Advanced glycation end products induce nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis by upregulating TXNIP via inhibiting glycolysis pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) causes apoptosis in human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in the mechanisms underlying AGE-induced apoptosis of NPCs. TXNIP was silenced or overexpressed in HNPCs exposed to AGEs. Glycolysis was assessed using extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), ATP level, GLUT1, and GLUT4 measurements. AGEs, TXNIP, GLUT1, and GLUT4 levels in IVDD patients were measured as well. In NPCs, AGEs reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, inhibited glycolysis, and increased TXNIP expression. Silencing TXNIP compromised the effects of AGEs on cell viability, apoptosis, and glycolysis in NPCs. Furthermore, TXNIP overexpression resulted in decreased cell viability, increased apoptotic cells, and glycolysis suppression. Furthermore, co-treatment with a glycolysis inhibitor improved TXNIP silencing's suppressive effects on AGE-induced cell injury in NPCs. In IVDD patients with Pfirrmann Grades II-V, increasing trends in AGEs and TXNIP were observed, while decreasing trends in GLUT1 and GLUT4. AGE levels had positive correlations with TXNIP levels. Both AGE and TXNIP levels correlated negatively with GLUT1 and GLUT4. Our study indicates that TXNIP plays a role in mediating AGE-induced cell injury through suppressing glycolysis. The accumulation of AGEs, the upregulation of TXNIP, and the downregulation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 are all linked to the progression of IVDD.

Mechanism and Progress of Natural Products in the Treatment of NAFLD-Related Fibrosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, with liver fibrosis (LF) serving as a pivotal juncture in NAFLD progression. Natural products have demonstrated substantial antifibrotic properties, ushering in novel avenues for NAFLD treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential of natural products as antifibrotic agents, including flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, and terpenoids, with specific emphasis on the role of Baicalin in NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Mechanistically, these natural products have exhibited the capacity to target a multitude of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1, and NF-κB. Moreover, they can augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors, and diminish fibrosis markers. In conclusion, this review underscores the considerable potential of natural products in addressing NAFLD-related liver fibrosis through multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, it underscores the imperative need for further clinical investigation to authenticate their effectiveness, offering invaluable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this domain.

Procyanidins: A promising anti-diabetic agent with potential benefits on glucose metabolism and diabetes complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with alarming worldwide health implications and high mortality rates, largely due to its complications such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Recent research has shown that procyanidins (PC), a type of flavonoid, have strong antioxidant and free radical elimination effects, and may be useful in improving glucose metabolism, enhancing pancreatic islet cell activity, and decreasing the prevalence of DM complications. This review article presents a systematic search for peer-reviewed articles on the use of PC in the treatment of DM, without any language restrictions. The article also discusses the potential for PC to sensitise DM medications and improve their efficacy. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated promising results in improving the biological activity and bioavailability of PC for the treatment of DM. The article concludes by highlighting the potential for novel materials and targeted drug delivery methods to enhance the pharmacokinetics and bioactivity of PC, leading to the creation of safer and more effective anti-DM medications in the future.

A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of the Astragalus memeranaceus

Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa and rarely in North America and Oceania. It has long been used as an ethnomedicine in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. It was first recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and includes the effects of reinforcing healthy qi, dispelling pathogenic factors, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, activating blood circulation, and dredging collaterals. This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Astragalus to explore the potential of Huangqi and expand its applications. Data were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. The collected material also includes classic works of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and PhD and Master's theses. The pharmacological effects of the isoflavone fraction in Huangqi have been studied extensively; The pharmacological effects of Huangqi isoflavone are mainly reflected in its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties and its ability to treat several related diseases. Additionally, the medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and quality control of Huangqi require further elucidation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus to assist future innovative research and to identify and develop new drugs involving Huangqi.

Yishen Huashi granule modulated lipid metabolism in diabetic nephropathy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways

Aim

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the primary cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Although etiology for DN is complex and still needs to be fully understood, lipid metabolism disorder is found to play a role in it. Previously, we found Yishen Huashi (YSHS) granule could inhibit diabetic damage and reduce level of microalbuminuria (mALB) in DN animals. To explore its role and mechanism in lipid metabolism under DN settings, this study was designed.

