Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Cardiovascular Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used historically for a variety of health conditions, including as a general "tonic" for vitality and immunity. In terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there is some emerging scientific evidence, primarily from preclinical studies and small clinical trials, suggesting potential benefits. Astragalus contains polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, which are believed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. These actions may help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress and inflammation, both key factors in the development and progression of CVD.
Clinical studies, mostly conducted in China, have investigated astragalus as an adjunct therapy for heart failure and angina. Some trials report improvements in symptoms, cardiac function (such as ejection fraction), and quality of life when astragalus is used in conjunction with standard treatments. However, these studies often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and lack of blinding, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
The overall quality of evidence is low to moderate, and large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. Therefore, while astragalus has traditional use for cardiovascular support and some preliminary scientific backing, it is not widely endorsed in Western medical guidelines for CVD. Patients should consult healthcare professionals before using astragalus for cardiovascular purposes, especially because it may interact with other medications.
Other ingredients used for Cardiovascular Disease
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
ajoene
algal oil
alpha-carotene
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
apple
arjun tree
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
beet
berry flavor
bilberry
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
bonito peptide
broccoli
calamari oil
campesterol
canola oil
capsaicinoids
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
choline
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cryptoxanthin
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ethanol
fiber blend (proprietary)
fisetin
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gamma tocopherol
garlic bulb
genistein
ginger
ginseng
grape
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
krill oil
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus reuteri
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
lycopene
mackerel
magnesium
marine lipid
matcha
motherwort
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nattokinase
nicotinamide riboside
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
orange
palmitoleic acid
pantethine
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytosterols
pine bark
pineapple
plant sterols
policosanol
pollen
pomegranate
potassium
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rutin
sardines
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
selenium
black ginger
sitostanol
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spinach
sterols
strawberry
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
trimethylglycine (TMG)
triphala
almond fruit
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
vitamin K
watermelon
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
red clover
jiaogulan
gastrodia
capsicum
commiphora
ferulic acid
chrysanthemum
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
yerba mate
goji berry
amaranth
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
cayenne pepper
soy isoflavones
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Alcohol
Arjuna
Animal Tissue
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Ardisia
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Adrenergic amines
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Asteracea
Alpha phytosterol
Acetylsalicylic acid
Algal protein
Acer Truncatum bunge
Arjunic Acid
Alliin
anthocyanosides
Argan nut oil
Apocynin
Arginine silicate
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Black Seed
Butylphthalide
Bidens pilosa
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Brutieridin
Brassica
Bishop's Weed
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
banana
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Chia seed
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
Calycosin
Camelina Oil
Cashew
Cyanidin
Citrus
Capsaicin
Catecholamine
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Curcumen
Chocolate
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
C-Phycocyanin
Coumaric acid
Crocetin
Currant
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Diallyl sulfide
Danshen
Delphinidin
Date
Digitalis
Diosmetin
epicatechin
E-Viniferin
Ellagic Acid
Eriocitrin
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Ergothioneine
Emblicanin
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Erythrodiol
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Ellagitannin
Folic Acid
Fiber
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Garlic
Glycine
Isoflavones
peanut
Pistachio
Soy Protein
walnut
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by astragalus
Adrenal FatigueAging (prevention)
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cold Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestive Heart Failure
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emphysema
Epstein Barr Virus
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Menopause
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Radiation Sickness
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wasting
Wounds and Sores
Products containing astragalus
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Astragalus
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine CC-A With Yerba Santa Combination Extract
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Colostrum (With Immune Factors)
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine KB-C
Nature's Sunshine KB-C TCM Concentrate
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Chi TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nervous Fatigue Formula (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nervous Fatigue TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
Nature's Sunshine Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw)
Nature's Sunshine Urinary System