Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Astragalus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been studied for its potential to reduce chemotherapy side effects, especially in cancer patients. Several clinical trials conducted primarily in China suggest that astragalus polysaccharides, administered either orally or intravenously (often as an adjunct to standard chemotherapy), may help mitigate specific side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and immunosuppression. Astragalus appears to act by modulating immune function, reducing inflammation, and possibly protecting bone marrow cells from chemotherapy-induced damage.

A 2013 systematic review published in Phytotherapy Research analyzed randomized controlled trials of astragalus in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The review found moderate evidence that astragalus, when combined with chemotherapy, reduced the incidence and severity of leukopenia and improved overall quality of life. However, most studies were of moderate to low methodological quality and were conducted in Chinese populations, raising questions about broader applicability and risk of bias.

Despite these limitations, the evidence base is stronger than for many herbal interventions, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5. More rigorous, large-scale, multi-center trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in diverse populations. Nonetheless, astragalus is sometimes integrated into supportive care regimens for patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially in East Asian medical practice.

More about astragalus
More about Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chlorella
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
ginger
grape
green tea
hemp oil
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pectin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
selenium
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
coix
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha Glucans
Antrodia camphorata
AHCC
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lactalbumin
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cannabigerol
Dithiolthiones
Ergothioneine
Milk Protein
Mistletoe