Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Astragalus vs Ashwagandha
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Astragalus and Ashwagandha: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), cold & flu, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Astragalus | Ashwagandha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Ashwagandha |
| Cold & flu | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Fatigue / low energy | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Immune support | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Major bioactive saponin with cardio-, neuro-, hepato- and renoprotective effects.
Steroidal lactones considered the principal bioactive compounds, responsible for most of the plant's adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer research interest.
Minor tropane-type alkaloids contributing to the traditional sedative reputation.
Glycowithanolides linked to adaptogenic and immunomodulatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Astragalus membranaceus and its constituents (astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, Astragalus polysaccharide) inhibit tumour growth, invasion and metastasis and enhance antitumour immunity across lung, colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers (preclinical, incl. in vivo).
Immune support / immunomodulation (activates macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes)
Physical performance / strength improvement
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Astragalus membranaceus protects against gastrointestinal cancers; astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer metastasis via macrophage repolarization, cycloastragenol boosts CD8+ T-cell antitumour immunity (with anti-PD-1 synergy), and Astragalus polysaccharide suppresses inflammation-induced colorectal cancer (preclinical).
Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
Adaptogenic tonic for fatigue and low vitality (traditional 'Qi' tonic)
Immune support / immunomodulation (activates macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes); Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Renoprotective (kidney support) - as an adjunct in chronic kidney disease, reduced proteinuria and raised haemoglobin and serum albumin across trials (Cochrane review; study quality low)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from ergogenic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from ergogenic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Astragalus stimulates immune activity; on theoretical grounds it should be used cautiously in autoimmune disease and with immunosuppressant medicines (for example after organ transplant) - discuss with a clinician.
Generally well tolerated; high-quality long-term human safety and toxicity data remain limited.
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; avoid medicinal doses.
Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 600 mg/day for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects may include mild drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhea at higher doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential abortifacient effects. May interact with sedatives, immunosuppressants, thyroid medications, and blood sugar medications. People with autoimmune diseases, hyperthyroidism, or scheduled for surgery should consult healthcare providers before use. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Not recommended for children without medical supervision.
Duke (2002) classifies ashwagandha activities primarily at the experimental level (score 1), with adaptogenic, sedative, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions demonstrated in animal and in vitro models. Root preparations are used at 2–3 g powdered root three times daily, or 150–300 mg of standardized extract. Importantly, the plant has documented abortifacient and antifertility properties in animal studies, and its use should be avoided during pregnancy. It may potentiate the effects of barbiturates and sedatives (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Erect perennial herb with a long, fibrous, pale yellow taproot. The leaves are pinnately compound with numerous small, oval leaflets, giving a soft, ferny appearance. Small, pale yellow, pea-like flowers are borne in loose axillary clusters (racemes), followed by membranous, inflated seed pods that give the species its name.[5]
Erect, branching perennial shrub with soft, downy, oval to lance-shaped leaves. Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils, followed by a small orange-red berry enclosed in a papery, lantern-like calyx, giving rise to the name 'winter cherry'.[5]
Habitat
Native to the grasslands, sunny slopes and forest margins of northern and north-eastern China, Mongolia and parts of Korea; widely cultivated as a medicinal crop across East Asia.[5]
Native to the drier regions of India, the Middle East and parts of Africa; cultivated in warm, semi-arid climates on well-drained soils, notably in central and western India.[5]
Harvesting
The root is dug from plants at least four years old, typically in spring or autumn, then cleaned and dried, often sliced into the characteristic pale, fibrous 'coin' slices used in traditional decoctions.[5]
The root is dug in winter from plants around one year old, when withanolide content is highest, then cleaned, cut and dried; the leaves are picked through the growing season.[5]
Traditional Uses
Ashwagandha root is one of the most important rasayana (rejuvenative) tonics of Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to build strength and vitality, support healthy stress response, and promote restful sleep; this traditional adaptogenic reputation is now supported by clinical trials of standardised root extract for stress, sleep and physical performance.[1, 5]
Preparations
Dosage
