Potential and prospects of the astragaloside IV use for age-associated diseases prevention

As the population ages, the incidence of age-related diseases increases and their treatment requires more attention and resources. Due to this, the search for drugs that can delay the occurrence of age-related diseases and improve the quality of life of older people becomes urgent. Plant preparations are of great interest. Objective. To summarize and analyze the data of experimental studies on identification of pharmacological properties in astragaloside IV (main biologically active compound of astragalus membranaceus) capable of influence the pathogenesis of age-associated syndromes, as well as to assess the prospects of creating drugs for the prevention of geriatric diseases on the basis of this compound. Materials and methods. A search query in the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, e-Library databases was performed by the following keywords: «astragaloside IV», «Alzheimer’s disease», «Parkinson’s disease», «atherosclerosis», «osteoporosis», «osteoarthritis», «age-related macular degeneration». Results. It has been established that astragaloside IV affects the probable mechanisms of onset and development of age-associated syndromes’ complex, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, age-related macular degeneration. This saponin affects the specific pathogenetic processes of these diseases at different levels through a spectrum of signaling pathways. Conclusion. Astragaloside IV deserves special attention as a candidate for creation of effective multipurpose means of prevention or slowing of a number of age-associated diseases development. Nevertheless, the process of investigating this compound as a prophylactic agent is far from complete. Clinical trials, establishment of preventive doses, frequency and duration of administration are required. Safety in long-term use should be examined separately.