Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Huangqi, milkvetch, or Astragalus, is a well-regarded medicinal plant with a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and other traditional healing systems (this plant is native to the northern and eastern regions of China, as well as Mongolia) ^[1]. For over two millennia, the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, originally recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica, 200–300 AD), has been a widely favored herbal remedy in China, cherished for its health-enhancing properties; in contemporary Chinese medicine, it finds application in Fu zheng therapy, serving as an immune stimulant, and it is esteemed for its capacity to fortify the body’s fundamental vitality encompassing the immune system, metabolic processes, respiratory functions, and waste elimination ^[2]. Astragalus is a perennial herb of the Fabaceae family, typically growing to a height of 60 to 150 cm, and it is characterized by its upright, hairy stems; pinnately compound leaves; and clusters of small, yellow flowers ^[3]. The roots of this plant (Radix astragali) are the most commonly used part in traditional medicine and are harvested for their medicinal properties, as they are known to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and antioxidant properties ^[4][5]. For this reason, Astragalus supplementation has gained interest in sports medicine due to its potential to enhance athletic performance and support the overall well-being of athletes, for example by potentially boosting physical performance, expediting post-activity recovery and preventing the exercise-induced immunodepression in endurance sports ^[6]. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has systematically synthesized the existing evidence concerning the impact of Astragalus membranaceus supplementation on the augmentation of sports activities.

The primary objective of this systematic review is to thoroughly investigate the potential benefits associated with the supplementation of Astragalus membranaceus in the context of sports activity and physical performance. In this examination, we aim to discern the specific effects of Astragalus membranaceus supplementation on various aspects of sports performance, including endurance, strength, recovery, and overall physiological adaptations. By critically reviewing a diverse range of studies, we seek to provide an evidence-based understanding of the potential mechanisms through which Astragalus membranaceus may influence athletic performance.