The WHO monograph on Radix Astragali gives doses of 3-9 g per day. Traditional Chinese medicine references often cite a considerably higher 9-30 g of dried root per day; WHO's figure is the conservative regulatory-tier one and is stated here in preference. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical studies commonly use extracts providing the equivalent of several grams of dried root daily, in divided doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical trials for stress and sleep commonly use around 300-600 mg of standardised root extract daily, in divided doses, over several weeks. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Both ashwagandha and valerian are calming, sleep-promoting herbs; using them together may add to drowsiness and sedation, so take care especially before driving or when using other sedatives.[1, 23]
References & Sources
- Xu, B., Huang, J.P., Peng, G., Cao, W., Liu, Z. et al (2024) 'Total biosynthesis of the medicinal triterpenoid saponin astragalosides', Nature Plants, 10(11), pp. 1826-1837. doi:10.1038/s41477-024-01827-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01827-4 - Auyeung, K.K., Han, Q.B. and Ko, J.K (2016) 'Astragalus membranaceus: A Review of its Protection Against Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancers', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 44(1), pp. 1-22. doi:10.1142/S0192415X16500014 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X16500014 - Zhang, Y., Ji, W., Qin, H., Chen, Z., Zhou, Y. et al (2024) 'Astragalus polysaccharides alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by restoring SCFA production and regulating Th17/Treg cell homeostasis in a microbiota-dependent manner', Carbohydrate Polymers, 349, pp. 122829. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122829 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122829 - Fu, J., Wang, Z., Huang, L., Zheng, S., Wang, D., Chen, S., Zhang, H. and Yang, S (2014) 'Review of the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi)', Phytotherapy Research, 28(9), pp. 1275-1283. doi:10.1002/ptr.5188 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5188 - Zhang, J., Wu, C., Gao, L., Du, G. and Qin, X (2019) 'Astragaloside IV derived from Astragalus membranaceus: A research review on the pharmacological effects', Advances in Pharmacology. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.002 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.002 - Dong, M., Li, J., Yang, D., Li, M. and Wei, J (2023) 'Biosynthesis and pharmacological activities of flavonoids, triterpene saponins and polysaccharides derived from Astragalus membranaceus', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 5018. doi:10.3390/molecules28135018 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135018 - Chen, G., Jiang, N., Zheng, J., Hu, H., Yang, H., Lin, A., Hu, B. and Liu, H (2023) 'Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 241, pp. 124386. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386 - Zheng, Q., Zhuang, Z., Wang, Z., Deng, L., Jin, W., Huang, Z., Zheng, G. and Wang, Y (2020) 'Clinical and preclinical systematic review of Astragalus membranaceus for viral myocarditis', Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pp. 1560353. doi:10.1155/2020/1560353 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1560353 - Dai, Y., Wang, Y., Kang, Q., Wu, Y., Liu, Y., Su, Y., Wang, X., Xiu, M. and He, J (2024) 'The protective effect and bioactive compounds of Astragalus membranaceus against neurodegenerative disorders via alleviating oxidative stress in Drosophila', FASEB Journal, 38(13), pp. e23727. doi:10.1096/fj.202400390R Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202400390R - Xu, L., Xu, X., Hou, X., Wang, F., Gao, S. and Zhang, H (2019) 'Adjuvant therapy with Astragalus membranaceus for post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review', Metabolic Brain Disease, 35(1), pp. 83-93. doi:10.1007/s11011-019-00483-4 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-019-00483-4 - Li, C.X., Liu, Y., Zhang, Y.Z., Li, J.C. and Lai, J (2022) 'Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect', Archives of Pharmacal Research. doi:10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3 - Jin, M., Zhao, K., Huang, Q. and Shang, P (2014) 'Structural features and biological activities of the polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 64, pp. 257-266. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.12.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.12.002 - Liu, Y. and Lv, W (2019) 'Research progress in Astragalus membranaceus and its active components on immune responses in liver fibrosis', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 26(10), pp. 794-800. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-3039-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-3039-1 - World Health Organization (1999) 'Radix Astragali'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Xu, F. and Cui, W.-Q. and Wei, Y. and Cui, J. and Qiu, J. and Hu, L.-L. and Gong, W.-Y. and Dong, J.-C. and Liu, B.-J (2018) 'Astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer progression and metastasis by modulating macrophage polarization through AMPK signaling', Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 37(1), pp. 207. doi:10.1186/s13046-018-0878-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-018-0878-0 - Deng, G. and Zhou, L. and Wang, B. and Sun, X. and Zhang, Q. and Chen, H. and Wan, N. and Ye, H. and Wu, X. and Sun, D. and Sun, Y. and Cheng, H (2022) 'Targeting cathepsin B by cycloastragenol enhances antitumor immunity of CD8 T cells via inhibiting MHC-I degradation', Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, 10(10), pp. e004874. doi:10.1136/jitc-2022-004874 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2022-004874 - Li, Q. and Zhang, C. and Xu, G. and Shang, X. and Nan, X. and Li, Y. and Liu, J. and Hong, Y. and Wang, Q. and Peng, G (2024) 'Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates CD8 T cell dysfunction through STAT3/Gal-3/LAG3 pathway in inflammation-induced colorectal cancer', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 171, pp. 116172. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116172 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116172 - Zhang, H.W., Lin, Z.X., Xu, C., Leung, C. and Chan, L.S (2014) 'Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2