Materials and methods

DN rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ), HepG₂ and CaCO₂ cells were applied for in vitro study. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were applied for histological observation; 16s Sequencing was used for intestinal microbiota composition analysis; western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence were carried out for molecular biological study, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for lipid determination.

Results

YSHS administration significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), while increased level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C); meanwhile, histological changes and steatosis of the liver was ameliorated, integrity of the intestinal barrier was enhanced, and dysbacteriosis within intestinal lumen was ameliorated. Mechanism study found that YSHS modulated mitophagy within hepatocytes and inhibited mTOR/AMPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found in the present study that YSHS administration could ameliorate lipid metabolism disorder in DN animals, and its modulation on intestinal-liver axis played a significant role in it.

Overexpression of estrogen receptor β inhibits cellular functions of human hepatic stellate cells and promotes the anti-fibrosis effect of calycosin via inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is the major ER subtype in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Previously we reported phytoestrogen calycosin suppressed liver fibrosis progression and inhibited HSC-T6 cell functions, suggesting the effects may be related to ERβ. Here, we explore the effect of overexpressed ERβ on human HSCs and the role of ERβ in pharmacological action of calycosin.

METHODS

LX-2 cells were transfected with lentivirus to overexpress ERβ. In the presence or absence of overexpressed ERβ, the effects of ERβ and calycosin on proliferation, migration, activation, collagen production and degradation of TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells and the role of ERβ in the inhibition effect of calycosin were investigated. LX-2 cells overexpressed with ERβ or treated with ER non-selective antagonist ICI182,780 were used to investigate the regulation of ERβ on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CCK-8 method was used to screen effective doses of calycosin and investigate cell proliferation. The cell migration was detected by transwell chamber assay. The expression of α-SMA was detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. The protein expressions of Col-I, MMP1, TIMP1, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

ERβ overexpressed lentivirus was successfully transfected into LX-2 cells with high efficiency. Overexpressed ERβ or calycosin alone inhibited the TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the protein expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, TIMP-1, p-STAT3 and upregulated MMP-1. Both overexpressed ERβ and calycosin had no significant effect on JAK2, p-JAK2 and STAT3 expressions. ERβ overexpression further enhanced the above effects of calycosin. However, after the cells were treated with ICI182,780, downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation induced by calycosin was reversed.

CONCLUSIONS

ERβ mediated the inhibition of major functions of LX-2 cell possibly by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3, and was an important pathway through which calycosin exerted anti-liver fibrosis effect.

Calycosin ameliorates advanced glycation end product-induced neurodegenerative changes in cellular and rat models of diabetes-related Alzheimer's disease

Growing pieces of evidence suggest that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is interlinked with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), which has been described as "type 3 DM". In this study, we investigate the neuronal insult attributable to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) as the models of DM-related AD to understand the effects exerted by calycosin on neurodegenerative changes both in vivo and in vitro studies and also studied the associated molecular mechanisms. The results reported herein revealed that the viability of the PC12 cells induced by AGEs increased when treated with calycosin. It was also observed that the learning and memory abilities of AGE-induced DM-related AD rats improved under these conditions. Analysis of the reported results indicates that calycosin can effectively down-regulate the activity of GSK-3β to result in the reversal of the process of tau hyperphosphorylation, inhibit the expression of RAGE and BACE-1 proteins, resulting in a decrease in the production of β-amyloid and regulate the PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway to repair mitochondrial dysfunction. It can be inferred that calycosin can potentially exhibit important therapeutic properties that can be exploited during the treatment of AD, especially DM-related AD.

Yishen Huashi Granules Ameliorated the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy by Reducing the Damage of Glomerular Filtration Barrier

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and the primary cause of end-stage renal disease. At present, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers have been applied as first-class drugs to restrain development of DN; however, its long-term effect is limited. Recent evidence has shown definite effects of Chinese medicine on DN. Yishen Huashi (YSHS) granule is a traditional Chinese Medicine prescription that has been used in the clinic to treat DN, but its mechanism is not understood.

