A. membranaceus was also shown to exert significant anti-viral activity in a study on mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus (CVB3) as the herb was demonstrated to suppress viral replication in a viral myocarditis model (Chin. Med.Sci. J. 1995;10:146-50).
In an examination of the effects of 14 Chinese medicinal herbs on lipid peroxidation, investigators found that A. membranaceus conferred significant protection of rat heart mitochondria, inhibiting oxygen consumption and malondialdehyde production (Am J Chin Med. 1994;22:63-70).
In a study over 15 years ago, anti-senility effects were demonstrated by the Chinese herbal formulation Shou Xing Bu Zhi (composed of 13 herbs, including A. membranaceus) in mice. After 3 months of oral administration, liver and brain tissue lipofuscin was markedly decreased in young (1 month old) and adult (11 months) animals, lipid peroxidation was similarly diminished in adult mice, and hydroxyproline of skin was reduced in young and adult mice. Investigators concluded that the herbal combination agent was effective in retarding several markers of aging (Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1989;9:226-7, 198).
A TCM decoction containing Angelica sinensis and A. membranaceus used for stimulating red blood cell production and bolstering cardiovascular function was shown in a rat model to confer myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury (Phytother.Res. 2000;14:195-9).
Various other herbal formulations containing Astragalus have been found to exert a range of health benefits. Injection of Qi-Xue, a Chinese herb combination that contains A. monogholicus, along with Angelica sinensis and Panax ginseng, is thought to prevent severe hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by enhancing heart function (Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 1990;12:51-5). A. membranaceus root is also among a cocktail of herbs contained in Hochuekkito, a Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal) medication recently found in a study of 95 patients to be effective, in combination with dietary changes, in treating recalcitrant atopic dermatitis (Drugs Exp. Clin. Res. 2004;30:197-202). An open-label study of a drug mixture containing five Chinese medicinal herbs including A. membranaceus for treatment of people living with HIV has shown some promise, but requires more investigation. The study revealed that the formulation was safe and effective at decreasing viral load, but an immunologic response in the form of an elevated CD4 count was not established (J. Med .Assoc. Thai. 2004;87:1065-70).
Finally, A. membranaceus has also been demonstrated, in vitro, to significantly improve human sperm motility (Am. J. Chin. Med. 1992;20:289-94).
Astragalus root is available in several forms, including oral, injectable (in the clinical setting), and topical.
Conclusion
Research on A. membranaceus has revealed a remarkable array of medicinal properties, many of which have clear potential for dermatological applications. Much more research is necessary, though, to determine the appropriate medicinal role(s) for this ancient herb.