Commentary - (2025) Volume 16, Issue 6
Received: 01-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. jar-25-177625;
Editor assigned: 03-Dec-2025, Pre QC No. P-177625;
Reviewed: 17-Dec-2025, QC No. Q-177625;
Revised: 22-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. R-177625;
Published:
29-Dec-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2155-6113.2025.16.1094
Citation: Ali, Zara. ”Astragalus: Multifaceted Herb for Systemic
Health.” J AIDS Clin Res 16 (2025):1094.
Copyright: © 2025 Ali Z. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution
and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Astragalus membranaceus, a prominent traditional medicinal herb, has garnered significant scientific attention for its diverse chemical makeup and extensive pharmacological actions. This powerful plant is recognized for its efficacy in modulating immune responses, acting as a potent antioxidant, and exhibiting notable anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiviral effects. The ongoing discussion covers its potential therapeutic uses across various diseases, providing a comprehensive understanding of the root's beneficial compounds and underlying mechanisms[1] .Extending its therapeutic reach, Astragalus membranaceus, along with its key bioactive compounds, has been extensively reviewed for its protective effects against various kidney diseases. Studies have meticulously detailed the mechanisms by which astragalus can effectively alleviate renal damage, significantly reduce inflammation within the kidneys, and ultimately improve overall kidney function. This suggests its considerable potential as a complementary therapy within the field of nephrology, offering new avenues for patient care[2] .A specific component, astragalus polysaccharides (APS), has emerged as a crucial player, particularly in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. Research indicates that APS can serve as an effective adjuvant, substantially enhancing the body's intrinsic immune response against malignant cancer cells. Furthermore, it helps improve the efficacy of conventional cancer treatments while concurrently mitigating their often-severe adverse effects. This positions APS as a promising natural compound for supportive cancer care, integrating well with existing protocols[3] .
The therapeutic utility of Astragalus membranaceus also extends to the complex management of diabetes and its associated complications. Detailed investigations reveal how astragalus actively helps regulate blood glucose levels, leading to improved insulin sensitivity. It also offers crucial protection against serious diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy, primarily through its well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which combat cellular damage[4] .A broader examination of Astragalus membranaceus highlights its wide-ranging medicinal properties. This includes significant immunomodulatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The scientific literature consistently emphasizes the diverse array of bioactive compounds responsible for these profound actions and explores the plant's potential in treating a vast spectrum of health conditions, establishing its versatility as a natural remedy[5] .In the domain of cardiovascular health, a systematic review and meta-analysis have rigorously evaluated the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus as an adjunctive therapy for chronic heart failure. The compelling findings suggest that when astragalus is integrated with conventional treatments, it can notably improve cardiac function, reduce burdensome symptoms, and significantly enhance the overall quality of life for patients afflicted with heart failure, offering a valuable supportive role[6] .Another systematic review and meta-analysis have shed light on the impact of astragalus polysaccharide on physical performance and fatigue. The insightful study indicates that regular supplementation with astragalus polysaccharide can effectively enhance endurance capabilities, markedly reduce biological markers associated with fatigue, and accelerate the recovery process post-exertion. This strongly suggests its potential as a beneficial ergogenic aid for athletes and individuals seeking improved physical stamina[7] .The neuroprotective capabilities of Astragalus membranaceus and its active compounds represent another area of intense scientific inquiry. A systematic review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms through which astragalus actively protects neural cells from damage, reduces inflammation within the brain, and contributes to improved cognitive function. This demonstrates significant promise for its application in treating various neurological disorders, offering hope for cognitive health improvements[8] .Further confirming its broad anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory prowess, a systematic review and meta-analysis have evaluated these specific properties of Astragalus membranaceus. The conclusive findings from this research indicate that astragalus is highly effective in reducing key inflammatory markers and precisely modulating immune cell activity. This therapeutic potential makes it a valuable candidate for managing both inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, offering relief and systemic balance[9] .Finally, the influence of Astragalus membranaceus and its bioactive compounds on gut microbiota is a fascinating and emerging area of research. This article explores the intricate mechanisms by which astragalus promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria, substantially improves the vital gut barrier function, and finely modulates systemic immunity. This highlights its pivotal role in maintaining optimal gut health and contributing significantly to overall well-being, underscoring the gut-brain axis connection[10] .Astragalus membranaceus stands out as a highly researched medicinal herb, known for its extensive range of pharmacological activities and rich chemical composition. Its benefits span across various biological systems, primarily recognized for its potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiviral effects. These broad actions underscore its potential therapeutic applications for a multitude of diseases, attributed to a complex interplay of beneficial compounds and mechanisms within the root itself [1, 5].
