Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Astragalus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Astragalus label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astragalus 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 is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized 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 root powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

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 root powder, a traditional herbal remedy. The capsule itself is made with cellulose and gelatin as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Astragalus product and its label doesn't state a use — see Astragalus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold on astragalus doesn't establish how well it works for the conditions it's marketed for. For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), amenorrhea (absent menstrual periods), aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, and beta-thalassemia, the data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness.

If you're considering astragalus for a specific health goal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the research supports its use 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 short-term by healthy adults, though quality human safety data is limited. Reported side effects in clinical trials have been uncommon and include dizziness, and in intravenous studies, temporary palpitations, rash, and itching — though it's unclear whether astragalus actually caused these effects.

The safety data advises against using astragalus during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to insufficient reliable information.

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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on immunosuppressants, lithium, cyclophosphamide, or antidiabetes drugs — all have Moderate-severity documented interactions with astragalus.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astragalus may be something you consider if you're interested in traditional herbal support, but you'll want to be careful if you take immunosuppressants, lithium, cyclophosphamide, or diabetes medications — all have documented interactions. Talk with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're on any regular medications.

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 Oct 26, 2011.

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 GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
Barcode (UPC) 048107090166
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 863
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 GNC Herbal Plus Standardized, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107090166
IngredientAmount% DV
Astragalus root powder500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Gelatin

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Formula

Whole Herb ? 500 mg

Formulation

No Sugar, No Starch, No Artificial Colors, No Artifical Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF children.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

CODE 190631 KKG

General Statements

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Material verified by TLC.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one to two capsules daily.

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

See for yourself

Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized label

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

Astragalus 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 by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

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 root powder

Interacts with
208 drugs
500 mg 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...

Astragalus root powder monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized 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
208Drugs
208 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astragalus root powder 208

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astragalus interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astragalus root powder

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astragalus 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 root powder4 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 root powder full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

See all GNC Herbal Plus Standardized products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized: Common Questions

Does Astragalus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astragalus 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 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 this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against using astragalus during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough reliable information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're planning pregnancy or nursing.
What side effects might I get?
Astragalus is generally well tolerated, but in clinical trials and studies a small number of people reported dizziness. Intravenous studies have reported temporary palpitations, rash, and itching, though it's not clear astragalus caused these. Quality human safety data is limited overall.
Does astragalus actually work for the conditions listed on the label?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that it works for allergic rhinitis, amenorrhea, aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, or beta-thalassemia. The data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness for any of these. Ask your doctor about whether research supports it for your specific goal.
What is astragalus root and why is it used?
Astragalus is a plant root used in traditional herbal medicine. It's marketed for immune support and various health conditions, though reliable evidence for many of those uses isn't established in the data we hold.
I take diabetes medication — should I be concerned?
Yes. Astragalus may lower blood sugar, and combining it with diabetes drugs is documented as a Moderate interaction. Taking both together could increase the risk of low blood sugar. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding astragalus.

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

Not sure if Astragalus is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astragalus’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'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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team