An experimental cell study investigated how an extract from Astragalus membranaceus affects macrophages. Macrophages are cells of the innate immune system that play a role in inflammatory and defense reactions, among other things.
The focus of the study was on changes in cell migration, the release of certain immune signaling molecules, and the potential involvement of the enzyme heparanase. The results come from a laboratory model and cannot be directly applied to immune effects in humans.
What was investigated in the study?
The researchers studied so-called Ana-1 macrophages in the laboratory. The cells were treated with various concentrations of an extract from Astragalus membranaceus. Subsequently, cell viability, cell migration, and the release and gene expression of the immune signaling molecules IL-1β and TNF-α were determined, among other things. Additionally, the activity of the enzyme heparanase (HPA) was examined. PubMed
To examine the potential role of heparanase more closely, the researchers additionally used an antibody against HPA and observed how this changed cell migration and the release of the immune signaling molecules.
What results were observed?
The Astragalus membranaceus extract influenced the migration of macrophages in the cell model and altered the release of the immune signaling molecules IL-1β and TNF-α.
The results also indicated that heparanase could be involved in these changes. When heparanase was experimentally inhibited, cell migration and the release of the investigated signaling molecules also changed. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
However, it is important to note: This is a laboratory study on cells. It cannot be inferred from this that Astragalus membranaceus prevents infections in humans, improves the immune response, or is therapeutically effective.
How should the results be interpreted?
The study provides mechanistic evidence of how components of Astragalus membranaceus can influence certain macrophage functions in the laboratory.
However, this type of cell study is not sufficient for a medical evaluation in humans. This would require controlled clinical trials in which efficacy, dosage, safety, and potential interactions are systematically tested.
Further information on scientific research with Astragalus membranaceus can be found in our article „Astragalus membranaceus and cancer research: What do studies show?“.
Original publication
The full study and further details on methodology and results can be found in the original publication.
