Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, which may eventually lead to end-stage renal disease. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are the main active components of Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and have been proven to possess multiple functions such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation and immunomodulation in recent years. Based on the multi-dimensional pharmacological effects of scavenging reactive oxygen species and regulating adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase signaling pathway, inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors, and regulating immune responses, APS can reduce the renal injury caused by oxidative stress in patients with DN, reduce the inflammatory response of the kidneys, improve the immune microcirculation, exhibit renal protective effects, and ultimately delay the progression of DN. However, APS are macromolecular mixtures by acidic heteropolysaccharides and dextran, with poor membrane permeability and low oral bioavailability, which limit their clinical application. This article reviews the mechanism of action of APS in treatment of DN based on their multi-dimensional pharmacological effects and summarizes the research on the formulations of APS, which provide reference and guidance for the application of APS in DN.

Astragalus polysaccharide  /  heteropolysaccharide  /  diabetic nephropathy  /  antioxidant stress  /  formulation research