- Cheah, K.L., Norhayati, M.N., Husniati Yaacob, L. and Abdul Rahman, R (2021) 'Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 - Speers, A.B., Cabey, K.A., Soumyanath, A. and Wright, K.M (2021) 'Effects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia', Current Neuropharmacology, 19(9), pp. 1468-1495. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556 - Arumugam, V., Vijayakumar, V., Balakrishnan, A., B Bhandari, R., Boopalan, D., Ponnurangam, R., Sankaralingam Thirupathy, V. and Kuppusamy, M (2024) 'Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on stress and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Explore, 20(6), pp. 103062. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062 - Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., Malvi, H. and Kodgule, R (2019) 'An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study', Medicine, 98(37), pp. e17186. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 - Paul, S., Chakraborty, S., Anand, U., Dey, S., Nandy, S., Ghorai, M., Saha, S.C., Patil, M.T., Kandimalla, R. and Prockow, J (2021) 'Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): a comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143, pp. 112175. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175 - Dar, N.J., Hamid, A. and Ahmad, M (2015) 'Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian ginseng', Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 72(23), pp. 4445-4460. doi:10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1 - Pandit, S., Srivastav, A.K., Sur, T.K., Chaudhuri, S., Wang, Y. and Biswas, T.K (2024) 'Effects of Withania somnifera extract in chronically stressed adults: a randomized controlled trial', Nutrients, 16(9), pp. 1293. doi:10.3390/nu16091293 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091293 - Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S.R. and Bhattacharyya, S (2015) 'Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial', Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, pp. 43. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 - Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S. and Bose, S (2017) 'Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), pp. 599-612. doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970 - Tiwari, S., Gupta, S.K. and Pathak, A.K (2021) 'A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 272, pp. 113929. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113929 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113929 - Singh, N., Yadav, S.S., Rao, A.S., Nandal, A., Kumar, S., Ganaie, S.A. and Narasihman, B (2020) 'Review on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 270, pp. 113704. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113704 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113704 - Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, et al. Effects of ashwagandha (2021) ';6(1):20', 6(1). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B6%281%29%3A20. - Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34 (2012) ';34(3):255-262', 34(3). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B34%283%29%3A255-262. - Downer S, Berkowitz SA, Harlan TS, et al. Ashwagandha (2023) ';10:1043034'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/ - Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (2019) ';13(2):1557988319835985', 13(2). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B13%282%29%3A1557988319835985. - Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (2019) ';98(37):e17186', 98(37). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/ - National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Health Professional Fact Sheet. 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ (2024) 'https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/'. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ Traditional / reference
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ - Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Cureus. 2019;11 (2019) ';11(12):e6466', 11(12). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B11%2812%29%3Ae6466. - Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: A Rasayana (2011) ';8(5 Suppl):208-213'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B8%285%20Suppl%29%3A208-213. - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Sharma, A.K., Basu, I. and Singh, S (2018) 'Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), pp. 243-248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183 - Gannon, J.M., Forrest, P.E. and Roy Chengappa, K.N (2014) 'Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder', Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), pp. 241-245. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146566 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146566 - Caus, M.N., Lupoae, M. and Chitescu, C.L (2026) 'Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks', Pharmaceuticals, 19(3), pp. 399. doi:10.3390/ph19030399 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030399 - Cheah, K.L., Norhayati, M.N., Husniati Yaacob, L. and Abdul Rahman, R (2021) 'Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 - Makhlouf, E.A., AlamElDeen, Y.K., El-Shiekh, R.A. and Okba, M.M (2024) 'Unveilling the antidiabetic potential of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) and its withanolides - a review', Natural Product Research, 39(24), pp. 7203-7218. doi:10.1080/14786419.2024.2439009 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2439009
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.