Last updated: 1 May 2020 22:00EST by Frank Cusimano
Summary
There is no strong evidence that Astragalus is effective in treating any health or medical conditions including coronavirus or COVID-19. There is no high-quality data supporting the use of astragalus for chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, or viral myocarditis. While considered non-toxic, supplementing with astragalus should be discussed with a physician as it may cause diarrhea, GI discomfort, affect blood glucose, blood pressure, and may interact with some commonly used medications. See below for more information and for which medications astragalus may interact with.
Background
Recently there have been rumors that Astragalus could help patients infected with the coronavirus. Astragalus is an ancient herb used in traditional eastern medicine. The root is often taken in supplement form or consumed in soups or teas.
To date, there are no high-quality studies in people using astragalus successfully for any health condition. There are, however, several low-quality studies. These can be grouped into three categories: kidney disease, myocarditis, and for fatty liver disease.
A 2012 review found that those taking astragalus may have lower risk of infections with nephrotic syndrome, however the studies used were considered poor quality . For patients with diabetic nephropathy, a meta-analysis of those given IV astragalus over 2-6 weeks had an improved kidney function, however again, the 25 trials involved were poor quality . A Cochrane review assessing chronic kidney disease found astragalus may reduce proteinuria and increase hemoglobin and serum albumin but results were considered inconclusive based on methodological and study quality . For patients with fatty liver disease, 77 clinical trials were reviewed with no significant difference seen for patients with alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease .
The most interesting data surrounds the use of astragalus for viral myocarditis, which is seen in some patients with advanced COVID-19. In 2013, a meta-analysis looked at astragalus for heart function of patients with non-coronavirus myocarditis . Unfortunately, it wasn’t much of a review since there was only a single trial that met criteria. They found there was no affect on mortality and only weak evidence it may improve ventricular premature contractions, reduce CPK, CK-MP and LDH, and improve cardiac function. The findings should be considered inconclusive because of risk of bias in the study and the limited sample size and number of trials .
Safety
Is Astragalus safe to consume? Mild side effects from supplementation include diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal issues. Some have reported it may affect blood glucose and blood pressure. Some data supports that it may negatively interact with some immunosuppressant medications . According to LiverTox it may inhibit some cytochrome p-450 enzyme isoforms .
Patients taking antiviral medications, immunosuppressants, diabetic medications, blood pressure medications, diuretics, and anti-coagulants should discuss with their doctor before supplementing with astragalus .
See previous links and research at my main page.
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Disclaimer: Opinions on this site or on social media do not reflect that of my institutions. I do not provide medical advice. If you have a medical question please see your doctor or if you have a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room.. I have a PhD in Nutrition and Metabolic Biology and three masters degrees including two master’s in nutrition & metabolism. I am a personal trainer & have researched nutrition for 12 years. The info I post is my interpretation of the medical and scientific literature.
One thought to “Could Astragalus help with the Coronavirus?”
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