Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ASTRAGALUS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Adjustment effect of Radix Astragalus and Radix Angelicae sinensis on TNF-alpha and bFGF on renal injury induced by ischemia reperfusion in rabbit].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of Astragalus membeanaceus and Angelica sinensis inrenal ischemia reperfusion injury of rabbits. METHOD: Thirty-four heathy mature Japanese big-ear rabbits were randomized into control group, IR model group, Astragalus Membeanaceus + IR groupand Danggui + IR group. Renal ischemia lasted for 1 hour and then the renal reperfusion lasted for 48 hours. At the end, kidneys were observed with Electron Microscopy and the level of Cr in serum and the level of TNF-alpha and bFGF in kidneys were measured. RESULT: The changes of kidneys in IR model group were significant, but they were slight in Astragalus Membeanaceus + IR group and Danggui + IR group. The level of Cr in serum and the level of TNF-alpha in kidneys of IR model group were higher and yet the level of bFGF decreased obviously. The level of Cr and TNF-alpha in Astragalus Membeanaceus + IR group and Danggui + IR group was lower than that in IR model group and the level of bFGF was higher than that in IR model group. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of Astragalus Membeanaceus and Danggui in remedying renal IR injury may be relative to their regulation of TNF-alpha, bFGF and other cytokines.

Angelica sinensis↗
PubMed2003

[Comparative study on angiogenesis effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in chick embryo choriollantoic membrane].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the angiogenesis effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis with different ratio in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). METHOD: Chicken CAM model was adopted. The rat blood serum containing different ratio of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis was put daily into 3-day chick embryo. CAMs and CAM angiogenesis were observed at 72 h after incubation. RESULT: Better effects were obtained in the formation of capillary and the count of blood vessel in groups treated by Astragalus memhranaceus and Angelica sinensis in the ratio of five to one, compared with the NS control group and the other ratio groups of Astragalus memhranaceus and Angelica sinensis. CONCLUSION: Astragalus memhranaceus and Angelica sinensis in 5:1 ratio have certain promotive effect on the formation of capillary. The Danggui Buxue Decoction has the best ratio.

Angelica sinensis↗
PubMed2006

[Effects of Astragalus injection on renal tubular function in patients with IgA nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the renal tubular function and the severity of tubulo interstitial lesion and the effects of Astragalus Injection (AI) on renal tubular function in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with IgAN were randomly divided into the control group and the astragalus group, both received dipyridamole and benazepril orally, while the astragalus group treated with AI by intravenous dripping additionally. The indices for renal tubular function, including protein in blood and urine, urinary retinol binding protein (RBP) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG), were detected. Area of glomerular Bowman capsule, renal tubules, and capillary were measured with color magic image analysis system type CMIAS2000. RESULTS: Urinary RBP and UNAG were correlated with tubulointerstitial lesion. Urine protein concentration decreased, blood albumin increased remarkably and renal tubular function improved after treatment in the astragalus group, with the improvement significantly different to those in the control group respectively. CONCLUSION: The severity of tubulointerstitial lesion was positively related to urinary RBP concentration, and astragalus injection has obvious effect on IgAN.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Effect of acupoint injection by Astragalus injection on local SIgA and pathomorphology changes in rats with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupoint injection by astragalus injection on local SIgA and pathomorphologial changes in rats with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID). METHOD: 50 female Wistar rats were randomly devided into 6 groups, in which CPID model was made except the normal group and sham operation group. The astragalus injection group and the 0.9% NaCl injection group were treated by acupoint injection in Guanyuan (RN4) and Zusanli (ST36). The group was fed Qianjinpian solution into stomach. The histopathologic changes of rats' uterus of each group were observed and SIgA in vagina flushing was detected. RESULT: The model group showed inflammatory changes, and astragalus injection group and Qianjinpian group showed little histopathologic changes. The levels of SIgA in astragalus injection group were significantly higher than those in other groups, but that in the model group was the lowest. CONCLUSION: The deficiency of local SIgA lead to repeatedly attack of CPID. The treatment of acupoint injection by astragalus injection can improve the excretion of SIgA, reinforce the local immunity, and prevent the repeatedly attack.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2006

Molecular identification of Astragalus membranaceus at the species and locality levels.

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, a commonly used Chinese medicinal material, from certain localities contains more favourable trace elements and fewer harmful trace elements than those from other localities. Therefore, there is a need to distinguish Astragalus membranaceus from different localities. Internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene of 23 Astragalus membranaceus samples were sequenced to confirm the species of the samples. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (APPCR) was then used to obtain unique fingerprints for each sample using several primers. The presence and absence of bands were used for calculating mean similarity indexes among the samples. It was found that the Heilongjiang samples were markedly distinguishable from samples of other localities. In addition, bands common for samples from the same locality were also identified and used to distinguish samples from Neimengu and Shanxi. Therefore, Astragalus membranaceus from these provinces, the major cultivation places in China, can be differentiated.

