Does Astragalus Cause Side Effects?
Even though it is a natural product,
astragalus may cause side effects. People often assume that natural products are always safe and free of risk. However, this is simply not the case. It is reasonable to assume that any natural product with the capability to have medicinal properties may also have side effects.
At this time, there are no known astragalus side effects. However, this does not guarantee that the supplement does not cause side effects; it simply means that no problems have been reported, either in clinical studies or in case reports.
Case reports are individual reports from healthcare providers (usually published in medical journals) about side effects seen in their patients. The lack of reported side effects with astragalus likely reflects a lack of studies large enough to find problems or studies designed to look specifically for problems; it probably does not indicate that the product really is free of side effects.
In general, astragalus does not appear to be likely to cause serious side effects. However, as with most medications or herbs, allergic reactions are possible. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you develop signs of an allergic reaction to astragalus, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
