AstraGin
AstraGin is a patented blend of Astragalus and Panax notoginseng that may improve nutrient absorption. The clinical evidence is limited.
What the research shows
Mixed or small evidence. The effect is uncertain.
There is a single human study. Zhuang (2026) ran a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in thirty healthy participants, funded by Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan, with product and placebo supplied by NuLiv Science, the maker of AstraGin. It measured the absorption of amino acids from whey protein, with the clearest gain in people over sixty. That is a pilot on a surrogate measure, so it does not confirm that a pre-workout works better because of it. The 2020 EFSA assessment covers the safety of the extract as a novel food and does not test efficacy. The rest of the research is cell culture and animal work, which does not count towards the level.
Who it makes sense for: On the strength of the only human research, most promising for older people trying to hold on to muscle mass with protein powder. For a healthy athlete in their twenties who already eats plenty of protein, there is no evidence that 25 to 50 mg adds anything. The label suggests it makes the rest of the formula work better, and that is precisely what has not yet been shown in humans.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Origin
NaturalAstraGin is a patented extract by NuLiv Science, consisting of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng, two plants with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. It's extracted from the roots of both plants.
Safety
AstraGin is safe at the standard dose of 50mg per day. It improves absorption of amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients through the intestinal wall. The two plant extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. No significant side effects have been reported.
For comparison
AstraGin may increase citrulline absorption by 45% and creatine by 33% according to manufacturer NuLiv Science studies. It works differently from BioPerine: where piperine inhibits enzymes, AstraGin may activate transporter proteins in your intestinal wall.
Dosage by weight and gender
The standard AstraGin dose is 50mg per day, regardless of body weight. There are no gender-specific recommendations. It's important to note that most AstraGin research has been funded by the manufacturer NuLiv Science. Independent studies are limited.
Frequently asked questions
What does AstraGin do?
AstraGin may improve nutrient absorption through your intestinal wall by activating transporter proteins. In pre-workouts it's added so ingredients like citrulline, creatine, and amino acids are better absorbed. Most evidence comes from the manufacturer, independent confirmation is limited.
Is AstraGin dangerous?
No, AstraGin is based on two plant extracts (astragalus and panax notoginseng) with a long history of use. At the standard dose of 50mg per day, no side effects have been reported. It's used in hundreds of supplements worldwide.
How much AstraGin per day?
50mg per day is the standard dose used in all studies. Taking more has no proven extra benefit. Most pre-workouts contain exactly 50mg. Take it at the same time as your other supplements for the best absorption effect.
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng Saponins Extract on the Pharmacokinetics of Whey Protein Absorption, Intestinal Permeability, and Muscle Function: A Pilot StudyZhuang SR et al. (2026)Funded by: Bekostigd door Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan. Product en placebo geleverd door NuLiv Science, de maker van AstraGin. Auteurs verklaren geen belangenverstrengeling.
- Safety of a botanical extract derived from Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranaceus (AstraGin™) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) et al. (2020)Funded by: Advies van het EFSA-panel Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens in de novel-foodprocedure van de EU.
Pre-workouts with AstraGin
No products found with this ingredient
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.