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Dietary supplement

Astragalus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ancient Nutrition

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Astragalus is a dietary supplement by Ancient Nutrition with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for immune support, colds and flu, upper respiratory infections.Based on those ingredients, 389 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic fermented Astragalus, Bacillus coagulans. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astragalus by Ancient Nutrition

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

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This capsule contains 2 active ingredients: organic fermented astragalus and Bacillus coagulans, a beneficial probiotic microorganism. The supplement also includes a couple of inactive ingredients — hypromellose (a capsule binder) and organic carnauba wax — to hold everything together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Immune and digestive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Flatulence, Antibiotic-associated diarrhea — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Bacillus Coagulans is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bacillus Coagulans is rated "Possibly Effective" for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

For astragalus: the evidence we have rates it as insufficient to establish whether it works for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), irregular or missing periods (amenorrhea), aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, or beta-thalassemia. For Bacillus coagulans: the data shows it is possibly effective for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but evidence is insufficient for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, athletic performance, cancer, or fatty liver disease.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astragalus Bacillus Coagulans

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Astragalus is generally well tolerated in short-term use in healthy adults, but human safety data is limited. The safety data advises against astragalus during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient reliable information.

Bacillus coagulans is also generally well tolerated in healthy adults, though evidence and product quality vary; there is not enough safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding — talk with your doctor before using if you are pregnant or nursing. Because Bacillus coagulans contains live microorganisms, there is theoretical concern it could cause infection in people with severely weakened immunity or indwelling central catheters, though this is rare in otherwise healthy people.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astragalus Bacillus Coagulans

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Astragalus, Bacillus Coagulans.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 389 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 taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take immunosuppressant drugs (including cyclophosphamide), lithium, diabetes medications, or antibiotics. Astragalus may interfere with immunosuppressants and cyclophosphamide (Moderate), raise lithium levels (Moderate), and increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes drugs (Moderate).

Bacillus coagulans may be killed off by antibiotics (Moderate), so you may need to space them apart.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This supplement might be worth considering if you're looking for support with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, and if you don't take immunosuppressants, lithium, diabetes medications, or antibiotics. If you do take any of those, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first — the interactions and safety gaps here make it a conversation you'll want to have.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 19, 2021.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Ancient Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 816401025609
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 19, 2021
DSLD ID 256465
Product type Other Combinations
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 by Ancient Nutrition, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
816401025609
IngredientAmount% DV
organic fermented Astragalus1.3 Gram(s)--
Bacillus coagulans14 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, organic Copernicia cerifera Wax

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.
Formulation

Formulated for maximum absorption

Immune & Digestive Support

Color and odor may vary from lot to lot.

General Statements

Dr. Axe formula

FDA Statement of Identity

Whole Food Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Adults take 2 capsules, once per day.

Precautions

Warning: As with any dietary supplement consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or under medical supervision.

If you are currently undergoing HIV treatment, chemotherapy, or allograft therapy, do not use before consulting your physician. Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Notice: Use this product as a food supplement only. Do not use for weight reduction.

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.

See for yourself

Astragalus by Ancient Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Astragalus by Ancient Nutrition

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Organic fermented Astragalus

Interacts with
208 drugs
1.3 Gram(s) per serving

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...

Organic fermented Astragalus monograph & interactions

Bacillus coagulans

Interacts with
182 drugs
14 mg per serving

Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic that survives stomach acid well and may help with some digestive problems such as IBS, constipation, a...

Bacillus coagulans monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Organic Copernicia cerifera Wax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astragalus by Ancient Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astragalus?

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
389Drugs
389 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

organic fermented Astragalus4 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

Bacillus coagulans1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B. coagulans.
B. coagulans preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. coagulans preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Ancient Nutrition

See all Ancient Nutrition products
Name
Ancient Nutrition, LLC
Street Address
2000 Mallory Lane Suite 130-307
City
Franklin
State
TN
ZipCode
37067
Web Address
www.AncientNutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astragalus by Ancient Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Astragalus by Ancient Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astragalus has a known interaction with 389 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Astragalus contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against both astragalus and Bacillus coagulans during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough reliable information. Talk with your doctor about what's safe for you.
Will this help my irritable bowel syndrome?
The Bacillus coagulans in this product is possibly effective for IBS based on available evidence. Results vary by person, so give it time and track how you feel.
Can I take this with my antibiotic?
Not at the same time. Antibiotics can kill off the live Bacillus coagulans bacteria in this supplement. Space them out — your pharmacist can tell you how far apart to take them for best effect.
What is Bacillus coagulans?
It's a beneficial probiotic microorganism — a type of 'good bacteria' — that may help support digestive health and regularity.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Astragalus is generally well tolerated, though dizziness and rash have been reported rarely in studies. Bacillus coagulans is also generally well tolerated in healthy people, but if you have a weakened immune system or a central catheter, talk with your doctor first.
What is astragalus used for in this product?
Astragalus is included for immune and general wellness support. The evidence we have doesn't yet establish whether it works for specific conditions like allergies or asthma, so consider it a general supportive herb rather than a proven remedy.

