Research review on the pharmacological effects of astragaloside IV

Astragalus membranaceus Bunge has been used to treat numerous diseases for thousands of years. As the main active substance of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, astragaloside IV (AS-IV) also demonstrates the potent protective effect on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy. Based on studies published during the past several decades, the current state of AS-IV research and the pharmacological effects are detailed, elucidated, and summarized. This review systematically summarizes the pharmacological effects, metabolism mechanism, and the toxicity of AS-IV. AS-IV has multiple pharmacologic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antioxidative stress, anti-asthma, antidiabetes, immunoregulation, and cardioprotective effect via numerous signaling pathways. According to the existing studies and clinical practices, AS-IV possesses potential for broad application in many diseases.