| Abstract:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous pulmonary disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, it is often classified as conditions such as “lung distension” or “dyspnea” which are characterized by an underlying deficiency and an external excess. Astragali Radix has the effects of tonifying the qi of the lung and spleen, as well as fortifying the defensive qi and consolidating the exterior, which aligns with the pathogenic mechanism of COPD, where qi deficiency is the underlying cause. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that the active components of Astragalus (such as Astragalus polysaccharides and Astragaloside IV) can intervene in the molecular mechanisms of COPD through multiple targets, including the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and immune balance. Furthermore, Astragalus-containing formulations exemplify the holistic intervention characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, characterized by “multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways.” Based on the latest research advances, this article reviews the mechanisms of action of Astragalus’s active components and their formulations in the treatment of COPD, with the aim of providing a reference for the high-value utilization of Astragalus and the development of new drugs. |
