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Review
. 2024 Apr 9;29(8):1691.
doi: 10.3390/molecules29081691.

The Antioxidant Action of Astragali radix: Its Active Components and Molecular Basis

Juan Yao  1 , Ting Peng  1 , Changxin Shao  1 , Yuanyuan Liu  2 , Huanhuan Lin  1 , Yongqi Liu  2
Affiliations
Review

The Antioxidant Action of Astragali radix: Its Active Components and Molecular Basis

Juan Yao et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Astragali radix is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history and wide application. It is frequently used in prescriptions with other medicinal materials to replenish Qi. According to the classics of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragali radix is attributed with properties such as Qi replenishing and surface solidifying, sore healing and muscle generating, and inducing diuresis to reduce edema. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that some extracts and active ingredients in Astragali radix function as antioxidants. The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids in Astragali radix offer beneficial effects in preventing and controlling diseases caused by oxidative stress. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the effective components and molecular mechanisms through which Astragali radix exerts antioxidant activity. In this paper, we review the active components with antioxidant effects in Astragali radix; summarize the content, bioavailability, and antioxidant mechanisms; and offer a reference for the clinical application of Astragalus and the future development of novel antioxidants.

Keywords: Astragali radix; antioxidant; astragalus polysaccharides; flavonoids compounds; saponins compounds.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Main biological effects of Astragali radix extracts and their bioactive compounds.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The mechanism of Astragalus against oxidative stress through molecular pathways.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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