Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Astragaloside, particularly astragaloside IV, is a major active compound extracted from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its use for cardiovascular health has been the subject of several preclinical and a limited number of small clinical studies. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that astragaloside IV may exert cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, improving endothelial function, and attenuating cardiac fibrosis. Mechanistic research indicates these effects may be mediated via pathways such as PI3K/Akt, TGF-β/Smad, and modulation of nitric oxide production. These findings have led to interest in astragaloside as a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.

However, robust clinical evidence in humans remains limited. A few small-scale clinical trials and case series from China report improvements in heart function and reductions in biomarkers of cardiac injury when astragaloside-containing extracts are used as adjuncts to standard therapy, but these studies often lack rigorous controls and blinding. As of mid-2024, there are no large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials definitively demonstrating benefit for cardiovascular disease in humans. Thus, while there is a scientific basis for its use (from preclinical data and limited clinical studies), the overall level of evidence remains low (rated 2/5), and more research is needed before astragaloside can be recommended as a standard treatment for cardiovascular disease.

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