Astragaloside, a primary active component of Astragalus membranaceus, has garnered interest for its potential effects on osteoporosis primarily through preclinical studies. Laboratory and animal research suggests that astragalosides may help regulate bone remodeling by promoting osteoblast (bone-forming cell) activity and inhibiting osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) differentiation. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals have reported that astragaloside IV, in particular, can activate the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, both of which are critical for bone formation and maintenance. For example, rodent models of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (a common model for postmenopausal osteoporosis) have shown improved bone mineral density and microarchitecture following administration of astragaloside IV.

However, the current evidence is limited to in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) studies; there is a lack of well-controlled human clinical trials directly evaluating the efficacy and safety of astragaloside for osteoporosis prevention or treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine does use Astragalus for general vitality, but not specifically for osteoporosis. Thus, while early data are promising, the evidence base is not robust, and astragaloside cannot currently be recommended as a standalone or primary therapy for osteoporosis in clinical practice. More high-quality human research is needed to confirm its benefits and determine appropriate usage.