Astragalus Mongholicus: A Review of its Pharmacological Mechanisms Against Gastric Cancer

Introduction

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is an outstanding traditional medicinal herb that has been highly utilised for many decades in China, mainly as an adaptogen. Several medicinal functions have been associated with the components of astragalus, such as antitumour, anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, antioxidative, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective functions. In addition to providing future ideas on the pharmacological effects of AM in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC), this review aims to elucidate the active components of AM and its antitumour effects in GC, as well as highlight the existing experimental studies on the mechanism of AM in GC.

Methods

Literature publications relevant to the aim of the study were screened from Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. ‘Astragalus mongholicus,’ ‘Astragalus mongholicus, Gastric Cancer,’ ‘Astragalus Polysaccharides, Gastric Cancer,’ ‘Astragalus Saponins, Gastric Cancer,’ and ‘Flavonoids of Astragalus’ were the key terms used.

Results

Studies showed that the mechanism of action of AM in GC mainly includes suppression of cellular migration, proliferation, and invasion of GC cells. Furthermore, AM promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by regulating several intracellular signalling pathways involved mainly in the immune system and inflammation.

Conclusions

The main active ingredients of AM, such as Astragalus polysaccharide, Astragaloside IV, and flavonoids like calycosin, play a major role in attenuating GC. The compounds were found to possess potent antitumour effects against GC and have to be further evaluated. Astragalus membranaceus is also a potential adjuvant chemotherapy agent.