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

Not sure if Astragalus is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astragalus'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 33 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 →

Bacillus Coagulans 20 references
  1. Saxelin M, Chuang NH, Chassy B, et al. Lactobacilli and bacteremia in southern Finland 1989-1992. Clin Infect Dis 1996;22:564-6. PubMed
  2. Tynkkynen S, Singh KV, Varmanen P. Vancomycin resistance factor of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in relation to enterococcal vancomycin resistance (van) genes. Int J Food Microbiol 1998;41:195-204. PubMed
  3. Klein G, Zill E, Schindler R, et al. Peritonitis associated with vancomycin-resistant Lactobacillus rhamnosus in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient; organism identification, antibiotic therapy, and case report. J Clin Microbiol 1998;36:
  4. Kalima P, Masterton RG, Roddie PH, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus infection in a child following bone marrow transplant. J Infect 1996;32:165-7. PubMed
  5. Goldin BR. Health Benefits of probiotics. Br J Nutr 1998;80:S203-7. DOI
  6. Rautio M, Jousimies-Somer H, Kauma H, et al. Liver abscess due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain indistinguishable from L. rhamnosus strain GG. Clin Infect Dis 1999;28:1159-60.
  7. MacGregor G, Smith AJ, Thakker B, Kinsella J. Yoghurt biotherapy: contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients? Postgrad Med J 2002;78:366-7. PubMed
  8. Land MH, Rouster-Stevens K, Woods CR, et al. Lactobacillus sepsis associated with probiotic therapy. Pediatrics 2005;115:178-81.
  9. De Groote MA, Frank DN, Dowell E, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG bacteremia associated with probiotic use in a child with short gut syndrome. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2005;24:278-80. PubMed
  10. Vahabnezhad E, Mochon AB, Wozniak LJ, Ziring DA. Lactobacillus bacteremia associated with probiotic use in a pediatric patient with ulcerative colitis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2013;47(5):437-9. PubMed
  11. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  12. Sendil S, Shrimanker I, Mansoora Q, Goldman J, Nookala VK. Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteremia in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient. Cureus. 2020;12(2):e6887. PubMed
  13. Albarillo FS, Shah U, Joyce C, Slade D. Lactobacillus rhamnosus Infection: A single-center 4-year descriptive analysis. J Glob Infect Dis. 2020;12(3):119-123. PubMed
  14. Pasala S, Singer L, Arshad T, Roach K. Lactobacillus endocarditis in a healthy patient with probiotic use. IDCases. 2020;22:e00915. PubMed
  15. Agrawal S, Tuchman ES, Bruce MJ, Theodorou ME. Fatal Lactobacillus endocarditis in a patient with transcatheter aortic valve replacement. BMJ Case Rep. 2020;13(11):e236835.
  16. Antoun M, Hattab Y, Akhrass FA, Hamilton LD. Uncommon pathogen, Lactobacillus, causing infective endocarditis: Case report and review. Case Rep Infect Dis. 2020;2020:8833948. PubMed
  17. Rossi F, Amadoro C, Gasperi M, Colavita G. Lactobacilli infection case reports in the last three years and safety implications. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1178. PubMed
  18. Franko B, Vaillant M, Recule C, Vautrin E, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei endocarditis in a consumer of probiotics. Med Mal Infect. 2013;43(4):171-3. PubMed
  19. Campbell RE, Miller A, Afroze A. Native valve endocarditis secondary to Lactobacillus paracasei bacteremia. Consultant. 2020;60(9):27-8. DOI
  20. Kato K, Funabashi N, Takaoka H, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei endocarditis in a consumer of probiotics with advanced and severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis complicated with diffuse left ventricular mid-layer fibrosis. Int J Cardiol. 2016;224:157-161. PubMed

See these in context on the Bacillus Coagulans 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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