One significant area of impact for Astragalus membranaceus is in kidney health. Comprehensive reviews detail how this herb and its bioactive compounds offer robust protective effects against various kidney diseases. It actively works to alleviate renal damage, reduce inflammation, and enhance kidney function, marking it as a promising complementary therapy in nephrology [2]. Similarly, its role in metabolic health is noteworthy, particularly concerning diabetes. Studies reveal its ability to regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and shield against diabetic complications such as nephropathy and neuropathy, leveraging its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [4].
Beyond these specific organ systems, Astragalus membranaceus contributes significantly to immune system function and combating systemic issues. Its polysaccharides (APS) have demonstrated efficacy as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy, boosting the immune response against cancer cells, improving the effectiveness of conventional treatments, and mitigating adverse effects, thereby positioning it as a valuable natural compound in supportive cancer care [3]. Furthermore, its general anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties are well-documented, showing effectiveness in reducing inflammatory markers and modulating immune cell activity, which suggests therapeutic utility in managing various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions [9].
The herb's benefits extend to cardiovascular health and physical performance. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that Astragalus membranaceus, when used as an adjunctive therapy for chronic heart failure, can improve cardiac function, lessen symptoms, and elevate patients' quality of life [6]. In the realm of physical exertion, astragalus polysaccharide supplementation has been shown to enhance endurance, decrease fatigue markers, and accelerate recovery, suggesting its role as a potential ergogenic aid [7].
Neuroprotection is another critical aspect of Astragalus membranaceus's therapeutic profile. Active compounds within the herb demonstrate mechanisms that protect neural cells from damage, reduce brain inflammation, and improve cognitive function, showing considerable promise for treating various neurological disorders [8]. Additionally, the influence of Astragalus membranaceus on gut microbiota is an intriguing area, where it promotes beneficial gut bacteria, enhances gut barrier function, and modulates systemic immunity, contributing to overall gut health and systemic well-being [10]. This comprehensive body of research consistently highlights the multi-faceted therapeutic potential of Astragalus membranaceus across diverse health challenges.
Astragalus membranaceus demonstrates a wide array of pharmacological actions, including robust immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiviral effects. Current research thoroughly investigates its therapeutic applications across numerous health conditions. For instance, it actively protects against various kidney diseases, alleviating renal damage, reducing inflammation, and notably improving kidney function. Its key component, astragalus polysaccharides (APS), serves as a potent adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy, bolstering the body's immune response against cancer cells, enhancing conventional treatment efficacy, and minimizing adverse effects. Beyond this, Astragalus shows promise in managing diabetes and related complications, effectively regulating blood glucose levels, boosting insulin sensitivity, and providing protection against diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy through its intrinsic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, systematic reviews confirm its value as an adjunctive therapy for chronic heart failure, improving cardiac function and patient quality of life. Astragalus polysaccharide supplementation also enhances exercise performance, mitigating fatigue and accelerating recovery. The herb's neuroprotective capabilities are significant, protecting neural cells from damage, reducing brain inflammation, and potentially improving cognitive function for neurological disorders. It consistently reduces inflammatory markers and modulates immune cell activity, making it valuable for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Additionally, Astragalus membranaceus positively influences gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and improving gut barrier function, which contributes to systemic immunity and overall well-being. This body of evidence collectively underscores the broad medicinal utility of Astragalus membranaceus.
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