Benefits and Safety of Astragalus for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's: A Study Plan

Jenn Hoskins
23rd August, 2024

Benefits and Safety of Astragalus for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's: A Study Plan

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Fujian Medical University Union Hospital investigates the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH)
  • AM, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in AD patients
  • The trial aims to determine the efficacy and safety of AM, potentially leading to more effective treatments for AD
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the elderly, characterized by dementia and cognitive impairment. One of the major hallmarks of AD is the accumulation and aggregation of toxic amyloid-β species in the brain[2]. Various pathophysiological mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, have been implicated in AD. Increased microglial activation, cytokine expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) are significant contributors to the inflammatory processes in AD[3]. Recent research has been focusing on natural compounds with anti-neuroinflammatory potential, making them promising candidates for AD treatment. A recent pragmatic clinical trial conducted by Fujian Medical University Union Hospital aims to determine the efficacy and safety of adding Astragalus membranaceus (AM) to the treatment regimen for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease complicated by orthostatic hypotension (OH)[1]. Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine known for its various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects[4][5]. This study seeks to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, identify response predictors, and explore effective drug components. The trial involves at least 66 adults aged 50-85 years, who are randomized into three groups: routine care, low-dose AM, and high-dose AM. The primary efficacy outcome is measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Chinese version. Secondary outcomes include neuropsychological tests, blood pressure, plasma biomarkers, multimodal electroencephalograms, and neuroimaging. Safety is assessed through physical examinations, vital signs, electrocardiography, laboratory tests, and adverse event records. The incorporation of AM in this study is based on its reported benefits in various traditional and modern medical practices. AM contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been shown to exhibit significant therapeutic potential[4]. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be particularly beneficial in addressing the neuroinflammation associated with AD[3]. Additionally, AM's ability to enhance telomerase activity and its antioxidative effects may contribute to its neuroprotective role[5]. This study aims to address the multifaceted nature of AD by targeting both cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. The use of AM could potentially mitigate the inflammatory processes and oxidative stress that exacerbate AD pathology. By exploring the specific components of AM that are effective, this trial could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments for AD. Moreover, the trial's design ensures rigorous assessment of both efficacy and safety, which is crucial given the potential adverse effects associated with new treatments. For instance, monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid-β have shown promise in reducing brain amyloid-β deposits but are also associated with amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)[2]. Understanding the safety profile of AM in this context is essential to ensure its viability as a treatment option. In summary, this clinical trial by Fujian Medical University Union Hospital represents a significant step forward in the search for effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease. By leveraging the therapeutic potential of Astragalus membranaceus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of its efficacy and safety in treating AD complicated by orthostatic hypotension. The findings could have far-reaching implications for the development of new, more effective treatment strategies for this debilitating condition.

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References

Main Study

1) Efficacy, safety, and response predictors of Astragalus in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: A study protocol of an assessor-blind, statistician-blind open-label randomized controlled trial.

Published 23rd August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101339

Related Studies

2) Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA): radiological, biological and clinical characteristics.

https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad188

3) Anti-neuroinflammatory Potential of Natural Products in Attenuation of Alzheimer's Disease.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00548

4) Review of the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi).

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5188

5) Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic.

https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2017.0816


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