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Dietary supplement

Astragalus 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Astragalus 500 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astragalus 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Astragalus 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for immune support, colds and flu, upper respiratory infections.Based on those ingredients, 208 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astragalus membranaceus extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: astragalus membranaceus extract, 500 mg per capsule. Astragalus is a root extract used traditionally to support immune function.

The capsule itself contains inactive ingredients — maltodextrin, gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium palmitate, and silica — which serve as fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Astragalus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune health and cardiovascular and liver support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Heart failure, Myocarditis, Angina, Myocardial infarction (MI), Cirrhosis — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cirrhosis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Heart failure, Hepatitis B, and more.

The evidence for astragalus isn't well established for the conditions we have data on. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate its use for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), irregular periods (amenorrhea), aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, and beta-thalassemia.

If you're considering astragalus for a specific health goal, talk it over with your doctor to see what the research actually supports for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astragalus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Astragalus is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth short-term in healthy adults, though quality human safety data is limited. Some people in clinical trials have reported dizziness or palpitations, though it's unclear whether astragalus caused these or something else did.

You should avoid astragalus during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there isn't enough reliable safety data in either situation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astragalus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Astragalus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 208 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this product, check with your pharmacist if you're on immunosuppressants (to prevent organ rejection), lithium (for mood disorders), antidiabetes drugs (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, and similar), or cyclophosphamide (a chemotherapy medication). These are Moderate-severity interactions that need a conversation with your own healthcare provider.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astragalus may be worth considering if you're interested in immune support, but it's not the right choice if you take immunosuppressants, lithium, diabetes medications, or cyclophosphamide. Because the evidence for specific health benefits is limited and interactions are a real concern, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you start — they can review your medications and help you decide whether it's appropriate for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Astragalus 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614140056
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2019
DSLD ID 203601
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614140056
IngredientAmount% DV
Astragalus membranaceus extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Calcium Palmitate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Provides immediate support for immune challenges Supports immune health Supports cardiovascular and liver health Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Immune health 500 mg per capsule

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule two times per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Astragalus 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Astragalus membranaceus extract

Interacts with
208 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Calycosin 7-O-Beta D-Glucopyranoside

Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While...

Astragalus membranaceus extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltodextrin, Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Calcium Palmitate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astragalus 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
208Drugs
208 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astragalus membranaceus extract 208

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Astragalus 500 mg interact with 208 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astragalus 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astragalus membranaceus extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astragalus 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Astragalus membranaceus extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Astragalus membranaceus extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astragalus 500 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Astragalus 500 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astragalus 500 mg has a known interaction with 208 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Astragalus 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take astragalus while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't there, so it's best to avoid astragalus during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you in either situation.
What does astragalus actually do?
Astragalus is used traditionally to support immune function, but we don't have enough reliable evidence to confirm it works for specific health conditions. The research on hay fever, irregular periods, anemia, angina, asthma, and blood disorders isn't established yet.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Astragalus is generally well tolerated short-term, though some people in studies have reported dizziness or palpitations — though it's not clear astragalus caused these. Quality safety data in humans is limited, so talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
I take diabetes medication — can I use this?
You should check with your pharmacist first. Astragalus might lower your blood sugar on its own, and combining it with diabetes drugs could raise the risk of low blood sugar.
Can astragalus affect how lithium works?
Possibly — astragalus appears to have diuretic properties, which could theoretically raise lithium levels in your body. This is a Moderate-severity concern, so confirm with your pharmacist before taking it.
What's in the capsule besides astragalus?
The inactive ingredients are maltodextrin, gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium palmitate, and silica — standard fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Astragalus 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astragalus 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Astragalus

Interacts with 208 drugs

Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While early studies are interesting, strong h...

Read the full Astragalus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astragalus 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Astragalus 13 references
  1. Upton R, ed. Astragalus Root: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1999:1-25.
  2. Khoo KS, Ang PT. Extract of astragalus membranaceus and ligustrum lucidum does not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Singapore Med J 1995;36:387-90.
  3. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo. J Clin Lab Immunol 1988;25:125-9.
  4. 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..
  5. Ma J, Peng A, Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Chin Med J (Engl) 1998;111:17-23.
  6. Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res 2010;24:175-81.
  7. Zhang, J. G., Yang, N., He, H., Wei, G. H., Gao, D. S., Wang, X. L., Wang, X. Z., and Song, G. Y. [Effect of Astragalus injection on plasma levels of apoptosis-related factors in aged patients with chronic heart failure.]. Chin J Integr.Med 2005;11(3):18 PubMed
  8. Chen, H. W., Lin, I. H., Chen, Y. J., Chang, K. H., Wu, M. H., Su, W. H., Huang, G. C., and Lai, Y. L. A novel infusible botanically-derived drug, PG2, for cancer-related fatigue: a phase II double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Invest PubMed
  9. Tian H, Lu J, He H, et al.The effect of Astragalus as an adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A (preliminary) meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;191:206-215. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.062. PubMed
  10. Hong KF, Liu PY, Zhang W, Gui DK, Xu YH. The Efficacy and Safety of Astragalus as an Adjuvant Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Integr Complement Med 2023. PubMed
  11. Chan KW, Kwong ASK, Tsui PN, et al. Add-on astragalus in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2024;130:155457. PubMed
  12. Han X, Yu T, Chen X, Du Z, Yu M, Xiong J. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular remodeling in HFrEF: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024;15:1345797. PubMed
  13. Jing P, Hongzheng H, Zhenqi WU, Meijuan Z, Zuojing LI, Gang C. Long-term efficacy and safety of Huangqi ()-based Traditional Chinese Medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Tradit Chin Med 2024;44(2):

See these in context on the Astragalus monograph →

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

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