Astragalus for Kidney Health - What the Science Says

Why Your Kidneys Matter More Than You Think

Your kidneys work around the clock to filter waste, balance fluids, and keep your body functioning. Modern lifestyle factors, such as high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and water manipulation in sports, can place extra strain on these vital organs, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

If your kidneys can no longer function adequately, dialysis becomes the only option, requiring hours each week hooked up to a filtration machine. This greatly reduces quality of life and shortens lifespan.

Many turn to Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese herb, for kidney support. However, not all astragalus supplements are effective. Potency, dosage, and the presence of the active compound astragaloside IV make all the difference.

This article breaks down what current research shows about astragalus, which forms are most effective, and how to use it to support kidney health.

Quick Facts

• Main benefit: May help protect kidney cells from oxidative damage and support healthy function
  
• Research backing: Multiple animal studies show protective effects in kidney injury models
  
  
• Best for: Individuals with reduced eGFR, high inflammation, oxidative stress, or high blood pressure
  
  
• Dosage: 5–50 mg of astragaloside IV daily
  
  
• Timeline: Potential benefits may develop over 4–8 weeks
  
  

How Astragalus Supports Kidney Function

Astragalus contains many bioactive compounds, but astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the primary component studied for kidney benefits.

Key mechanisms:

• Mitochondrial support – AS-IV helps kidney cells generate energy, improving their ability to filter waste and resist injury.

• Anti-inflammatory effects – Targets inflammation specifically in kidney tissue.

• Antioxidant action – Protects against oxidative stress from free radicals.

Think of astragaloside IV as a cellular bodyguard, keeping kidney cells strong and functional under stress.

Key Compounds in Astragalus

• Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) – Main active compound for kidney health

• Polysaccharides – May support immune function

• Flavonoids – Antioxidant protection

• Saponins – Includes astragaloside IV and related compounds

The Potency Problem

Most astragalus supplements contain less than 0.02% astragaloside IV.
To achieve even a low dose of 5 mg AS-IV, you would need around six capsules of a high-quality, unstandardised extract. Many products contain negligible amounts.

Who May Benefit From Astragalus

• Family history of kidney problems

• High blood pressure

• Chronic inflammation or oxidative stress

• Poor eGFR results on blood tests

• Athletes manipulating water retention (combat sports, bodybuilding)

• Individuals concerned about age-related kidney decline
  

Athlete Tip: If you have high muscle mass or use creatine, standard kidney tests based on creatinine may be inaccurate. Ask for cystatin C testing.

Learn more about our blood testing partnership with i-screen here

Practical Usage

• Dosage: 5–50 mg astragaloside IV daily (standardised or synthetic source recommended)

• Timing: Take with meals to improve absorption

• Duration: Consistency matters—animal studies suggest benefits may appear after 4–8 weeks

• Lifestyle: Stay hydrated, maintain regular exercise, and periodically test kidney function via cystatin C

Important Considerations

• Testing Limitations: Astragalus can improve creatinine readings without truly improving filtration. Rely on cystatin C for accuracy.

• Synthetic vs. Natural: Synthetic AS-IV provides consistent potency. Natural extracts often lack sufficient active content.

• Not a Replacement: Astragalus may support kidney health but is not a substitute for prescribed medication.

FAQ

Q: Is whole astragalus extract as effective as astragaloside IV?
A: Generally no. Most extracts lack meaningful AS-IV content.

Q: How long until I notice results?
A: 4–8 weeks in animal models. Human benefits may be subtle without testing.

Q: Can astragalus replace kidney medication?
A: No. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Research References:

ScienceDirect: "The beneficial effects of astragaloside IV on ameliorating diabetic kidney
disease" (May 2023)

Frontiers in Pharmacology: "Astragaloside IV alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction during
chronic kidney disease progression" (2023)

International Urology and Nephrology: "Research progress of astragaloside IV in treating
acute kidney injury" (March 2024)

Aging Journal: "Protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Astragaloside IV in
sepsis-induced acute kidney injury" (July 2022)

ScienceDirect: "Renal protective effects of astragaloside IV: A systematic review"
(September 2020)

BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology: "Effect of astragaloside IV on kidney injury via
attenuation of oxidative stress" (September 2018)

Annals of Intensive Care: "Astragaloside-IV prevents acute kidney injury in crush
syndrome rats" (September 2017)

PMC: "Astragaloside IV improves renal function in rats with chronic glomerulonephritis"
(2023)

New England Journal of Medicine: "Cystatin C versus Creatinine in Determining Risk
Based on Kidney Function"

PMC: "Creatinine and Cystatin C: A Measure of Renal Function in Men With
Testosterone-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy" (2024)

National Kidney Foundation: "Cystatin C" (June 2025)

ScienceDirect: "Creatinine: An Inaccurate Measure of Renal Function in Men with
Testosterone-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy" (April 2022)

When choosing an astragalus supplement for kidney health, prioritise products that specify astragaloside IV content and dosage. Look for standardised extracts or synthetic astragaloside IV to ensure you're getting the active compound that research suggests may provide kidney protective benefits.