Root of Membranous Milkvetch — Safety & Interactions
Huang Qi · Radix Astragali
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Excess heat conditions or active infections
- Yin deficiency with vigorous Fire
- Early-stage acute exterior conditions
- Autoimmune diseases (immune-stimulating properties may exacerbate symptoms)
- Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressant therapy
Cautions
- Transient side effects include fatigue, headache, and low blood pressure
- Use cautiously in hormone-sensitive conditions due to estrogenic preclinical activity
- Use cautiously with bleeding disorders
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus) | Antagonizes immunosuppressant effects; case report documented approximately 50% reduction in tacrolimus blood concentration | High | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Anticoagulants and blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) | Exhibits anticoagulant properties; may increase bleeding risk | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Antihypertensive medications | Lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure; may produce additive hypotensive effect | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Diuretics | Demonstrates natriuretic effects; may potentiate diuretic action | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Hormonal therapies | Estrogenic properties (preclinical) may interfere with hormone-based treatments | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| P-glycoprotein substrates (e.g., doxorubicin, etoposide, vincristine) | Astragalus polysaccharides inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux pump, potentially increasing cytotoxicity of co-administered drugs | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Gemcitabine | Astragalus pretreatment affects gemcitabine pharmacokinetics (murine model data only; clinical relevance unknown) | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.