Astragalus is a medicinal herb native to China, where it has been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in many traditional remedies. Astragalus is often used to boost the immune system and to treat cancer, heart disease, colds and other conditions. There is not enough scientific evidence to know if astragalus works. Astragalus causes few side effects, but it may cause health problems for certain people at high risk. Talk to your doctor before taking astragalus.
Side Effects
Astragalus is not known to cause serious side effects in most healthy adults. Still, it has been linked to reports of digestive problems, including bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and indigestion. There may also be a risk of lowered blood pressure and dehydration.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to astragalus are rare, but they can be serious. If you are allergic to legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils, you are at increased risk of having a reaction to astragalus. Symptoms of a severe reaction include a rash, hives, itching, breathing problems, tightening of the chest and swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Immune Effects
Astragalus may increase the activity of your immune system, which could worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, which are caused by the body's own immune system attacking healthy tissue. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or lupus, do not take astragalus unless you have cleared it with your doctor first. Talk to your doctor before taking astragalus if you are taking a drug that inhibits the immune system, such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine, because astragalus may impair your prescription's effectiveness.
Bleeding Risks
Some doctors worry that astragalus might impair blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding, according to the American Cancer Society. If you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, talk to your doctor before taking astragalus. You should also be cautious if you are taking any medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as the blood thinner warfarin, or aspirin or ibuprofen.
Precautions
Because astragalus may affect blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking astragalus if you have low blood pressure or are taking medication to lower your blood pressure. Astragalus may also lower your blood sugar so if you have diabetes or low blood sugar, consult a doctor before taking astragalus. Some species of astragalus can contain toxins like selenium, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Though these species are not usually used in dietary supplements, be sure that your supplement comes from a reputable source and is made from astragalus membranaceus, which does not accumulate selenium.
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