Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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Synopsis

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

Astragalus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been used for centuries primarily to boost the immune system and promote overall vitality. Its use in supporting or treating osteoporosis is rooted largely in traditional medicine rather than in robust scientific validation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus (known as Huang Qi) is often included in herbal formulas aimed at strengthening bones and preventing bone loss, especially in older adults or postmenopausal women. The theoretical basis for this is the TCM concept of "tonifying Qi" which is believed to benefit bone health indirectly.

A limited number of preclinical studies have explored astragalus and its active compounds (such as astragaloside IV) for potential anti-osteoporotic effects. Some animal studies suggest astragalus may help reduce bone loss by modulating inflammation or influencing bone metabolism. However, these findings are preliminary, and there is a lack of high-quality human clinical trials directly demonstrating efficacy for osteoporosis prevention or treatment. The evidence from laboratory and animal research is not yet strong enough to support routine use of astragalus for osteoporosis in mainstream medical practice. Therefore, while astragalus is traditionally used for bone health, its scientific validation for osteoporosis remains weak, meriting a low evidence rating.

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Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Abalone
Acacetin
Alfalfa
algal oil
Algal protein
Algalin
Algas calcareas
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
animal protein
animal Tissue
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
arctiin
ashwagandha
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
barrenwort
beta caryophyllene
biochanin
blueberry
bok choy
bone protein
boron
bovine
bovine protein
broccoli
calcium
calycosin
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cissus quadrangularis
cistanche
cod liver oil
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
curcumin
cyanidin
daidzein
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dioscorea
diosgenin
diosmetin
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
Drynaria
ecdysteroids
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Eucommia ulmoides
fern
fish
fish protein
flavanols
flavanones
flavans
flavones
fo-ti
formononetin
genistein
genistin
glycitin
goji berry
gooseberry
haliotis
hesperetin
hesperidin
horsetail
Hyperoside
icariin
ipriflavone
isoflavones
Kaempferol
kale
knotweed
Legume protein
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
Lithothamnion
Lycium
maca
magnesium
manganese
Marine protein
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
Milk Protein
Mineral blend
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
paeoniflorin
Phaeophyceae
phosphorus
Phytoecdysteroid
Phytoestrogens
polymethoxylated flavones
polysaccharides
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
prune
Puerarin
quercetin
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
resveratrol
royal jelly
rutin
seaweed
sesame
Shilajit
silica
silicon
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stilbenoid
strontium
tocotrienols
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
Wakame
Whey protein
Xanthophyll
Zinc