Astragalus membranaceus Modulates Inflammatory Markers Without Enhancing Muscle Function Following Intensified Resistance Training.

2026-05-18
Nutrients 18(10)
- Simone Villanova
- Marco Gatti
- Marta Colosio
- Letizia Giusti
- Giulia Papetti
- Pietro Blumetti
- Simone Porcelli

PubMed: 42197058
DOI: 10.3390/nu18101598

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 24 moderately active participants
Methods: randomly assigned to Astragali radix supplementation (ASTRA, n=13) or placebo (PLA, n=11); 8 weeks of regular resistance training (3 sessions/week) and 2 weeks of intensified training (6 sessions/week)
Duration: 8 weeks of regular resistance training and 2 weeks of intensified training

Rigorous Journal

Background: Astragali radix is a traditional herb known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties and has gained attention for its potential to support post-exercise recovery. However, the effects of long-term supplementation coupled with resistance training are not well understood. Methods: Twenty-four moderately active participants were recruited and randomly assigned to the Astragali radix supplementation (ASTRA, n = 13) or placebo (PLA, n = 11) group. All participants underwent 8 weeks of regular resistance training (3 sessions/week) and 2 weeks of intensified training (6 sessions/week). Results: Before (BAS), after 8 weeks of resistance training (RT), and at the end of the intensified training (IT), knee extensors' maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (MVIT), and leg press and leg extension one repetition max (1RM) were measured. Blood samples were collected to analyze inflammatory markers and testosterone. From BAS to after RT, MVIT, 1RM leg press, and 1RM leg extension increased in both ASTRA and PLA, with no differences between groups. After IT, MVIT, 1RM leg press and 1RM leg extension decreased in both ASTRA and PLA. CPK levels and myoglobin concentration increased while cortisol decreased significantly from BAS to IT, but no group differences were detected. TNF-α and IL-6 showed significant time × supplementation interactions, with lower values after IT in ASTRA compared to PLA. Conclusions: Astragali radix supplementation did not lead to additional benefits in muscle during the period of resistance training, nor did it prevent the decline in force following the intensified training period. However, Astragali radix supplementation prevented the increase in some inflammatory biomarkers, specifically TNF-α and IL-6, during the intensified period of training.

Research Insights

Astragalus→Improved Knee Extensor Strength
From BAS to after RT, MVIT, 1RM leg press, and 1RM leg extension increased in both ASTRA and PLA, with no differences between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Improved Leg Extension One Repetition Maximum
1RM leg extension increased in both ASTRA and PLA, with no differences between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Improved Leg Extension Strength
From BAS to after RT, MVIT, 1RM leg press, and 1RM leg extension increased in both ASTRA and PLA, with no differences between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Improved Leg Press One Repetition Maximum
From BAS to after RT, MVIT, 1RM leg press, and 1RM leg extension increased in both ASTRA and PLA, with no differences between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Improved Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction Torque
knee extensors' maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (MVIT)... increased in both ASTRA and PLA, with no differences between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Reduced Cortisol Levels
cortisol decreased... but no group differences were detected.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Reduced Creatine Kinase Level
CPK levels and myoglobin concentration increased while cortisol decreased significantly from BAS to IT, but no group differences were detected.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Reduced Creatine Phosphokinase Level
CPK levels... increased... but no group differences were detected.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels
IL-6 showed significant time × supplementation interactions, with lower values after IT in ASTRA compared to PLA.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Astragalus→Reduced Myoglobin Level
myoglobin concentration increased... but no group differences were detected.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Astragalus→Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
TNF-α... showed significant time × supplementation interactions, with lower values after IT in ASTRA compared to PLA.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate