Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Astragalus membranaceus has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an adaptogen and tonic, believed to strengthen “qi” (vital energy) and support the body’s resilience to stress. In the context of "adrenal fatigue"—a term used in alternative medicine to describe a cluster of nonspecific symptoms purportedly resulting from chronic stress and resulting in suboptimal adrenal function—herbalists sometimes recommend astragalus for its adaptogenic qualities. However, the concept of “adrenal fatigue” itself is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by most endocrinologists or mainstream medicine, and scientific evidence for astragalus specifically supporting adrenal function in this context is limited.

While preclinical studies suggest astragalus may modulate immune function and help the body adapt to stress, clinical trials directly examining its effect on adrenal hormones (such as cortisol) in humans are sparse. Most support for using astragalus for so-called adrenal fatigue is based on its traditional use as an energy tonic and its general adaptogenic classification, rather than robust, targeted research.

In summary, the use of astragalus for “adrenal fatigue” is primarily justified by traditional and historical use, not by high-quality scientific evidence. The evidence rating is low (1/5) due to a lack of direct clinical trials and the questionable validity of the “adrenal fatigue” concept itself.

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