Astragalus root supplements (Huáng Qí). What are the health benefits and risks in taking it as an anti-aging dietary supplement?
Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Huáng Qí in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for thousands of years as a powerful adaptogen and immune-boosting herb. With growing interest in longevity and healthspan extension, many are asking whether this ancient remedy holds promise as a modern anti-aging supplement. Here’s what the science says about astragalus root, its potential benefits, risks, optimal dosage, and how to incorporate it into your health regimen.
Astragalus is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family, native to China, Mongolia, and Korea. The root of Astragalus membranaceus is harvested from four-year-old plants and contains over 200 identified compounds, including:
The name “Huáng Qí” translates to “yellow leader” or “yellow life energy,” referencing both the yellow color of the root and its status as a primary tonic herb in Chinese medicine.
While more high-quality human studies are needed, research suggests astragalus may offer several potential health benefits:
Astragalus may increase your body’s production of white blood cells, which are the cells of your immune system responsible for preventing illness. A 2023 review of 19 studies involving 1,094 participants found that astragalus enhanced immune responses and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, although the studies were small and had methodological limitations.
A 2024 review of 20 studies involving 953 adults with type 2 diabetes found that taking astragalus in addition to the medicine metformin reduced fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C more than metformin alone. Studies have shown that taking 40–60 grams of astragalus per day has the potential to improve blood sugar levels after fasting and after meals in people with type 2 diabetes when taken daily for up to four months.
Research attributed antioxidants in astragalus to its ability to reverse atherosclerosis in rabbits, with animals given astragalus showing lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure after just 12 weeks. Human studies suggest potential benefits for heart function, particularly in patients with heart failure.
Astragalus may support kidney health by improving blood flow and laboratory markers of kidney function, such as measures of protein in the urine. This is particularly relevant for people with diabetic kidney disease.
Perhaps most intriguing for longevity enthusiasts, pharmacological research indicates that the extract component of Astragalus membranaceus can increase telomerase activity, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic effects.
TA-65, a proprietary extract derived from astragalus root, has been studied for its telomerase-activating properties. In human bodies, TA-65 exerts positive immune remodeling effects, including significant declines in the percent of senescent cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells over a 1-year period.
Meta-analyses have shown associations between astragalus and reductions in chemo-induced nausea and vomiting, chemo-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, radiation-induced lung injury and improvements in quality of life in patients with hepatocellular cancers. However, most studies had methodological limitations.
Astragalus may be safe when used orally, with up to 60 grams per day for as long as 4 months not seeming to cause adverse effects. However, a thorough long-term safety evaluation has not been conducted.
Pregnant women, children, people with autoimmune diseases, and those with liver disease should avoid astragalus. Very high doses may suppress the immune system.
Astragalus may interact with several types of medications:
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking astragalus, especially if you’re on any medications.
Astragalus is available in several forms:
Based on research, oral doses of up to 60 grams per day for up to four months seem to be safe for most people. However, typical doses range from:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus is rarely used alone but is typically combined with other herbs in formulas tailored to individual needs.
It’s important to understand the limitations of current research on astragalus:
There is not sufficient reliable scientific evidence to know whether astragalus is useful for any health condition. No health benefits of astragalus have been confirmed in high-quality studies in people.
Many studies on astragalus have been:
The studies were small, and there were many differences in how the studies were done, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about efficacy.
If you choose to try astragalus after consulting with your healthcare provider, here are some ways to incorporate it:
Slice the dried root and simmer in water for 10-15 minutes. The root can be reused 2-3 times. Many find the taste mild and slightly sweet.
Traditional Chinese cooking often includes astragalus root slices in chicken soup or bone broth, where it infuses its compounds into the liquid while cooking.
Look for products that have been third-party tested by organizations such as NSF International or USP to ensure quality and purity.
AM root powder can be mixed with commonly cooked and pureed vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and squashes, making it easier to incorporate into daily diet.
Astragalus root represents an intriguing bridge between ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern longevity science. While the herb has been used safely for thousands of years and preliminary research shows promise in several areas—particularly immune function, blood sugar management, and potentially telomerase activation—the quality of current evidence remains insufficient to make definitive health claims.
The cautious approach is warranted: Use of astragalus is not recommended because there are no confirmed benefits to outweigh the possibility of negative side effects, according to the Merck Manual.
However, for healthy adults without contraindications who are interested in exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to wellness, astragalus may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider—particularly when used as part of a comprehensive health strategy rather than as a standalone intervention.
As with many supplements in the longevity space, the promise is tantalizing but the proof remains preliminary. More rigorous, large-scale, long-term human trials are needed before astragalus can be confidently recommended as an anti-aging supplement.
The bottom line: Astragalus appears relatively safe at typical doses for most healthy adults, shows promising preliminary results in several health areas, but lacks the high-quality clinical evidence necessary to recommend it specifically for anti-aging purposes. If you choose to use it, do so under medical supervision, especially if you have any health conditions or take medications.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 ancient Chinese remedy stars)
Last updated: February 2026
Although we haven't found the fountain of youth, Dr. Raghav Sehgal may have discovered something…
Red light therapy (RLT) has moved from dermatology clinics to biohacker basements to Instagram ads…
Avoid Alzheimer’s: Early Detection, Delaying Onset, and What Clinical Trials Suggest Is Coming Next Is…
TMS. How electromagnetic brain stimulation went from experimental to FDA-cleared and might actually work better…
Bumetanide. How a decades-old diuretic became the center of one of neuroscience's most fascinating—and disappointing—clinical…
Creatine science studies. What happens when scientists actually do their homework on a supplement For…