Why is Astragalus Extract Gaining Attention in the Field of Immunomodulation?
Publish Time: 2025-12-24
Astragalus membranaceus, one of the most representative qi-tonifying herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for over two thousand years. Astragalus extract, obtained from its dried roots through modern extraction technology, is rich in polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and other bioactive components. In recent years, with the deepening of research in immunology and natural medicine, astragalus extract has attracted significant attention from the scientific and industrial communities in the fields of functional foods, health products, and adjuvant therapy due to its significant yet gentle immunomodulatory effects.1. Core Active Ingredients Lay the Foundation for ImmunomodulationThe immunomodulatory efficacy of astragalus extract is mainly attributed to its two key components: astragalus polysaccharides and astragalus saponins. Astragalus polysaccharides are recognized as immune enhancers, capable of activating macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, promoting cytokine secretion, and thus enhancing the body's non-specific immune response. Astragalus saponins exhibit bidirectional regulatory properties—they can enhance the activity of T and B lymphocytes in a state of immunodeficiency, while inhibiting excessive inflammatory responses in a state of immune hyperactivity, demonstrating a high degree of compatibility between the traditional Chinese medicine concept of "strengthening the body's resistance and eliminating pathogenic factors" and modern immune homeostasis regulation.2. Multi-target, multi-level mechanism of actionModern research shows that astragalus extract does not act on a single type of immune cell, but rather synergistically regulates the entire immune network through multiple pathways and targets. For example, it can activate innate immunity through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway; improve allergies or autoimmune tendencies by regulating the Th1/Th2 cell balance; and promote an increase in spleen and thymus indices, enhancing the function of immune organs. Furthermore, astragalus extract can upregulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reducing the damage of oxidative stress to immune cells and indirectly maintaining the healthy state of the immune system. This systemic and holistic regulatory approach gives it unique advantages in dealing with immune dysfunction scenarios such as viral infections, postoperative recovery, and chronic fatigue.3. High Safety and Wide ApplicabilityCompared to chemically synthesized immunostimulants or inhibitors, astragalus extract, derived from natural plants, has extremely low toxicity and side effects, and is well-tolerated with long-term use. Clinical observations and animal experiments have shown that at conventional doses, astragalus extract does not cause excessive activation of the immune system or immune tolerance, making it suitable for the elderly, the frail, and patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, among other people with weakened immune systems. Furthermore, its "regulatory" rather than "stimulatory" properties avoid the risk of triggering autoimmune reactions, reflecting the "mild and effective, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause" characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine.4. Widespread Applications Drive Deeper ResearchAstragalus extract has been widely used in immune-enhancing health products, functional foods, and traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional Chinese medicine formulas containing astragalus were used to improve the resistance of susceptible populations, further validating its practical value.In conclusion, the reason why astragalus extract has received so much attention in the field of immune regulation stems from its rich active ingredients, scientifically validated multi-effect mechanisms, good safety profile, and deep-rooted traditional application foundation. It not only embodies the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine in "strengthening the body's resistance and consolidating its foundation," but also provides a natural and sustainable solution for modern immune health management. With the development of precision medicine and personalized nutrition, astragalus extract is expected to play a greater role in preventive medicine and chronic disease management.
