OBJECTIVE To systematically review the research progress on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Astragali Radix, with a focus on summarizing recent discoveries and novel mechanisms.

METHODS Employing bibliometric and systematic review methods, literature from the past four decades(particularly 2021–2025) concerning the isolation, identification of chemical constituents, pharmacological studies, and related mechanism exploration of Astragali Radix was collected, analyzed, and synthesized.

RESULTS Regarding chemical constituents, 126 triterpenoid saponins have been isolated and identified from Astragali Radix, among which the recently discovered ailane-type triterpenoid saponins possess novel structures, often with acetylated amino sugar moieties. Flavonoid constituents number 92, encompassing types such as isoflavones, pterocarpans, and flavones. Polysaccharides exhibit complex structures with diverse monosaccharide compositions. Research on pharmacological mechanisms has progressively deepened: Early-stage studies(1980—2000) preliminarily confirmed its fundamental efficacies, such as immunoenhancement and cardiovascular protection. Mid-term research(2001–2020) focused on the regulation of pathways like NF-κB and PI3K/Akt. Recent studies(2021–2025) have further revealed that Astragali Radix improves metabolic diseases by modulating the gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acid axis, regulates inflammation and immunity by targeting novel receptors like CXCR4 and C5aR1, exerts anti-tumor, cardio-, and neuro-protective effects by interfering with programmed cell death and circRNA-miRNA networks, and ameliorates neurofunctional decline via multi-omics regulation of the gut-brain axis.

CONCLUSION The diverse and complex chemical profile of Astragali Radix underpins its multi-target and multi-pathway pharmacological actions. Significant progress has been made in recent years regarding constituent discovery and in-depth mechanistic studies, which not only deepens the scientific interpretation of its traditional efficacy but also provides a cutting-edge basis for enhancing its quality control, innovating drug development, and guiding precise clinical application.