Astragaloside II

Astragaloside II is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus with theoretical effects on the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Current evidence consists entirely of preclinical speculation without human clinical trials to establish safety or efficacy.

Category: Compound Evidence: 2/10 Tier: Emerging
Astragaloside II — Hermetica Encyclopedia

Origin & History

Astragaloside II is a cycloartane-type triterpene glycoside isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus (also known as Astragalus mongholicus) and related species such as Astragalus sieversianus. This triterpenoid saponin has a molecular formula of C₄₃H₇₀O₁₅ and molecular weight of 827.0 g/mol, extracted from plant roots using standard phytochemical methods.

Historical & Cultural Context

While the parent plant Astragalus membranaceus is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, no direct traditional uses are attributed specifically to Astragaloside II. The compound appears alongside related astragalosides in Astragalus species but lacks documented historical context or traditional indications.

Health Benefits

• No human clinical trials have been conducted on Astragaloside II to establish health benefits
• Potentially targets MAPK/ERK pathway based on preliminary research (evidence quality: theoretical only)
• May interact with membrane transporters and ion channels (evidence quality: preclinical speculation)
• Classified as orally active compound (evidence quality: no human bioavailability data)
• Parent plant Astragalus membranaceus has traditional uses, but no benefits specifically attributed to Astragaloside II

How It Works

Astragaloside II theoretically modulates the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway based on preliminary research. The compound may interact with membrane transporters and ion channels, though these mechanisms remain speculative. No specific molecular targets or enzymatic pathways have been definitively established through rigorous research.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses specifically on Astragaloside II have been conducted. Research is limited to structural, chemical, and preclinical characterization studies without any PubMed PMIDs for human studies available.

Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted on Astragaloside II to establish health benefits, safety profiles, or effective dosages. The existing evidence consists entirely of theoretical mechanisms derived from preliminary research. All claimed benefits are based on preclinical speculation rather than controlled human studies. The lack of clinical data makes it impossible to quantify therapeutic outcomes or establish evidence-based recommendations.

Nutritional Profile

Astragaloside II is a pure isolated triterpenoid saponin compound (molecular formula: C44H72O14, molecular weight: 813.03 g/mol), not a whole food ingredient, therefore conventional macronutrient and micronutrient classifications do not apply. As a single bioactive molecule, it contains no protein, fat, dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals. It is a cycloartane-type tetracyclic triterpenoid glycoside structurally related to Astragaloside IV, featuring a triterpenoid aglycone (cycloastragenol) backbone with two sugar moieties (one glucose and one xylose unit) attached. Typical research-grade preparations are ≥98% purity by HPLC. It is naturally present in Astragalus membranaceus root at trace concentrations, estimated at significantly lower levels than Astragaloside IV (which itself occurs at roughly 0.02–0.04% of dry root weight); precise quantification of Astragaloside II in raw plant material is not well-established in published literature. Bioavailability in humans has not been formally studied; preclinical data suggest saponins of this class undergo partial hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, with low oral absorption rates generally observed for glycosylated triterpenoids (typically <5% in animal models). The compound's primary relevance is as an isolated phytochemical bioactive, not as a nutritional source.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for Astragaloside II as no human trials have been conducted. Forms, standardization details, and safe dosing parameters remain undetermined. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Other astragalosides, Astragalus membranaceus extract, compounds targeting MAPK/ERK pathway

Safety & Interactions

Safety data for Astragaloside II is non-existent due to the absence of human clinical trials. Potential drug interactions, contraindications, and side effects remain unknown and unstudied. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical research. Given the theoretical nature of all current evidence, safety profiles cannot be determined without proper human studies.