# Astragaloside II **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/astragaloside-ii **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-23 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Astragaloside 2, AS-II, AST-II, Cycloastragenol II, Astragalus saponin II, Huangqi saponin II ## Overview 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. ## 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 ## Mechanism of Action 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. ## 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. ## Dosage & Preparation 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. ## Safety & Drug 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## Synergistic Combinations Other astragalosides, Astragalus membranaceus extract, compounds targeting MAPK/ERK pathway ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Astragaloside II used for? Astragaloside II has no established uses as no human clinical trials have demonstrated health benefits. All current applications are based on theoretical mechanisms rather than proven efficacy. ### How does Astragaloside II work in the body? Astragaloside II theoretically affects the MAPK/ERK pathway and may interact with membrane transporters. However, these mechanisms remain speculative without rigorous clinical validation. ### Is Astragaloside II safe to take? The safety of Astragaloside II is unknown as no human clinical trials have been conducted. Without proper safety studies, potential side effects and contraindications remain undetermined. ### What is the recommended dosage of Astragaloside II? No recommended dosage exists for Astragaloside II due to the complete absence of human clinical trials. Effective and safe dosing ranges have not been established through research. ### Can Astragaloside II interact with medications? Potential drug interactions with Astragaloside II are unknown and unstudied. The theoretical effects on membrane transporters suggest possible interactions, but clinical data is needed for confirmation. ### What is the current evidence quality for Astragaloside II health claims? Astragaloside II lacks human clinical trials, making all current health benefit claims theoretical only. Most evidence is limited to preclinical and in vitro research, primarily focusing on potential MAPK/ERK pathway involvement. Consumers should be aware that no robust scientific evidence yet supports specific health outcomes in humans. Additional research is needed before reliable therapeutic claims can be established. ### Is Astragaloside II naturally found in foods or supplements? Astragaloside II is a specific bioactive compound derived from Astragalus membranaceus (astragalus root), a traditional herbal ingredient. It is not naturally abundant in common foods and is typically available only through standardized herbal extracts or isolated supplement formulations. The concentration of Astragaloside II in raw astragalus root varies considerably depending on plant growth conditions and extraction methods. ### What populations should be cautious about taking Astragaloside II? Due to the lack of human safety data, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid Astragaloside II supplementation until clinical evidence is available. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult healthcare providers before use, as astragalus compounds may modulate immune function. Those taking immunosuppressant medications or preparing for organ transplants should exercise particular caution given the ingredient's potential immunological effects. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*