Astragalus propinquus↗
PubMed2004

Antifibrotic effect of the Chinese herbs, Astragalus mongholicus and Angelica sinensis, in a rat model of chronic puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis.

UNLABELLED: Nephrotic syndrome has long been treated in China with two herbs, Astragalus mongholicus and Angelica sinensis, which may have antifibrotic effects. METHODS: Rats with chronic puromycin-induced nephrosis were treated with Astragalus and Angelica 3 mL/d (n = 7) or enalapril 10 mg/kg/d (n = 7). Normal control rats (n = 7) received saline rather than puromycin, and an untreated control group (n = 7) received puromycin but no treatment. After 12 weeks, stained sections of the glomerulus and tubulointerstitium were evaluated for injury. Immunohistochemistry staining measured extracellular matrix components, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), osteopontin, ED-1-positive cells, and alpha-actin. TGFbeta1 mRNA was assessed by in situ hybridization. Renin, ACE activity, angiotensin, and aldosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay or colorimetry. In the untreated rats, chronic renal injury progressed to marked fibrosis at 12 weeks. Astragalus and Angelica significantly reduced deterioration of renal function and histologic damage. Expressions of type III and IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin also decreased significantly. This anti-fibrotic effect was similar to that of enalapril. The herbs had no effect on the renin-angiotensin system but did reduce the number of ED-1-positive, and alpha-actin positive cells and expression of osteopontin compared to untreated controls. The combination of Astragalus and Angelica retarded the progression of renal fibrosis and deterioration of renal function with comparable effects of enalapril. These effects were not caused by blocking the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system, but associated with suppression of the overexpression of TGFbeta1 and osteopontin, reduction of infiltrating macrophages, and less activation of renal intrinsic cells [corrected].

Angelica sinensis↗
PubMed2006

Astragalus saponins induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells and tumor xenograft.

Astragalus memebranaceus is used as immunomodulating agent in treating immunodeficiency diseases and to alleviate the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. In recent years, it has been proposed that Astragalus may possess anti-tumorigenic potential in certain cancer cell types. In this study, the anti-carcinogenic effects of Astragalus saponin extract were investigated in HT-29 human colon cancer cells and tumor xenograft. Our findings have shown that Astragalus saponins (AST) inhibit cell proliferation through accumulation in S phase and G2/M arrest, with concomitant suppression of p21 expression and inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase activity. Besides, AST promotes apoptosis in HT-29 cells through caspase 3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, which is indicated by DNA fragmentation and nuclear chromatin condensation. Nevertheless, we also demonstrate the anti-tumorigenic effects of AST in vivo, of which the reduction of tumor volume as well as pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in HT-29 nude mice xenograft are comparable with that produced by the conventional chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In addition, the side effects (body weight drop and mortality) associated with the drug combo 5-FU and oxaliplatin are not induced by AST. These results indicate that AST could be an effective chemotherapeutic agent in colon cancer treatment, which might also be used as an adjuvant in combination with other orthodox chemotherapeutic drugs to reduce the side effects of the latter compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Astragalus mongholicus and Polygonum multiflorum's protective function against cyclophosphamide inhibitory effect on thymus.

The protective effects of two Chinese herbs, astragalus mongholicus, polygonum multiflorum and astragalus mongholicus-polygonum multiflorum in combination against thymus injury induced by cyclophosphamide were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, image analysis, DNA gel electrophoresis as well as flow cytometry. Results showed that mice pretreated with cyclophosphamide had degenerated thymus with less normal thymocytes; when those mice were treated with the herbs, thymus morphology improved. The apoptosis analysis showed the thymus treated with the herbs had fewer apoptotic thymocytes than the thymus pretreated with cyclophosphamide only. In conclusion, astragalus mongholicus and polygonum multiflorum have protective effects on the thymus against cyclophosphamide-induced injury. Their protective effects partly attribute to reduced apoptosis. Astragalus mongholicus-polygonum multiflorum in combination has better effects than either of the two herbs.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Astragalus-based Chinese herbs and platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: meta-analysis of randomized trials.

