Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), often referred to as the “King of Qi-Tonifying Herbs” in traditional Chinese medicine, has attracted growing attention in both the health industry and scientific research. According to recent market reports, Astragalus ranked among the top-selling food-medicine homologous ingredients in 2024, with online sales increasing by more than 75%. Meanwhile, new experimental findings published in Pharmaceuticals suggest that astragalin, one of the key flavonoid compounds in Astragalus, may regulate glucose uptake and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cell lines. This article summarizes the latest research findings on astragalin’s effects on β-cell function and reviews the traditional uses, active compounds, and broader health-related properties of Astragalus, including immune modulation, anti-fatigue activity, and hepatoprotective potential.
Astragalin May Regulate Insulin Secretion
As a widely used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Astragalus is often described as the “King of Qi-Tonifying Herbs.” According to the report “Digital Insights: Decoding the Most Promising Ingredients and Tracks in the Food-Medicine Homology Market” released by Magic Mirror Insight (hereinafter referred to as the “Report”), online sales of Astragalus reached 1.7 billion yuan in 2024, ranking seventh among food-medicine homologous ingredients, with an impressive 75.2% growth rate, the highest among all ingredients.
In March this year, a study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals reported that astragalin, a major active component of Astragalus, can regulate glucose uptake and insulin secretion in β-cell lines.
MDPI
Astragalin Enhances Glucose Uptake
In this study, researchers used the mouse MIN6 β-cell line to evaluate glucose uptake and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), while rat INS-1 β-cell lines were used for electrophysiological analysis.
The results showed that MIN6 cells pretreated with astragalin for 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of exposure to 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), exhibited a significant increase in glucose uptake. Notably, both tested concentrations (50 µM and 100 µM) promoted glucose uptake, with the 100 µM concentration showing a stronger effect.
Effect of Astragalus on glucose uptake in MIN6 cells.
Insulin secretion tests showed that, compared with the control group, treatment with astragalin (100 µM for 1 hour) significantly increased insulin secretion, demonstrating an effect similar to that of glibenclamide. Importantly, the insulin secretion induced by the combined use of astragalin and glibenclamide was even greater than when either compound was used alone.
Electrophysiological experiments further showed that astragalin reduced potassium channel currents in pancreatic β-cells. Both ATP-sensitive potassium channels and voltage-dependent potassium channels are involved in the insulin secretion process in pancreatic β-cells. Closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels leads to membrane depolarization, which subsequently triggers the opening of calcium channels and the release of insulin. In addition, inhibition of voltage-dependent potassium channels can prevent membrane repolarization, prolonging the depolarized state of the cells and thereby maintaining insulin secretion.
Astragalus: A Traditional Herb with Multiple Bioactive Compounds
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge) is a perennial herb belonging to the Leguminosae family, and its dried root—derived from either Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus mongholicus—is commonly used as a medicinal material. Its medicinal use has a long history, with the earliest record appearing in the ancient Chinese text “Shennong Bencao Jing.” The traditional materia medica “Bencao Huiyan” describes it as “a medicine that tonifies the lungs and spleen, strengthens the body’s defensive energy, reduces sweating, and expels pathogenic factors.”
Astragalus has also historically been consumed as a food ingredient in regions such as Shanxi and Gansu provinces in China, and in 2023 it was officially included in the list of food-medicine homologous substances.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Astragalus is considered slightly warm in nature, associated with the spleen and lung meridians, and is believed to have functions such as tonifying qi, strengthening immunity, and promoting diuresis to relieve edema. It has therefore been widely used for conditions such as physical weakness, spleen deficiency, and edema.
To date, more than 200 active compounds have been identified in Astragalus. These are mainly classified into polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids. Astragalin mentioned in the above study belongs to the flavonoid category.
1) Polysaccharides
Astragalus polysaccharides are the major components of the root and exhibit pharmacological activities such as immune enhancement.
2) Saponins
Saponins are represented by astragaloside IV, which has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and metabolic regulatory effects.
3) Flavonoids
Flavonoid compounds include astragalin, calycosin, formononetin, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside, among others. The content of flavonoids varies between the aboveground and underground parts of the plant, with the roots and rhizomes containing abundant flavonoid aglycones and glycosides.
Other Potential Health Benefits of Astragalus
1) Anti-Fatigue Effects
Related studies have shown that Astragalus may improve exercise performance and alleviate fatigue in trained mice. In one experiment, male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups, receiving different solvents or Astragalus extracts via oral administration for six weeks. Researchers evaluated exercise performance and anti-fatigue effects by monitoring serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase levels after exercise.
The results indicated that exercise training combined with Astragalus supplementation improved endurance performance and increased glycogen levels in both liver and muscle tissues. Under acute exercise stress, Astragalus supplementation reduced the accumulation of exercise-induced blood lactate and ammonia metabolites.
2) Immune Regulation
Astragalus and its active compounds have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects. Research suggests that Astragalus polysaccharides can enhance the functions of macrophages, natural killer cells, T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and microglial cells, while also inducing the production of various cytokines and improving the composition of the gut microbiota.
3) Liver Protection
Studies have found that astragaloside IV (AS-IV) can enhance the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the presence of acetaminophen (APAP), while reducing the expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). AS-IV also decreases the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1).
These findings demonstrate that AS-IV protects against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway.
Market and Applications of Astragalus
Globally, Astragalus is mainly used in dietary supplements, commonly available in forms such as capsules, tinctures, and tablets. The most common product claims include supporting immune health and liver function.
In 2023, Astragalus was officially approved as a food-medicine homologous substance in China, expanding its application from health supplements to conventional food products. In addition, Astragalus is also widely used in cosmetic formulations.