Methods: In the present study, both in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out. The DN model was induced by STZ in Wistar rats, and GEnC and HPC cell lines were applied in the in vitro study. Quality of YSHS was evaluated by LC-MS/MS. A metabolomic study of urine was carried out by LC-MS; influence of YSHS on composition of DN was analyzed by network pharmacology. Mechanism of the YSHS on DN was analyzed by Q-PCR, Western Blot, and multi-immunological methods.

Results: We found YSHS administration significantly reduced levels of HbA1c and mALB. Histopathological analysis found that YSHS preserved integrity of glomerular filtration barrier by preserving viability of glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes, inhibiting glomerular fibrosis, reducing oxidative stress damage, and enhancing cross-talk among glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes. Network pharmacology, differential metabolite analysis, as well as intracellular pathway experimental study demonstrated that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway played a pivotal role in it.

Conclusion: Our present findings supplied new understanding toward the mechanism of YSHS on inhibiting DN.

Intake of flavonoids from Astragalus membranaceus ameliorated brain impairment in diabetic mice via modulating brain-gut axis

Background

Brain impairment is one of a major complication of diabetes. Dietary flavonoids have been recommended to prevent brain damage. Astragalus membranaceus is a herbal medicine commonly used to relieve the complications of diabetes. Flavonoids is one of the major ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus, but its function and mechanism on diabetic encepholopathy is still unknown.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model was induced by high fat diet and STZ in C57BL/6J mice, and BEnd.3 and HT22 cell lines were applied in the in vitro study. Quality of flavonoids was evaluated by LC–MS/MS. Differential expressed proteins in the hippocampus were evaluated by proteomics; influence of the flavonoids on composition of gut microbiota was analyzed by metagenomics. Mechanism of the flavonoids on diabetic encepholopathy was analyzed by Q-PCR, Western Blot, and multi-immunological methods et al.

Results

We found that flavonoids from Astragalus membranaceus (TFA) significantly ameliorated brain damage by modulating gut-microbiota-brain axis: TFA oral administration decreased fasting blood glucose and food intake, repaired blood brain barrier, protected hippocampus synaptic function; improved hippocampus mitochondrial biosynthesis and energy metabolism; and enriched the intestinal microbiome in high fat diet/STZ-induced diabetic mice. In the in vitro study, we found TFA increased viability of HT22 cells and preserved gut barrier integrity in CaCO₂ monocellular layer, and PGC1α/AMPK pathway participated in this process.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that flavonoids from Astragalus membranaceus ameliorated brain impairment, and its modulation on gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role. Our present study provided an alternative solution on preventing and treating diabetic cognition impairment.

Novel advances in inhibiting advanced glycation end product formation using natural compounds

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a group of complex compounds generated by nonenzymatic interactions between proteins and reducing sugars or lipids. AGEs accumulate in vivo and activate various signaling pathways closely related to the occurrence of various chronic metabolic diseases. In this paper, we describe the process through which AGEs are formed, the classification of AGEs, and biological effects of AGEs on human health. Most importantly, we review recent progress in natural compound-based AGE formation inhibitors. Major classes of natural inhibitors, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, vitamins and alkaloids, have been described. Their mechanisms of action have been summarized as scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, capturing active carbonyl compounds, protecting protein glycation sites, and lowering blood glucose levels. Although these natural compounds have good antiglycation activity, to date, they are not widely used in the clinic, likely because of their low content levels. However, these natural compounds and their molecular frameworks will play a valuable role in inspiring drug discovery.

Pharmaceutical Values of Calycosin: One Type of Flavonoid Isolated from Astragalus

Astragalus is a popular Materia Medica in China, and it could be applied in the treatment of various diseases. It contains a variety of chemically active ingredients, such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Plant-derived bioactive chemicals are considered natural, safe, and beneficial. Among the infinite plant-identified and isolated molecules, flavonoids have been reported to have positive effects on human health. Calycosin is the most important active flavonoid substance identified predominantly within this medicinal plant. In recent years, calycosin has been reported to have anticancer, antioxidative, immune-modulatory, and estrogenic-like properties. This review collected recent relevant literatures on calycosin and summarized its potential pharmaceutical properties and working mechanism involved, which provided solid basis for future clinical research.

