Astragaloside IV is a saponin compound extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. While Astragalus root has a long history in traditional medicine, the use of isolated astragaloside IV for nerve damage is supported primarily by preclinical scientific studies rather than traditional practice. Several animal studies and cellular experiments have shown that astragaloside IV may have neuroprotective effects. These effects include reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, promoting nerve regeneration, and protecting neurons from apoptosis (programmed cell death) in models of peripheral nerve injury and neuropathy.

For example, research published in journals such as Neuroscience Letters, International Immunopharmacology, and Brain Research has demonstrated that astragaloside IV can enhance recovery after sciatic nerve injury in rats, reduce the damage in models of diabetic neuropathy, and modulate inflammatory responses in neural tissues. Proposed mechanisms involve the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulation of neurotrophic factors.

However, no large-scale clinical trials in humans have been conducted to confirm these benefits, and the evidence remains preliminary. Thus, the use of astragaloside IV for nerve damage is justified by early-stage scientific research, but robust clinical validation is lacking.