood Astragalus
| Product Name | Astragalus Content (mg) | Price / Amount | Directions Of Use |
| Double Wood Astragalus | 500 | ~ $20 / 300 capsules | Take 2 capsules per day with a meal |
| Apothekary Astragalus | ~ $23 / 30 grams | Add 1 teaspoon of the astragalus powder to any beverage | |
| Nature’s Way Astragalus Root | 470 | ~ $14 / 180 capsules | Take 3 capsules twice daily |
| NOW Foods Astragalus Extract | 500 | ~ $11 / 90 capsules | Take 1 capsule 1-3 times daily as needed, preferably with food |
| Solaray Organically Grown Astragalus | 550 | ~ $13 /100 capsules | Take one capsule daily with a meal or glass of water |
Best Astragalus Supplements
Double Wood Astragalus
ASTRAGALUS CONTENT (mg):
500
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $20 / 300 capsules
DIRECTION TO USE:
Take 2 capsules per day with a meal. The dosage could be increased up to 4 capsules if needed, but not more than 6 capsules per day
Pros
- Manufactured in the United States at an FDA cGMP certified facility
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
Cons
- Contains fillers such as magnesium stearate and cellulose
This astragalus supplement is also suitable to support the immune system, cardiovascular, and kidney health. It also contains bio-active levels of flavonoids and polysaccharides to support cardiovascular health and healthy aging.
Many Double Wood’s astragalus supplement reviews also claim a noticeable increase in energy levels after consumption. Every Double Wood’s Astragalus capsule is also rigorously tested by a third party in the United States to uphold transparency and high quality.
Moreover, this product is economically viable, too, as one bottle equates to a full six months of supply. That being so, consumers can take this supplement with peace of mind without worrying about running out of stock quickly.
Apothekary Astragalus
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $23 / 30 grams
DIRECTION TO USE:
Add 1 teaspoon of the astragalus powder to any beverage
Pros
- Pre and post-natal safe
- Has a mildly sweet taste
Cons
May need to consume consistently for 1-2 months to get any results
This astragalus supplement also comes in powder formulation, making it an excellent alternative for people who have trouble swallowing capsules. You can also mix Apothekary Astragalus powder with any beverages—coffee, coconut milk, tea, or even smoothies!
This product focuses on two main health benefits: energy boosting and stress reduction. True to its claims, up to 97% of its customers also agree on experiencing notable differences after consuming for just three weeks.
“I have been feeling so healthy and refreshed since I started using these products. I love that I can add this to my coffee and create a perfectly focused and calm day!”
As you can add this powder supplement to any beverage, it can also easily be integrated into your daily routine. Furthermore, this sense of convenience makes it easier for most people to “stick with it” and avoid forgetting their daily supplement dosage.
Nature’s Way Astragalus Root
ASTRAGALUS CONTENT (mg):
470
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $14 / 180 capsules
DIRECTION TO USE:
Take 3 capsules twice daily
Pros
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- Need to take large amounts of capsule daily
This astragalus root supplement also focuses on enhancing the strength of our immune system. The active ingredient astragalus is also ethically sourced from native China. The ingredients are also tested to be of the finest quality before use in the manufacturing process.
Other than that, Nature’s Way also supports responsible packaging practices. Their packaging bottles are also made from 97% of post-consumer recycled materials. This helps consumers reduce their carbon footprint when purchasing Nature’s Way products.
NOW Foods Astragalus Extract
ASTRAGALUS CONTENT (mg):
500
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $11 / 90 capsules
DIRECTION TO USE:
Take 1 capsule 1-3 times daily as needed, preferably with food
Pros
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- 4.7 stars rating from over 1200 customer reviews
Cons
- A comparatively lower dosage of astragalus
This product is ranked #1 under the category of astragalus supplement. It’s not an easy position to hold. Each batch of these capsules also has NPA A-rated GMP certification, meaning its manufacturing process has undergone examination for stability, potency, and formulation.
Additionally, this astragalus extract 500 mg contains beneficial active compounds such as flavonoids, free amino acids, trace minerals, and polyphenols. The combination of these components also supports a healthy functioning consumer immune system.
Although this product is soy-free and allergen-free, it’s produced in a GMP facility processing other ingredients containing allergens such as soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nuts. That being the case, you need to look out for symptoms of allergy reaction when consuming this product.
