Milk Vetch (Astragalus propinquus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Milk Vetch work to support the immune system?

Milk Vetch (Astragalus propinquus) exerts its effects through active compounds like polysaccharides and astragalosides. These constituents modulate the immune system by stimulating phagocytosis and enhancing the activity of natural killer cells. Research suggests these compounds may also increase the production of interferons, proteins that help the body resist viral infections. While evidence is rated Level C, these mechanisms support its traditional use as a Qi tonic for immune support.

Can you take Milk Vetch with immunosuppressant drugs?

No, Milk Vetch should not be taken with immunosuppressant drugs. Because this herb stimulates immune activity, it can counteract the intended effects of medications prescribed to suppress the immune system, such as those used after organ transplants or for autoimmune diseases. This interaction could lead to treatment failure or adverse health outcomes. Patients on immunosuppressants must consult a doctor before using this herb.

What is the recommended dosage for Milk Vetch root?

For adults, the standard dosage for Milk Vetch extract is typically 250-500mg taken two to three times daily. When using the dried root to make a decoction or tea, the dosage ranges from 9 to 30 grams. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and concentration of active compounds like astragalosides. It is advisable to follow manufacturer guidelines or consult a healthcare professional.

Is Milk Vetch safe to take during pregnancy?

Milk Vetch is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Due to insufficient safety data and its potent biological activity, healthcare professionals advise against its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is a potential risk that the herb could affect fetal development or stimulate uterine contractions. Women who are pregnant should avoid this supplement and seek medical advice for safe alternatives.

What are the side effects of Astragalus propinquus?

While generally well-tolerated, Milk Vetch can cause side effects in some individuals. The most common complaints are mild gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. Although rare, allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itching may occur, especially in those with sensitivities to the pea family (Fabaceae). Users should discontinue use if adverse symptoms appear. It is contraindicated for individuals with autoimmune conditions.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Astragalus propinquus Schischkin is a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating kidney diseases, stroke, and cardiovascular issues [PMID:32004631, 35958925, 24635389].

Background

Astragalus propinquus Schischkin (also known as Radix astragali or a synonym of Astragalus membranaceus) is a member of the Fabaceae family [PMID:37783132, 24635389].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat stroke, cerebral ischemia, qi deficiency, hypertension [PMID:35958925], and to reduce general weakness and increase overall vitality [PMID:29696523]. It is also used in the treatment of various kidney diseases in southwest China [PMID:32004631].

Active compounds

Key active components include astragaloside IV (the main active component) [PMID:37783132, 37854719], calycosin (a major bioactive isoflavonoid) [PMID:24635389], as well as astragaloside I, astragaloside II, calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, ononin, and formononetin [PMID:30138748]. Polysaccharides are also present [PMID:34217844].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the inhibition of Mincle-maintained macrophage inflammation via the NF-κB signaling pathway in acute kidney injury [PMID:32004631], regulation of transmembrane iron transport and ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury [PMID:35958925], and promotion of angiogenesis via the Ang-1/Tie-2/FAK pathway in myocardial ischemia [PMID:36699092]. It may also modulate cell oxidative stress and the Akt signaling pathway [PMID:35265144].

Clinical evidence

Evidence AHeart Failure (Preclinical)

Astragaloside IV enhanced cardiac function indicators, including left ventricular ejection fraction [PMID:37854719].

Evidence AIschemic Stroke

Traditional Chinese patent medicines (which may include this herb) were evaluated in a meta-analysis of 191 trials, though specific efficacy for A. propinquus alone was not detailed in the abstract [PMID:17463317].

Evidence DAcute Kidney Injury (Animal Model)

A compound containing A. propinquus relieved cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury [PMID:32004631].

Evidence DMyocardial Ischemia (Animal Model)

Combined use with Salvia miltiorrhiza reduced infarcted myocardium area and protected cardiac function [PMID:36699092].

Evidence DCerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (Animal Model)

Dried roots regulated transmembrane iron transporters and ferroptosis-related factors [PMID:35958925].

Evidence DIntracerebral Hemorrhage (Animal Model)

Safety & adverse effects

Surveys of A. propinquus root samples showed the presence of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin, with a mean value of 451.0 ng/g [PMID:29696523].

Drug interactions

In vitro studies indicate that A. propinquus extracts may affect the activity and expression of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which is involved in the metabolism of many anticancer drugs [PMID:23876595].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on preclinical animal models and in vitro studies (Level D), with one preclinical systematic review/meta-analysis (Level A) supporting cardiac function improvement via astragaloside IV. Human clinical data in the provided abstracts are limited to broad meta-analyses of patent medicines.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 34217844 (2021) — Effects of dietary Astragalus Propinquus Schischkin polysaccharides on growth performance, immunological parameters, antioxidants responses and inflammation-related gene expression in Channa argus. · Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP
2.PMID: 32004631 (2020) — Astragalus propinquus Schischkin and Panax notoginseng (A&P) compound relieved cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through inhibiting the mincle maintained macrophage inflammation. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 37783132 (2023) — The effects of astragaloside IV on gut microbiota and serum metabolism in a mice model of intracerebral hemorrhage. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
4.PMID: 36034875 (2022) — Investigation of the mechanism of the anti-cancer effects of Astragalus propinquus Schischkin and Pinellia pedatisecta Schott (A&P) on melanoma via network pharmacology and experimental verification. · Frontiers in pharmacology
5.PMID: 29696523

Milk Vetch

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Milk Vetch

Hwanggi Korean Astragalus

Shiitake

Chaga

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Milk Vetch

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Milk Vetch

Related Herbs

Hwanggi Korean Astragalus

Shiitake

Chaga

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources