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Dietary supplement

Astragalus Extract 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Astragalus Extract 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 Extract 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 Extract 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW 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 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 Extract 500 mg by NOW

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astragalus Extract 500 mg by NOW

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 11, 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 extract at 500 mg per capsule. Astragalus has a long history in traditional medicine and is being studied for various health purposes.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients—hypromellose, cassava maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, ascorbyl palmitate, and silicon dioxide—which are standard binders, fillers, and capsule materials.

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 healthy immune cell function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, HIV/AIDS, Common cold, Influenza, General immunity.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for HIV/AIDS, Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.

The effectiveness of astragalus hasn't been well established for the conditions listed in our data. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), amenorrhea, aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, and beta-thalassemia.

If you're considering this supplement for a specific health goal, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the current evidence actually shows.

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, but quality human safety data is limited. Some trial participants have reported dizziness, and in one clinical trial there was a report of lacunar angina (chest pain)—though these may not have been caused by the supplement.

Intravenous forms have caused temporary palpitations and skin reactions like rash and itching, but oral supplements are a different route. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough 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 start, double-check with your pharmacist if you take immunosuppressants, lithium, antidiabetes drugs, or cyclophosphamide. These represent the main documented interaction concerns with this product.

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.

If you take immunosuppressants, lithium, antidiabetes drugs, or cyclophosphamide, check with your pharmacist before adding astragalus to avoid potential interactions. For healthy people not on these medications, it's generally well tolerated short-term, though human safety data is limited.

Talk to your pharmacist about whether this supplement fits your health goals and your current 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 Jul 25, 2024.

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 Extract 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739045980
Net contents 90 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2024
DSLD ID 313568
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Extract 500 mg by NOW, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
733739045980
IngredientAmount% DV
Astragalus Root Extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Cassava Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily as needed, preferably with food.

Formula

For more than 2000 years, Chinese herbalists have valued Astragalus for its adaptogenic properties, as well as for its ability to tonify the body's "vital force" known as the Qi. More recently, Astragalus has been found to support healthy immune function through numerous mechanisms. Non-clinical studies using Astragalus have demonstrated it can support the healthy production of and activity of specialized white blood cells. Astragalus has also been studied for its role in the support of healthy liver and vascular function.

Standardized to 70% Polysaccharides

Triangle K (Kosher)

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

General Statements

This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.

Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.

Formulation

Immune system support Supports healthy immune cell function

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

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

See for yourself

Astragalus Extract 500 mg by NOW label

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

Astragalus Extract 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 Extract 500 mg by NOW

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

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astragalus Root Extract

Interacts with
208 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Astragalus membranaceus Root Extract

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 Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Cassava Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astragalus Extract 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astragalus Extract 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 Root Extract 208

Individual Drug Interactions

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

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astragalus Extract 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 Root 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 Root Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astragalus Extract 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Astragalus Extract 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astragalus Extract 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 Extract 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it. There isn't enough reliable information to know whether it's safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
What is astragalus used for?
Astragalus has been studied for allergic rhinitis, amenorrhea, aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, and beta-thalassemia, but we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to say it works for any of these. If you're interested in it for a specific reason, ask your pharmacist what the current research actually shows.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
It's generally well tolerated, but some people in trials have reported dizziness. One person reported chest pain, though this may not have been from the supplement itself. Short-term safety looks reasonable in healthy adults, though long-term data is limited.
What's in the capsule besides astragalus?
The capsule contains inactive ingredients like hypromellose, cassava maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, ascorbyl palmitate, and silicon dioxide—standard binders and fillers to hold the supplement together.
Will this interfere with my immunosuppressant medication?
Possibly. Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function, so it could theoretically reduce how well immunosuppressants work. Definitely check with your pharmacist before taking it alongside any immune-suppressing drug.

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 Extract 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astragalus Extract 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 Extract 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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