Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Failure to Thrive

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Synopsis

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

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its use for "Failure to Thrive" (FTT)—a term describing poor physical growth in children—is grounded primarily in historical tradition rather than modern scientific research. In TCM, astragalus is considered a tonic that boosts "Qi" (vital energy), and is often recommended to improve general vitality, appetite, and immune function. Classical herbal formulas containing astragalus, such as "Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang," have been used for centuries to treat symptoms analogous to what is today described as FTT, including poor growth, fatigue, and lack of appetite. However, modern clinical evidence supporting astragalus for FTT is very limited. Some studies have explored its general immunomodulatory and appetite-stimulating properties, but these are not specific to children with FTT, and robust, high-quality trials in this population are lacking. The majority of research on astragalus focuses on its use in adults or for other indications, such as immune support or adjunct therapy in chronic diseases. Thus, the use of astragalus for FTT remains based on traditional use rather than scientific validation, and should be approached with caution, especially in children, due to the lack of rigorous safety and efficacy data.

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