Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Nephritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for kidney-related disorders, including nephritis. In recent years, scientific studies have investigated its potential benefits for nephritis, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD) and glomerulonephritis. Several experimental and clinical studies suggest that astragalus may help reduce proteinuria, improve renal function, and protect kidney tissue from further damage. The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, as well as the ability to reduce fibrosis and inhibit pathways involved in kidney injury. For example, some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have reported that astragalus-based formulas, when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy, can decrease urinary protein excretion and stabilize kidney function in patients with chronic nephritis.

However, most clinical evidence comes from studies conducted in China, many of which have methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of blinding, or insufficient long-term follow-up. While results are promising and astragalus is generally considered safe when used appropriately, high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are still needed to establish efficacy and safety definitively. Therefore, while there is scientific validation supporting the use of astragalus for nephritis, the strength of evidence is moderate (rated 3/5), and practitioners should use it as a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for standard medical care.

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