Solaray Organically Grown Astragalus
ASTRAGALUS CONTENT (mg):
550
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $13 /100 capsules
DIRECTION TO USE:
Take one capsule daily with a meal or glass of water
Pros
- Vegan
- Excipient-free and contains no fillers or additional ingredients
- Lab-verified formulation
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
This product has a 4.8 stars rating, making it one of the best brands of astragalus supplements. As it also has a high astragalus supplement dosage, many customers have commented on the effectiveness of this product within hours of consumption. Moreover, these capsules do not have any unpleasant taste or smell as they do not contain any additives.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are astragalus supplements good for?
Astragalus supplements have a long list of benefits, making them one of the most recommended dietary supplements. Firstly, astragalus supplements are often linked to healthy immune system functions. This is because several studies conducted on the effects of astragalus on the immune system demonstrate its role in enhancing immune functions [3].
Next, astragalus supplements also support the functions of a healthy kidney. It helps improve kidney functions while reducing the risk of complications such as proteinuria. Astragalus supplements are also known for their positive effects on the cardiovascular system, where it has vascular protective effects [4].
Finally, it may help reduce symptoms of cancer-related fatigue too. Its positive effects on the immune system also help patients to overcome immunosuppression post-chemotherapy. However, do note that there are also limited studies on astragalus and cancer [5].
Astragalus root vs astragalus extract?
Astragalus root supplements come from a part of the plant (the roots). The roots will be dried into a powder form and subsequently manufactured into capsules, tablets, or powders.
On the other hand, astragalus extract supplements are made of key compounds extracted from a part of the whole plant. This extract should be standardized to the percentage of astragalus as different parts of the plant may have varying concentrations of extracts.
While both astragalus root and astragalus extract supplements exist, they’re both also biologically effective [6]. So, looking at the supplement dosage is more important when choosing between products.
Can you take astragalus every day?
Yes. Astragalus supplements are non-toxic, well-tolerated, and have few side effects when taken at normal recommended dosages (250 mg to 500 mg). The best time of day to take it is once in the morning and once in the evening, with or without food [7,8].
Moreover, studies show that astragalus also improves blood sugar levels when taken consistently for at least four months [9]. That being so, it’s essential to consume astragalus supplements consistently at the recommended dose to get the best benefits.
Who should avoid astragalus?
Although it is safe to consume for most, some people are advised against taking it. This is because fewer studies have been done on the safety of these populations.
People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis should also avoid using astragalus root supplements [10]. Astragalus supplements may also interact with immunosuppressant drugs, causing them to be less effective. In addition, it may also increase your immune system’s activity, causing a significant worsening of the immune disease’s control.
The common side effects of it also include headache, hypotension (low blood pressure), and stomach upset. Individuals who find these astragalus supplement side effects troublesome should also avoid consuming them too.
Bottomline: Best Astragalus Supplements
Astragalus is an excellent choice of supplement to improve your immune system health and combat symptoms of stress or fatigue. Apart from these astragalus supplement benefits, it can also support healthy kidney and cardiovascular function. Always consult a healthcare provider for more information and recommendations if you’re unsure of its safety of it.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Qiu, L. H., Zhang, B. Q., Lian, M. J., Xie, X. J., & Chen, P. (2017). Vascular protective effects of Astragalus membranaceus and its main constituents in rats with chronic hyperhomocysteinemia. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 14(3), 2401–2407. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4739
- Long, B., Aodungerile, & Bai, L. (2022). Discussion on evolution of Mongolian medicinal material names and countermeasures for standardization. Chinese herbal medicines, 14(3), 362–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2022.06.005
- Dong, J., Wang, S., Gui, Y., Wang, D., Ma, X., Hu, S., Wang, X., Zhang, Y., & Hou, W. (2022). Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) for cancer-related fatigue: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 101(3), e28633. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000028633
- Qin, Q., Niu, J., Wang, Z., Xu, W., Qiao, Z., & Gu, Y. (2012). Astragalus embranaceus extract activates immune response in macrophages via heparanase. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 17(6), 7232–7240. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17067232
- Li, S., Sun, Y., Huang, J., Wang, B., Gong, Y., Fang, Y., Liu, Y., Wang, S., Guo, Y., Wang, H., Xu, Z., & Guo, Y. (2020). Anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and its specific immunopotentiation: Status and prospect. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 258, 112797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112797
- Agyemang, K., Han, L., Liu, E., Zhang, Y., Wang, T., & Gao, X. (2013). Recent Advances in Astragalus membranaceus Anti-Diabetic Research: Pharmacological Effects of Its Phytochemical Constituents. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 654643. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/654643