Total flavonoids of Astragalus Ameliorated Bile Acid Metabolism Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus

Astragalus Radix is one of the common traditional Chinese medicines used to treat diabetes. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Flavones are a class of active components that have been reported to exert various activities. Existing evidence suggests that flavones from Astragalus Radix may be pivotal in modulating progression of diabetes. In this study, total flavones from Astragalus Radix (TFA) were studied to observe its effects on metabolism of bile acids both in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6J mice were treated with STZ and high-fat feeding to construct diabetic model, and HepG2 cell line was applied to investigate the influence of TFA on liver cells. We found a serious disturbance of bile acids and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice, and oral administration or cell incubation with TFA significantly reduced the production of total cholesterol (TCHO), total triglyceride, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), while it increased the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). The expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) was significantly upregulated on TFA treatment, and FXR and TGR5 play pivotal role in modulating bile acid and lipid metabolism. This study supplied a novel understanding towards the mechanism of Astragalus Radix on controlling diabetes.

Phytochemicals against anti-diabetic complications: targeting the advanced glycation end product signaling pathway

The role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is not limited to diabetes and diabetes-related complications. There are multiple modulators, including the receptor for advanced glycation end products, high mobility group box 1, glyoxalase 1, nuclear factor-kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-α, chronic unpredictable stress, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory cytokines, which interact with AGE signaling and control diabetes, modulating these interacting modulators. The progression of diabetes, as well as related complications, can be controlled and treated. Natural products rich in bioactive constituents can interact with AGEs and their related mediators through various signaling cascades, thereby controlling and preventing the progression of diabetes. This review provides a deeper assessment of the signaling pathway, interactions between phytochemicals and AGEs, and its mediators, to develop a multifold therapeutic approach to prevent and treat diabetes and its related complications.

Hepatoprotective effect and possible mechanism of phytoestrogen calycosin on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice

The study was to explore the hepatoprotective effect and possible mechanism of calycosin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in C57BL/6 male mice. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical assays. Liver histopathology was assessed by H&E and Masson trichrome staining. The mRNA expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-I (Col-I), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were determined using qRT-PCR. The protein levels of α-SMA, Col-I, estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), JAK2, phospho-JAK2 (p-JAK2), STAT3, and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) were detected by Western blotting. The levels of α-SMA and ERβ were measured by immunohistochemistry. Calycosin significantly reduced liver index, MDA level, and ALT and AST activity and increased SOD activity. The α-SMA, Col-I, and Hyp of the calycosin group were significantly lower than those of the model group. Calycosin increased MMP-1 and inhibited TIMP-1 expression resulting in the improvement of MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio. Importantly, calycosin improved ERβ protein expression, JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA expressions, p-JAK2/JAK2, and p-STAT3/STAT3 relative protein expressions. However, ERα, JAK2, and STAT3 protein expressions were relatively unchanged. Calycosin significantly inhibits liver fibrosis in mice, and its mechanism may involve the following: calycosin inhibits oxidative stress; calycosin inhibits collagen synthesis and balances MMP-1/TIMP-1 system; calycosin increases ERβ expression and activates JAK2-STAT3 pathway.

Calycosin: a Review of its Pharmacological Effects and Application Prospects

Introduction: Calycosin (CA), a typical phytoestrogen extracted from root of Astragalus membranaceus. On the basis of summarizing the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies of CA in recent years, we hope to provide useful information for CA about treating different diseases and to make suggestions for future research.Areas covered: We collected relevant information (January 2014 to March 2020) on CA via the Internet database. Keywords searched includ pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology, and the number of effective references was 118. CA is a phytoestrogen with wide range of pharmacological activities. By affecting PI3K/Akt/mTOR, WDR7-7-GPR30, Rab27B-β-catenin-VEGF, etc. signaling pathway, CA showed the effect of anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporosis, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. Therefore, CA is prospective to be used in the treatment of many diseases.Expert opinion: Research shows that CA has a therapeutic effect on a variety of diseases. We think CA is a promising natural medicine. Therefore, we propose that the research directions of CA in the future include the following. Carrying out clinical research trials in order to find the most suitable medicinal concentration for different diseases; Exploring the synergistic mechanism of CA in combination with other drugs; Exploring ways to increase the blood circulation concentration of CA.

