Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

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

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an immune tonic and preventative remedy for colds and upper respiratory tract infections. In TCM, astragalus is often prescribed to "build qi" (vital energy) and strengthen the body's resistance to external pathogens. Traditional formulations frequently combine astragalus with other herbs during the cold and flu season for this purpose.

Scientific evidence supporting astragalus for cold prevention is limited but suggestive. Some laboratory studies indicate that astragalus extracts can modulate immune function, increasing production of certain cytokines and enhancing white blood cell activity. A small number of human clinical trials, mostly from China, have explored astragalus's effects on immune response and susceptibility to respiratory infections. For example, some studies in children and adults suggest reduced incidence or duration of colds with astragalus supplementation, but these studies often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes or lack of placebo controls. Comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that, while there is traditional rationale and preliminary scientific support, high-quality clinical evidence remains lacking.

In summary, astragalus is widely used in traditional medicine for cold prevention, and there is some early scientific evidence of immune-modulating effects, but robust clinical evidence is insufficient to firmly support its use for this indication.

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aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
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Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
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Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
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Celosia
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Goldthread
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