Astragalus - Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Interaction
Herbal: Astragalus
Also Known As: Astragale, Astragale à Feuilles de Réglisse, Astragale Queue-de-Renard, Astragale Réglissier, Astragali, Astragali Membranaceus, Astragalo, Astragli Membranceus, Beg Kei, Bei Qi, Buck Qi, Chinese Astragalus, Huang Qi, Huang Se, Huanggi, Hwanggi, Membranous Milk Vetch, Mem
Drug: Durvalumab
Brand names:
Imfinzi
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Durvalumab is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Upton R, ed. Astragalus Root: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1999:1-25.
- Sun Y, Hersh EM, Lee SL, et al. Preliminary observations on the effects of the Chinese medicinal herbs Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum on lymphocyte blastogenic responses. J Biol Response Mod 1983;2:227-37..
Astragalus Overview
Astragalus is a genus of plants native to Asia and Northern Africa, and is known for its small, yellow or purple flowers and its long, tapering root. In traditional medicine, astragalus has been used to boost the immune system and treat a variety of conditions, including colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. It is commonly referred to as an 'adaptogen', which are theorized to help the body resist stress.
Durvalumab Overview
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Durvalumab is used alone to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that spread to nearby tissues and cannot be removed by surgery but has not worsened after being treated with other chemotherapy medications and radiation treatments. It is also used in combination with tremelimumab-actl (Imjudo) and platinum-based chemotherapy to treat a certain type of NSCLC that has spread throughout the lungs and to other parts of the body. Durvalumab injection is also used in combination with chemotherapy agents to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in adults whose cancer has spread throughout the lungs and to other parts of the body. It is also used in combination with chemotherapy agents to treat biliary tract cancer (BTC; cancer in the organs and ducts that make and store bile, the liquid made by the liver) in adults whose cancer has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body. Durvalumab is also used in combination with tremelimumab-actl to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery. Durvalumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Astragalus - More Interactions
Astragalus interacts with 197 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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