Potential mechanisms of Astragalus polysaccharide in diabetic wound healing: From biological functions to therapeutic applications.

Diabetic wound (DW), a complication arising from persistent hyperglycemia and chronic hypoxia in diabetic patients, is primarily characterized by delayed or impaired healing of skin injuries. The complex etiology of DW makes its clinical management challenging and imposes a substantial social burden. Astragali Radix, a key traditional Chinese herbal medicine for diabetes management, is also revered as the "holy medicine for treating skin ulcers and wounds" due to its efficacy against various skin ulcers and wounds. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), one of the primary active constituents of Astragali Radix, has garnered significant attention in DW therapeutics due to its multifaceted pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Given the multifaceted pathogenesis of DW, the therapeutic potential of APS has garnered increasing interest. Here, we review the pathological characteristics and mechanisms of DW and detail the latest advancements in treating DW with APS, particularly focusing on its mechanisms and potential new research directions.