Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus

The Basics

What is Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus?

Commonly used in many herbal formulations in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide variety of diseases and body disorders.

Brand names for Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus

N/A

How Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus is classified

Complementary Therapies, Galactogogues, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus During Pregnancy

Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus while pregnant

N/A

Taking Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root contains numerous saponins and isoflavones. Astragalus is a purported galactogogue;[1] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[2] No data exist on the excretion of any components of Astragalus into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of Astragalus in nursing mothers or infants. Astragalus is generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions reported. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root contains numerous saponins and isoflavones. Astragalus is a purported galactogogue;[1] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[2] No data exist on the excretion of any components of Astragalus into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of Astragalus in nursing mothers or infants. Astragalus is generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions reported. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus

None listed