Astragalus membranaceus extract attenuates inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes in human chondrocytes: a novel nutraceutical strategy for joint health

The dried root extract of Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Astragali radix, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its multiple health benefits and well-established safety profile. Astragalus root extract exhibits several bioactive properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and hepatoprotective effects. Due to its unique features, it is being investigated in a novel application as a complementary remedy in the management of joint disorders. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Astragalus membranaceus hydroalcoholic root extract (0.01 and 0.1 mg/mL) in vitro on the HTB-94 cell line, a well-known model for studying inflammatory pathways in human chondrocytes. The mRNA modulation levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while the protein secretion levels were assessed using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results obtained demonstrated that this extract is able to decrease the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory response by downregulating both the mRNA expression and release of the pro-inflammatory mediators Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Interelukin-8 (IL-8), as well as matrix metalloproteases, including Matrix Metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), Matrix Metalloprotease-13 (MMP-13) and A disintegrin, and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5). Moreover, the interleukin and matrix metalloprotease production was also assessed in non-TNF-α-stimulated cells, revealing that the extract did not alter the basal levels of these mediators. Finally, our findings highlight the potential benefits of Astragalus membranaceus extract, both in terms of its favorable safety profile and its efficacy mitigating joint inflammatory responses. These results support the potential of this extract as a nutraceutical agent for joint health support.