Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)

Tier 2 — promising · Immunity · TCM adaptogen · Cardiovascular

One of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for over 2,000 years to strengthen Qi and the immune system. Contains cycloastragenol, which activates telomerase in preclinical studies. Most human-trial evidence is from Chinese journals of variable methodological quality; the Zhang 2014 systematic review in heart failure is the most-cited anchor, with additional trials reporting improved immune markers in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Generally safe but may interact with immunosuppressants.

Dose: 500–1,500 mg/day standardised root extract; traditionally decocted as a tea in TCM practice