Compound or practice · Supplement
Astragalus
A traditional immune tonic with adjunct-in-chemo and kidney-protection signals — thin standalone evidence.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade C — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Chemotherapy side effects (adjunct)Evidence grade C
Adjunctive
Smallmixed
- General immunityEvidence grade C
Weak
Smalllow
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Chemotherapy side effects (adjunct) (grade C); General immunity (grade C).
The evidence in words
What it is
Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese immune and vitality tonic.
How it works
Polysaccharides and saponins with immune-modulating and antioxidant activity.
What the evidence shows
Best evidence is as an adjunct in chemotherapy (reducing side effects, possibly improving response) and some kidney-disease markers; general 'immune boosting' claims are weak. Caution in autoimmune disease theoretically.
How to use it
Standardized extract per product; oncology use under care.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe; immune-stimulating, so caution with immunosuppressants/autoimmunity.
Bottom line
A tonic with genuine adjunctive signals in cancer and kidney contexts; unremarkable as a daily immune booster.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- Standardized extract; oncology use under care.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Astragalus for Chemotherapy side effects (adjunct)Evidence grade C — AdjunctiveEvidence grade C
- Astragalus for General immunityEvidence grade C — WeakEvidence grade C
- Astragalus: dosage and how to take itStandardized extract; oncology use under care.Evidence grade C
- Astragalus: side effects, safety & interactionsGenerally safe; immune-stimulating, so caution with immunosuppressants/autoimmunity.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.