Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a foundational botanical in traditional Chinese medicine and has been studied for its ability to support immune function and white blood cell production. Its benefits are largely attributed to specific bioactive compounds concentrated in the root of the plant.

Whole Plant vs. Root: What’s Best?

While astragalus leaves and stems contain some nutrients, nearly all documented therapeutic benefits come from the root, which is the part traditionally and clinically used. The root contains high concentrations of immune-supporting compounds such as:

• Astragalus polysaccharides: shown to increase white blood cell count and promote bone marrow stem cell activity (1)
• Astragalosides (especially astragaloside IV): support immune modulation and cellular repair (2)
• Flavonoids and saponins: provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (3)

For this reason, high-quality supplements and medicinal formulations use a standardized extract of the root, not the whole plant. Using the whole plant dilutes the active compounds and is not considered therapeutically effective. (4)

Astragalus and White Blood Cells

Astragalus root supports the proliferation and function of lymphocytes and macrophages, the cells responsible for identifying and eliminating pathogens. It may also help regulate cytokine signaling, allowing for a more balanced and effective immune response. (5)

Support for Mold and Mycotoxin Illness

Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can suppress immune cell function and reduce white blood cell counts. Astragalus root extract has been shown to counteract immune suppression and support white blood cell recovery, which may improve resilience and recovery in individuals dealing with mold-related illness.

Benefits for Autoimmune Disease and Immune Dysregulation

Astragalus functions as an immune modulator. Rather than simply boosting the immune system, it helps normalize immune function, supporting low immune activity while calming overactive responses, which may be helpful in autoimmune disease.

Adaptogenic Properties

Astragalus root is also considered an adaptogen, helping the body respond to physical and emotional stress, both of which are known to suppress immune function and lower white blood cell counts.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement or herbal therapy.

Resources:

1. Zheng Y, Ren W, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Liu D, Liu Y. A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 24;11:349. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00349. PMID: 32265719; PMCID: PMC7105737.
2. Li Y, Meng T, Hao N, Tao H, Zou S, Li M, Ming P, Ding H, Dong J, Feng S, Li J, Wang X, Wu J. Immune regulation mechanism of Astragaloside IV on RAW264.7 cells through activating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol. 2017 Aug;49:38-49. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.05.017. Epub 2017 May 25. PMID: 28550733.
3. Yao J, Peng T, Shao C, Liu Y, Lin H, Liu Y. The Antioxidant Action of Astragali radix: Its Active Components and Molecular Basis. Molecules. 2024 Apr 9;29(8):1691. doi: 10.3390/molecules29081691. PMID: 38675511; PMCID: PMC11052376.
4. Latour E, Arlet J, Latour EE, Juszkiewicz A, Łuczkowska K, Marcinkiewicz A, Basta P, Trzeciak J, Machaliński B, Skarpańska-Stejnborn A. Standardized astragalus extract for attenuation of the immunosuppression induced by strenuous physical exercise: randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Jul 16;18(1):57. doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00425-5. PMID: 34271953; PMCID: PMC8285774.
5. Li CX, Liu Y, Zhang YZ, Li JC, Lai J. Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect. Arch Pharm Res. 2022 Jun;45(6):367-389. doi: 10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35713852.
   
   
   

Denzler K, Moore J, Harrington H, Morrill K, Huynh T, Jacobs B, Waters R, Langland J. Characterization of the Physiological Response following In Vivo Administration of Astragalus membranaceus. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6861078. doi: 10.1155/2016/6861078. Epub 2016 Apr 12. PMID: 27190535; PMCID: PMC4844899.