Astragaloside A
[CAS# 83207-58-3]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Natural biochemical product
• Name: Astragaloside A
• Synonyms: Astragaloside IV
• Molecular Formula: C₄₁H₆₈O₁₄
• Molecular Weight: 784.97
• CAS Registry Number: 83207-58-3
• SMILES: C[C@]12CC[C@@]34C[C@@]35CC[C@@H](C([C@@H]5[C@H](C[C@H]4[C@@]1(C[C@@H]([C@@H]2[C@@]6(CC[C@@H](O6)C(C)(C)O)C)O)C)O[C@H]7[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O7)CO)O)O)O)(C)C)O[C@H]8[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](CO8)O)O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.4±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 895.7±65.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 495.5±34.3 °C (Calc.)^*
• Solubility: DMSO: 10 mM (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.621 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Discovery and Applications

Astragaloside A is a cycloartane-type saponin primarily isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Chemically, it consists of a triterpenoid aglycone linked to sugar moieties, including glucose and xylose units, which contribute to its water solubility and bioactivity. Astragaloside A has attracted scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

The discovery of astragaloside A emerged from phytochemical investigations into the active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus during the mid-20th century. Through solvent extraction, column chromatography, and spectroscopic techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), researchers were able to isolate and elucidate the structure of astragaloside A. These studies laid the foundation for subsequent pharmacological research on its therapeutic potential.

Pharmacologically, astragaloside A exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects. It can enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses by stimulating macrophage activity, increasing natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, and promoting the proliferation of lymphocytes. These effects contribute to improved resistance against infections and modulation of immune system disorders. Astragaloside A also regulates cytokine production, balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators to maintain immune homeostasis.

The compound has demonstrated antioxidant properties, primarily through scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). This activity protects cells and tissues from oxidative stress–induced damage, which is associated with aging, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration.

Cardioprotective effects of astragaloside A have been reported in preclinical studies. It can improve myocardial function, reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury, and inhibit apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. These effects are mediated through modulation of signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK, contributing to enhanced cardiac repair and protection against heart failure and myocardial infarction.

Astragaloside A also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. It can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins, and inhibit key signaling pathways such as NF-κB. This activity underlies its potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory disorders, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.

Neuroprotective effects have been observed with astragaloside A, including attenuation of neuronal apoptosis, reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement in cognitive function in animal models. These properties suggest potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Despite its promising pharmacological profile, astragaloside A has limited oral bioavailability due to poor absorption and rapid metabolism. Research efforts have focused on enhancing delivery through nanoparticle formulations, liposomal encapsulation, and structural modification to improve pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy.

Overall, astragaloside A is a bioactive cycloartane-type saponin with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Its isolation from Astragalus membranaceus and extensive pharmacological studies highlight its significance as a natural compound with broad therapeutic potential.

References

2025. In Vivo Insights into the Role of Astragaloside IV in Preventing and Treating Civilization Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26094250

2025. Astragaloside IV promotes neuronal axon regeneration by inhibiting the PTEN/AKT pathway. Brain Research.
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149451

2025. Inhibition of citrate transport reduces HIF-1α/GABA-T-mediated succinate accumulation in macrophages: The role of astragaloside IV in ischemic stroke. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156449