Possible Side Effects of Astragalus
In most cases, astragalus can be well tolerated by most people. However, certain minor side effects would happen, such as diarrhea, nausea, runny nose, itching, tiredness, headache, and rashes. While there are up to 2000 species of astragalus, only a few of them are used in commercial products. Some others can be toxic as they contain swainsonine, which may affect the nervous system.
It is still unknown whether the herb is safe for use in children or breastfeeding and pregnant women. Therefore, more research is needed to verify this link. Since astragalus can affect the immune system, people with an autoimmune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, or lupus, should avoid this plant unless recommended by their doctor. Those who have undergone transplant surgery should avoid astragalus. [7]
