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Dietary supplement

Astragalus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Astragalus label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 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 Nature's Sunshine 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. 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 by Nature's Sunshine

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astragalus by Nature's Sunshine — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astragalus by Nature's Sunshine

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 a single active ingredient: astragalus root extract. The capsule itself is the only other ingredient listed.

Astragalus is a traditional herb used in East Asian medicine, and modern research has explored its possible effects on immune function and blood sugar.

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 system support and stress adaptation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Immune function — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS.

The effectiveness data we hold for astragalus shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for the conditions studied — these include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), amenorrhea, aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, and beta-thalassemia. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the available human studies aren't strong enough yet to draw firm conclusions.

If you're considering astragalus for a specific health goal, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the current evidence supports a trial.

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 in the short term for healthy adults, but human safety data is limited overall. A small number of trial participants have reported dizziness, and one case of chest pain (lacunar angina) was noted in a clinical trial, though it's unclear whether astragalus actually caused it.

Intravenous forms — not what you have here — have been linked to rash and itching. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety data, so the safety rating advises against use.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

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, double-check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take immunosuppressants (especially after transplant), lithium, cyclophosphamide (a chemotherapy drug), or any antidiabetes medications. Astragalus could theoretically reduce how well the first three work or increase your risk of low blood sugar with the last one.

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 traditional immune support and have no reason to avoid it — but it's not proven effective for any single condition in our data. If you take immunosuppressants, lithium, cancer drugs, or diabetes medications, check your exact prescriptions with the tool on this page before starting.

And if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, confirm with your own doctor or pharmacist first.

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 Aug 23, 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 Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904000407
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2021
DSLD ID 255155
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
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 Nature's Sunshine, 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
50
UPC/BARCODE
099904000407
IngredientAmount% DV
Astragalus840 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule

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 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.

General Statements

Bottle made from 100% post consumer recycled material. We are committed to you and our planet. Scan to learn more.

New look! Same great product

Herbal experts since 1972

Formulation

Helps stimulate immune response

Immune system support Adaptogen Helps the body cope with daily stress

Guaranteed pure

Formula

Astragalus is a powerful adaptogenic herb that heightens immune system responses. Astragalus has been used extensively in traditional chinese medicine for centuries.

Ko Pareve (Kosher)

Seals/Symbols

Ko Pareve (Kosher)

Precautions

Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily.

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

See for yourself

Astragalus by Nature's Sunshine 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 Nature's Sunshine

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astragalus

Interacts with
208 drugs
840 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 monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Astragalus by Nature's Sunshine 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 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

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.

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
Astragalus full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.
City
Spanish Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astragalus by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Astragalus by Nature's Sunshine 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.
Is astragalus safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough reliable safety data in either case, so it's advised to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding and interested in astragalus.
What side effects has astragalus been linked to?
In trials, a small number of people reported dizziness. One person developed chest pain, though it's unclear if astragalus caused it. The supplement is generally well tolerated short-term, but human safety data overall is limited.
Does astragalus actually work for the conditions listed on the label?
The evidence we hold shows insufficient reliable data to rate it for any of those conditions — hay fever, amenorrhea, anemia, angina, asthma, or beta-thalassemia. That means the studies so far aren't strong enough to say yes or no.
Can I take astragalus if I have diabetes and take medication for it?
You'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Astragalus might lower blood sugar, so combining it with diabetes drugs could raise your risk of low blood sugar.
What is astragalus used for?
Astragalus is a traditional herb from East Asian medicine explored for immune support and blood sugar effects. However, we don't have strong evidence it works for any specific condition.

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.

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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 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

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