Astragalus and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root contains numerous saponins and isoflavones. Astragalus is a purported galactogogue;[1] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[2,3] No data exist on the excretion of any components of Astragalus into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of Astragalus in nursing mothers or infants. Astragalus is generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions reported. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in breastfed infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1. ScottCR JacobsonH A selection of international nutritional and herbal remedies for breastfeeding concerns. Midwifery Today Int Midwife 2005 75 38 9 16320878 PubMed
2. Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9 Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting maternal milk production, second revision 2018. Breastfeed Med 2018 13 307 14 29902083 PubMed
3. Breastfeeding challenges: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 820. Obstet Gynecol 2021 137 e42 e53 33481531 PubMed