Advanced Glycation End Products in Chinese Medicine Mediated Aging Diseases: A Review

Aging has become a worldwide problem. During this process, the incidence of related diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis increases dramatically. Studies within the most recent two decades suggest a pivotal role of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the aging process. This review aims to systemically summarize the effects and potential mechanism of Chinese Medicines on inhibiting AGEs-related aging diseases.

Calycosin Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Renal Inflammation via the NF-κB Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is one of the primary causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is increasingly diagnosed in patients due to the continuous increase in the prevalence of diabetic mellitus (DM). Astragali Radix, a traditional Chinese herb, is widely administrated to ameliorate the symptoms of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, but its mechanism is still not yet fully defined. Calycosin (C₁₆H₁₂O₅) is the major active component of Astragali Radix. In this study, we analyzed the role of calycosin in diabetic nephropathy and explored its underlying mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell activation, inflammatory cytokines expression and secretion, and protein levels were analyzed in cultured mouse tubular epithelial cells (mTEC). db/db mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/(kg·d) calycosin or control saline for 4 weeks, followed by analysis of structure injury, inflammation, and NF-κB signaling activity. RESULTS Our results indicated that TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly induced by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), but calycosin remarkably reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the cultured mouse tubular epithelial cells (mTEC). Calycosin effectively alleviated kidney injury in diabetic kidneys of db/db mice during the progression of diabetic renal injury, indicated by the reduction of histological injury and immunohistochemical of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, we identified calycosin inhibited diabetes-induced inflammation in kidneys by suppressing the phosphorylation of IKBa and NF-κB p65 in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Calycosin significantly ameliorated diabetes-induced renal inflammation in diabetic renal injury by inhibition of the NF-κB-dependent signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Inhibition effect of phytoestrogen calycosin on TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell activation, proliferation, and migration via estrogen receptor β

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of calycosin on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) function and to explore whether the drug exerts its effect through the estrogen receptor. HSC proliferation and migration were measured by MTT assay and transwell chamber assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, COL-I, and ERβ were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The co-localization and expression of α-SMA and ERβ protein were detected by immunofluorescence. All the studies were investigated in the absence or presence of ICI 182,780. The results showed that calycosin inhibited the proliferation of activated HSCs and remarkably inhibited HSC migration. Calycosin significantly reduced the expression of α-SMA and COL-I in activated HSCs. However, with co-treatment with ICI 182,780, the inhibitory effect of calycosin against the above effects was strongly negated. Importantly, calycosin significantly downregulated the expression of ERβ protein, while co-treatment with ICI 182,780 partially reversed the ERβ downregulation. In addition, α-SMA decreased with the decrease of ERβ expression and the subtype of ERβ on HSC is ERβ5. In conclusion, calycosin inhibits proliferation, activation, and migration of TGF-β1-induced HSCs. The effect may be related to binding and downregulation of ERβ5.

Rapid Analysis and Guided Isolation of Astragalus Isoflavonoids by UHPLC-DAD-MSn and Their Cellular Antioxidant Defense on High-Glucose-Induced Mesangial Cell Dysfunction

Isoflavonoids, including isoflavones, isoflavans, and pterocarpans, the principal components in Astragalus membranaceus, have a great deal of versatile health-promoting benefits. In this work, as a continuation of our search for bioactive constituents from A. membranaceus, a fast high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-multiple-stage mass spectrometry method was first used to analyze the isoflavonoid profile of A. membranaceus roots extract. Twelve diverse isoflavonoids in subclasses of isoflavones, isoflavans, and pterocarpans present in glycoside/aglycone pair forms were tentatively characterized; of those 12, eight major isoflavonoids were finally isolated and simultaneously quantified by the established fast UHPLC method. Furthermore, the results confirmed for the first time that Astragalus isoflavonoid aglycones could attenuate mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation triggered by high glucose levels, and the primary mechanism might be via protecting intracellular antioxidant enzymes activities and enhancing endogenous antioxidant function to lower levels of cellular oxidative damage induced by high glucose levels. Collectively, diverse Astragalus isoflavonoid antioxidants have the potential to ameliorate high-glucose-induced mesangial cell dysfunction through the regulation of cellular antioxidant defense.