Astragalus cicer
Astragalus cicer, commonly known as the chickpea milkvetch, is a perennial herb native to parts of Asia and Europe. Valued in traditional medicine for its restorative properties, this plant contains bioactive compounds believed to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality through its unique phytochemical profile.
- Scientific name: Astragalus cicer
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Astragalus. As a member of the Astragalus cicer species, it occupies a specific niche within this complex taxonomic hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Astragalus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Astragalus cicer, is referred to by various regional names depending on the language. In German, it is called Kicher-Tragant, while in Polish, it is known as Traganek pęcherzykowaty. The Russian name for this species is Астрагал нутовый, and in Lithuanian, it is called Ilguolinė kulkšnė. Additionally, in the Chuvash language, it is referred to as Кушак çăмарти.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Kicher-Tragant | Wikidata |
| pl | Traganek pęcherzykowaty | Wikidata |
| ru | Астрагал нутовый | Wikidata |
| cv | Кушак çăмарти | Wikidata |
| lt | Ilguolinė kulkšnė | Wikidata |
| hsb | Žołtojty kozync | Wikidata |
| sv | Kikvedel | Wikidata |
| nl | Bergerwt | Wikidata |
| cy | Llaethwyg ffacbys | Wikidata |
| tt | Нут дөя сеңере | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in both Denmark and Sweden. Moving toward the central part of the continent, the species can also be found in Belgium. Its range extends further into Middle Europe, where it inhabits the landscapes of Austria. Additionally, the plant is recorded within the territories of Czechia and Slovakia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Astragalus cicer, is a member of the legume family, which is characterized by its unique symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A defining anatomical feature of this species is the presence of root nodules located along its root system. These specialized structures house bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can utilize, playing a crucial role in its growth and survival in various environments. While the plant is studied for its medicinal properties, these root nodules are a fundamental biological component of its physiological structure.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root nodules | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Astragalus cicer has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include coumestrol, isoflavone, swainsonine.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| coumestrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| swainsonine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |