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Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness of the central nervous system (CNS), affects both the brain and the spinal cord. Its most notable pathogenic symptom is demyelination. In the US, approximately 3-4 lakh people are affected by MS. The dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (ASM) i.e. Astragali radix has a wider range of pharmacological activities such as cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, anti-virus, antioxidant, immuno-modulation and neuroprotection. The aim of this study is to review the potential use and underlying mechanisms of ASM as an alternative therapy for MS. We review of the literature related to ASM was carried out. Review of the literature revealed that ASM has potential to treat demyelinating diseases such as MS by altering neuromodulators such as NF-κB, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-β. It also improves neuroinflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. It shows protective effects on MS by (1) altering Th1 and Th17 (2) upregulating PD-1/PD-Ls pathway (3) reducing the MHC I, CD11c, CD86, CD40 expression (4) modulating JAK/STAT and NF-κB pathway. As in the Conclusion this review summarizes the most recent findings in ASM research. It can be concluded that ASM can be a beneficial approach for the treatment of MS. This review supplies good support for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gansu is known as the "Millennium medicine town" and "natural medicine storehouse", and the quality and quantity of Chinese medicine are of high standard. Astragalus membranaceus is also one of the abundant traditional Chinese medicines in Gansu, and saponins in Astragalus membranaceus have the effects of strengthening heart and protecting liver. Therefore, in this study, the content of total saponins in Astragalus from 7 producing areas in Gansu was detected and evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]