Astragalus, botanical name Astragalus membranaceus, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family. Native to the temperate regions of Asia, particularly China and Mongolia, it has been used for over two thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine. The root is the part of the plant richest in active compounds, particularly polysaccharides, saponins (astragalosides) and flavonoids, traditionally harvested from roots several years old for maximum concentration of active compounds. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is called Huang Qi, meaning “yellow leader”, a reference to the yellow colour of its root and its status as a top-tier plant. It is traditionally associated with the spleen and lung meridians and used to tonify Qi, vital energy.

Polysaccharides are the most studied family of molecules in astragalus. These are complex carbohydrates formed of long sugar chains, extensively documented in scientific literature. The Qualidiet extract is standardised to 50% polysaccharides, a high concentration verifiable from batch to batch: each 350 mg capsule of extract provides 175 mg of polysaccharides, or 525 mg for three capsules a day. The root also contains astragalosides, saponins of which astragaloside IV is the most studied, as well as flavonoids that contribute to its antioxidant profile. All these molecules act in synergy, which is the whole point of a full root extract rather than an isolated active compound.

Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus. Part used: root. Standardisation: extract standardised to 50% polysaccharides. Dosage per capsule: 350 mg of extract (175 mg of polysaccharides). Capsule: plant-based (suitable for vegans). Other ingredient: anti-caking agent, magnesium salts of fatty acids. Manufacturer: Vital Osmose (Qualidiet). Pack size: 60 capsules.

The recommended dose is 2 to 3 capsules per day, taken with a large glass of water before meals. Start gradually and adjust according to your needs and individual tolerance. A course of 1 to 3 months is generally advised, renewable after a break of a few weeks. Astragalus is traditionally used in autumn and winter to support the body during the cold season, and is also valued during periods of temporary tiredness or intense demands.

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice. Not recommended for people with autoimmune conditions or on immunosuppressant treatment.

What does “standardised to 50% polysaccharides” mean?

The standardisation indicates the guaranteed concentration of polysaccharides, the most studied compounds in astragalus. An extract standardised to 50% ensures each capsule provides a consistent quantity of these compounds (175 mg per 350 mg of extract), unlike a simple root powder whose content can vary widely from batch to batch.

How much polysaccharide do I get with 3 capsules a day?

At a dose of 3 capsules per day, you get 1,050 mg of astragalus root extract, or 525 mg of polysaccharides — a high dosage made possible by a strongly concentrated extract and capsules dosed at 350 mg.

Can astragalus be combined with other plants?

Yes, astragalus can be combined with other tonic plants such as ginseng, reishi or eleuthero, respecting each product’s dosage. It is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional or a Herba Barona advisor before combining several supplements.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.