Molecular mechanisms of astragaloside‑IV in cancer therapy (Review)

were summarized and it was demonstrated that AS‑IV plays a vital role, particularly in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, promoting the apoptosis of tumor cells, enhancing immune function and preventing drug resistance. Moreover, AS‑IV controls several epithelial‑mesenchymal transformation (EMT)‑related and autophagy‑related pathways, such as the phosphoinositide‑3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), Wnt/β‑catenin, mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β)/SMAD signaling pathways, which are commonly affected in the majority of tumors. The present review provides new perspectives on the functions of AS‑IV and its role as an adjuvant treatment in cancer chemotherapy.