Recent Advances in the Mechanisms and Applications of Astragalus Polysaccharides in Liver Cancer Treatment: An Overview.

Abstract

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), bioactive compounds derived from Astragalus membranaceus, have emerged as promising natural agents in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Preclinical studies indicate that APS exerts significant anti-liver cancer effects through multiple biological actions, including the promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation, suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, regulation of autophagy, and modulation of immune responses. These therapeutic effects are closely associated with the regulation of critical signalling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β/Smad. APS also reshapes the tumour microenvironment by enhancing macrophage activity, reducing the regulatory T cell function, and improving host immune response. In addition, APS exhibits synergistic effects when combined with conventional chemotherapeutics and interventional treatments such as transarterial chemoembolisation, improving efficacy and reducing toxicity. Despite the robust experimental evidence, limitations such as low bioavailability and a lack of large-scale clinical trials remain challenges for clinical translation. This review summarises the recent advances in understanding the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities of APS, their molecular targets and potential applications, aiming to provide a scientific basis for future studies and the development of APS-based therapeutic strategies.