BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic edema is one of the major causes of neurological impairment and even death following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Upregulation and altered subcellular localization of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are key factors contributing to post-traumatic cytotoxic edema. Early intervention to mitigate cytotoxic edema can significantly improve patient outcomes. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has shown potential therapeutic effects against cerebral edema in related studies. PURPOSE: To determine whethe...