Astragalus Polysaccharide: Immune-Boosting Potential in Modern Cancer Care

Astragalus Polysaccharide: Immune-Boosting Potential in Modern Cancer Care

In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of Astragalus membranaceus has long been used for its health-supporting properties. In this comprehensive review published in Pharmaceuticals, He and colleagues examine the extract known as astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and its emerging role in cancer immunotherapy.

The authors detail how APS acts on multiple fronts: it stimulates dendritic-cell maturation, enhances T-cell and natural-killer-cell activity, shifts macrophage populations from M2-type (tumour-promoting) to M1-type (tumour-fighting), and induces cancer-cell autophagy or apoptosis via pathways like PI3K/Akt, ERK/MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin. The review also covers pre-clinical evidence that APS reduces tumour growth and metastasis in animal models and supports its safety in human-use contexts.

Clinically, APS is reported in Chinese trials as adjunctive therapy in various cancers—improving immune parameters, reducing chemotherapy side-effects, and potentially enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines. The authors argue that standardised dosing, quality control of extract production, and rigorous clinical studies are needed to translate these findings fully into routine oncology practice.

Overall, this review highlights APS as a multifaceted immunomodulator with promising anti-cancer applications. While still emerging, its integration into integrative oncology protocols may offer meaningful support for immune recovery and therapeutic synergy in cancer care.

Reference:

Xiang P, Luan J, Zhang C, et al. Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immune regulation, anti-tumor effects, and potential application in cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1379539. doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1379539