PURPOSE: Systemic treatments for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer have low efficacy and high toxicity. Some Chinese herbal medicines have been reported to increase chemotherapy efficacy and reduce toxicity. In particular, Astragalus has been shown to have immunologic benefits by stimulating macrophage and natural killer cell activity and inhibiting T-helper cell type 2 cytokines. Many published studies have assessed the use of Astragalus and other Chinese herbal medicines in combination with chemotherapy. We sought to evaluate evidence from randomized trials that Astragalus-based Chinese herbal medicine combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (versus platinum-based chemotherapy alone) improves survival, increases tumor response, improves performance status, or reduces chemotherapy toxicity. METHODS: We searched CBM, MEDLINE, TCMLARS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CCRCT databases for studies in any language. We grouped studies using the same herbal combinations for random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of 1,305 potentially relevant publications, 34 randomized studies representing 2,815 patients met inclusion criteria. Twelve studies (n = 940 patients) reported reduced risk of death at 12 months (risk ratio [RR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.87). Thirty studies (n = 2,472) reported improved tumor response data (RR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.46). In subgroup analyses, Jin Fu Kang in two studies (n = 221 patients) reduced risk of death at 24 months (RR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.68) and in three studies (n = 411) increased tumor response (RR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.53). Ai Di injection (four studies; n = 257) stabilized or improved Karnofsky performance status (RR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.46). CONCLUSION: Astragalus-based Chinese herbal medicine may increase effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy when combined with chemotherapy. These results require confirmation with rigorously controlled trials.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2001

[The effects of astragalus and shenmai injections on macrophage function in burned mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the dynamic postburn change in macrophage function in burned mice within 120 hrs after injury, and to investigate the effects of astragalus and shenmai injections on the macrophage function and surrvival rate of burned mice. METHODS: The mice were divided into 13 groups according to postburn time and handling methods, i,e, normal control (A), burn control (B), normal mice with astragalus (NA), normal mice with shenmai (NS), burned mice with astragal (BA), burned mice with shenmai (BS) 2 postburn hour (2 PBH), 6 PBH, 12 PBH, 24 PBH, 48 PBH, 72 PBH, 120 PBH groups. The changes in the various macrophage functions at different postburn time points and after the use of astragalus and shenmai injections were determined by means of phagocytic and RT-PCR methods. RESULTS: (1) Within 120 PBHs, the phagocytic function of murine macrophages decreased evidently. The ACP activity decreased obviously. The expression of IL-15 mRNA fluctuated and that of TNF mRNA enhanced significantly. (2) Five days after the application of astragalus in dose of 2 500 mg . kg(-1) .d(-1), the phagocytic function of macrophages and ACP activity increased markedly (P < 0.01). The expressions of IL-15 and TNF mRNAs were not influenced. The survival rate of mice was not increased. (3) Five days after the application of shenmai injection in dose of 2.5 ml . kg(-1) . d(-1), the phagocytic function of macrophages and ACP activity increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the expression of IL-15 mRNA exhibited no change. But the expression of TNFalpha mRNA decreased obviously (P < 0.01). Moreover, the survival rate of burned mice was evidently raised (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Peritoneal administration of shenmai injection at early postburn stage could significantly improve the macrophage function of burned mice, and it increase the survival rate of mice.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2004

[Experimental study of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus against herpes simplex virus type 1].

OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effects of Astragalus membranaceus on herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1). METHODS: In the 2BS cells infected with HSV-1, the antiviral effect of Astragalus membranaceus decoction was investigated by observing the inhibition of HSV-1-induced cytopathic effect in response to treatment with the decoction. RESULTS: The half inhibition concentration (IC50) and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of Astragalus membranaceus were 0.98 and 1.95 g/ml respectively, with the therapeutic index (TI) of 128. CONCLUSION: Astragalus membranaceus has obvious HSV-1-inhibiting efficacy and low cytotoxicity.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2004

