L-02 cells were treated with astragaloside IV of different concentrations, and irradiated with γ-rays to establish the radiation damage models. MTT method was used to detect cell viability. Clone formation assay and growth curves were used to observe the effects of astragaloside IV on clone formation and proliferative capability. WST-1 method, microplate test, and DCFH-DA method were used to detect SOD activity, GSH activity, MDA content, and ROS content, respectively. The results showed that astragaloside IV  had no effect on the proliferation of L-02 cells when the concentrations were less than 80 μg/mL. The cell viability decreased with the increasing absorbed doses and time after irradiation. Astragaloside IV could improve the proliferative capability of L-02 cells after irradiation and inhibit the increase of intracellular ROS and MDA contents caused by irradiation, as well as rejuvenate the intracellular SOD and GSH activities to some extent. Therefore, astragaloside IV may reduce the oxidative injury induced by γ-rays by eliminating free radicals within L-02 cells to realize radiation-protective effects.Cited