Fact-checking cosmetic trends: Systematic review of the use of topical astragalus derivatives to treat dermatologic conditions

Objectives: Astragalus plants and their derivatives have been used historically for the treatment of various conditions, and they have recently been used to treat dermatological diseases and as topical cosmetic enhancers. In this consolidated systematic review, we analyzed current peer-reviewed publications regarding the topical effects of Astragalus derivatives on the treatment of dermatological diseases and whether the current market claims of its benefits and harms are substantiated. Methods: A systematic review using PRISMA criteria was conducted, and two independent reviewers selected and collected data from 9 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Findings from these papers demonstrated that topical Astragalus derivatives were effective in the treatment of alopecia, atopic dermatitis, wound healing, contact dermatitis, dermatophytosis, and psoriasis. The beneficial effects of Astragalus in these dermatological conditions were attributed to its immunomodulatory mechanisms. Conclusion: The wide availability of this product allows its easy use for treating common dermatological issues. However, these articles are limited by their assessment of use on non-human mammals, the short duration of trials, and unclear mechanisms of action that limit research development. Future research is needed to close these gaps before the development of Astragalus-based pharmaceuticals for dermatological conditions. Key words: Astragalus, Cosmetic, Dermatology, Traditional medicine