[Effects of astragalus membranaceus injection on sperm abnormality in Cd-induced rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of astragalus membranaceus injection on sperm abnormality in Cd-induced rats. METHODS: Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: low concentration abstragalus membranaceus group(A1), high concentration astragalus membranaceus group(A2), cyclophosphamide group (CP), cadmium chloride group (Cd) and control group (C). Astragalus membranaceus injections 5 g/(kg.d) or 10 g/(kg.d) were given intraperitoneally to the rats of the A1, A2, CP and Cd groups. After 7 days, cadmium chloride(0.2 mg Cd/kg body weight) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection stimultaneously to the A1, A2 and Cd group rats. At 22 d after cadmium chloride induction, the rats were sacrificed and the testis coefficient, testicular sperm count, daily sperm production, epididymal sperm count and percentage of sperm abnorality were observed, and the testes and epididymides were studied pathologically. RESULTS: Testis coefficient, testicular sperm count, daily sperm production and epididymal sperm count in the A2 group [(5.68 +/- 1.19), (49.01 +/- 8.78) x 10(6)/g, (10.25 +/- 2.30) x 10(6)/(g.d), (47.51 +/- 22.51) x 10(6)/ml] increased significantly compared with those of the Cd group [(3.11 +/- 0.16), (37.59 +/- 10.63) x 10(6)/g, (5.31 +/- 0.32) x 10(6)/(g.d), (10.89 +/- 2.45) x 10(6)/ml] (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The percentage of sperm abnormality in the A2 group [(7.04 +/- 0.12)%] decreased significantly compared with that of the Cd group [(17.81 +/- 1.55)%] (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As an antimutagen astragalus membranaceus has practical value in occupational protection against Cd-induced genetic damage.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The protective effects of three components isolated from Astragalus membranaceus on shock wave lithotripsy induced kidney injury in rabbit model].

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is has been shown to reduce renal parenchymal injury subject to application of shock wave lithotripsy in our pervious study. To investigate the protective action of three main components from Astragalus membranaceus, including total saponins of astragalus (TSA), total flavonoids of astragalus (TFA) total polysaccharide of astragalus (TPA) in alleviating shock wave induced kidney damage. METHODS: Sixty four male rabbits were randomly assigned to a control group or to 3 groups that were premedicated with TSA TFA and TPA respectively prior to application of ESWL. Each group of animals underwent shock wave lithotripsy (18 kV) to the right kidneys and received a total of 1500 shocks. Peripheral blood samples were collected to evaluate the levels of plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), plasma nitric oxide (NO) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) before and after shock wave treatment. The concentrations of these markers in the treated kidney tissues were also detected 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after application of ESWL. The changes of histopathology and cells ultrastructure were observed through light microscope and electron microscope. Untreated contralateral kidneys were evaluated as controls. RESULTS: In control serials the levels of ET-1 and MDA were elevated significantly while the level of NO was significantly decreased after application of shock wave lithotripsy (P < 0.05). The comparison between the controls and premedicated groups demonstrated that all these three components especially TSA and TFA significantly inhibited shock wave induced increasing of ET-1 and MDA (P < 0.05). TSA also significantly suppressed the decrease of NO and made the recovery time earlier compare to the results of controls (P < 0.05). However, TFA and TPA had almost no effects on the change of NO. (P > 0.05). The results in histopathology showed noticeably damage of glomerular and tubular epithelial cells in the treated kidneys in the controls. The histological alterations in the TPA group were similar to those of the controls. These alterations were significantly milder in the TSA and TFA particular the TSA group. CONCLUSION: TFA and TSA, especially TSA seemed to play the key role in alleviating ESWL induced kidney damage.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Effects of components isolated from Astragalus mongholicus on expression of p-selectin in shock wave induced kidney injury in rabbit model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effective components of Astragalus mongholicus and their mechanisms in alleviating extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) induced kidney injury. METHOD: 69 male rabbits were randomly assigned into control group, sham treatment group, Total Saponins of Astragalus (TSA) group, Total Flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) group, and Total Polysaccharide of Astragalus group (TPA). The shock wave treated kidneys were observed for the expression of p-selectin and the change of cells ultrastructure pre and post ESWL. The concentration of Maleic Dialdehyde (MDA) as well as activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the kidney tissues was also analyzed. RESULT: After application of shock wave treatment, p-selectin was expressed extensively in renal glomerulus, renal tubules and renal interstitium of the treated kidneys. It showed a significant increase of MDA levels and decrease of SOD activity in control group (P < 0.05) after ESWL. The comparison between controls and TSA group demonstrated that TSA could significantly reduce the positive rate of p-selectin P < 0.05) and alleviate the injuries of cells ultrastructure. The results also showed a significant decrease of MDA levels and increase of SOD activity in TSA group compared to controls (P < 0.05). The protective effects of TFA and TPA in alleviating kidney injury induced by shock wave were lower than those of TSA; they had no effects of the expression of P-selectin. CONCLUSION: TSA is the main components of A. mongholicus in alleviating shock wave induced kidney injury not only by scavenging oxygen free radicals but also inhibiting the expression of p-selectin.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Treatment of leucopenia with pure Astragalus preparation--an analysis of 115 leucopenic cases].

This article reports the effects of pure Astragalus preparation (PAP) in treating 115 cases of leucopenia. These cases were randomized and divided into two groups. Group I (58 cases) was treated by more concentrated PAP (every 10 ml equalled to 15 grams of Astragalus), Group II (57 cases) was treated by less concentrated PAP (every 10 ml equalled to 5 grams of Astragalus). The patients took the PAP twice a day, 10 ml each time. The course of treatment was 8 weeks for both groups. The results showed that effectiveness in Group I was 82.76%, while in Group II 47.37%, with a total effective rate of 65.22%, they were statistically different (P < 0.01). According to the comparison of average WBC counts after treatment, Group I was significantly higher than that of Group II (P < 0.05). There was an obvious rise of the WBC counts in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001). The results were dose-dependent. The author holds that Astragalus is an effective drug in treating leucopenia, and increasing the dosage could enhance its effectiveness.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Studies of chemical constituents and their antioxidant activities from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidant activities of different chemical constituents from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and their protection against xanthine (XA)/xanthine oxidase (XO)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. METHODS: The compounds of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge were isolated by chromatography and the structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data interpretation. Their antioxidant activities were detected by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities in a cell-free system. Meanwhile, the effects against XA/XO-induced toxicity were assessed using MTT assay in PC12 cells. RESULTS: Ten principal constituents were isolated and identified as formononetin (I), ononin (II), calycosin (III), calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (IV), 9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (V), adenosine (VI), pinitol (VII), daucosterol (VIII), beta-sitoster (IX) and saccharose (X) from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge. The compounds I, III, and IV scavenged DPPH free radicals in vitro. Formononetin and calycosin were found to inhibit XA/XO-induced cell injury significantly, with an estimated EC50 of 50 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Compound II, VI, and VII are first reported in this plant. Calycosin exhibits the most potent antioxidant activity both in the cell-free system and in the cell system.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Astragalus prevents diabetic rats from developing cardiomyopathy by downregulating angiotensin II type2 receptors' expression.

This study examined the potential roles of astragalus and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy. Of 52 female 4-week-old Wistar rats treated with high glucose and lipid diet to induce insulin resistance, 7 treated with sodium citrate buffer (pH=4.5) served as controls (con1) and the other 45 were treated by intraperitoneal injection (ip) of STZ to induce type 2 diabetes. After 20 weeks, the maximal velocity decrease of pressure per second in left ventricle within the period of isovolumic relaxation (-dp/dtmax) was detected by inserting cannula through right carotid artery. Of the 45 rats, 24 with -dp/dtmax < or = 700 mmHg/s (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) developing diabetic cardiomyopathy were grouped as follows: 7 treated with double distilled H2O (ip) were included in control group 2 (con2); other 8 treated with AT2 agonist (CGP42112A, ip) were included in experimental group1 (exp); 9 treated with astragalus (po) constituted experimental group 2 (exp2). All injections lasted 4 weeks (qd) and the heart weight (HW) was recorded. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis index (CAI), mRNA of AT2 and Bcl-2 as well as AT2 and Bcl-2 protein values in cardiomyocytes were also measured. Our results showed that -dp/dtmax in exp1, exp2 and con2 were much lower than those in con1 (P<0.01). CAI and AT2 in both mRNA and protein in con1 were lower than those in the other three groups (P<0.01). The three parameters above were higher in exp1 but less in exp2 than those in con2, respectively (P<0.01). The three parameters and HW in exp1 were much higher than those in exp2 (P<0.01). Changes of Bcl-2 were opposite to those of AT2. Our results suggested that high expression of AT2 might accelerate the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in diabetic rats and play an important role in precipitating diabetic cardiomyopathy and astragalus protects diabetic rats from developing cardiomyopathy by downregulating AT2.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Influence of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. on phagocytic cells in Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters.

A purified saponin mixture (PSM) from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. protected significantly hamsters against the experimental Graffi myeloid tumor. The application of PSM increased the survival rates, prolonged mean survival time and the tumor growth was markedly reduced. A purified saponin mixture (PSM) of Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. was evaluated for its immunostimulating potentials on the phagocytic cells in Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters. The number, migration and phagocytic indexes of peritoneal macrophages (pMøs) and of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were evaluated in healthy and Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters (G-TBH) treated with PSM. It was established that the Graffi myeloid tumor induced suppression of the phagocytic abilities of pMøs and PMNs. The number and migration of pMøs was significantly decreased during the whole period of observation. All tested parameters-number, migration and phagocytic activities of pMøs, as well as phagocytic ability of PMNs increased significantly in healthy and G-TBH after i.p. application of the 50 mg/kg body weight PSM. The PMS extracts from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. are isolated and examined and their immunostimulating and immunorestorating impact on phagocitic cells was proven for the first time. This effect could be due to their high content of purified saponins.

Animals↗