Astragalus membranaceus
What's the taxonomical classification of Astragalus membranaceus?
Astragalus membranaceus belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the biological lineage of the order Fabales. It is further categorized under the family Fabaceae, which is characterized by its distinctive legume structure. Within this family, the plant is identified by the genus Astragalus, with its specific designation being the species membranaceus.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
| Species | membranaceus |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Astragalus membranaceus has pinnately compound leaves consisting of numerous small, oblong leaflets arranged along a central axis with a thin, membranous texture. These leaves are typically supported by slender, ascending stems that exhibit a delicate and fine structure. The plant produces small, pea-like flowers that emerge from the leaf axils in sparse clusters. Its root system is characterized by a deep taproot designed to anchor the plant in its native soil. The overall morphological profile is defined by its lightweight, airy appearance and subtle vegetative features.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the high-altitude regions of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges in western China. It primarily inhabits alpine meadows and rocky slopes located within provinces such as Qinghai and Sichuan. The species thrives in specific montane ecosystems where cold temperatures and thin soils are characteristic of the environment. Its distribution is closely tied to the unique climatic conditions found in these central Asian highland habitats. Consequently, the plant is restricted to these specialized niches rather than being widely spread across different latitudes.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Astragalus membranaceus, is cultivated by sowing seeds in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline pH within temperate climates.
Farmers typically prepare the seedbed during early spring to ensure adequate warmth for germination. Once the seedlings are established, they require consistent moisture but must be protected from waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Regular weeding and minimal fertilization are necessary to maintain the health of the root systems, which are the primary medicinal component.
Harvesting usually occurs after several years of growth when the roots have reached their optimal size and potency.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Astragalus membranaceus provides medicinal value through its radix, semen, leaf, flower, and fruit. The root, or radix, is the most widely utilized component in traditional medicine to boost immune function and strengthen vital energy. Seeds, known as semen, are sometimes employed in specific formulations to support overall health. The leaves and flowers are frequently harvested to create herbal teas or topical applications for their antioxidant properties. Finally, the fruit can be used in various decoctions to assist with bodily recovery and systemic balance.
According to a study published by "Journal of Asian natural products research", the medicinal potential of Radix Astragali (RA) was investigated for its protective effects on gastric ulcer (GU). A literature search was conducted using 6 databases, which included Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, ScienceDirect, Science Direct Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang. The inclusion criteria for the study were limited to reports on the effects of RA, AS-IV, cycloastragenol, astragalus polysaccharide (APS), and astragalosides (AST) in the treatment of gastric ulcers. The search period for these reports extended from database inception through June 2024. The results suggested that RA holds promise as potential novel therapeutics for the therapy of GU.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- Semen
- leaf
- flower
- fruit
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Astragalus membranaceus, has been utilized for centuries within Chinese folk medicine to tonify the vital qi and strengthen the body's defensive functions. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine frequently prescribe the root to bolster the immune system and support healthy organ function. Historically, it was valued for its ability to treat various ailments related to fatigue and spontaneous sweating. The plant was also commonly used to promote long-term longevity and improve overall energy levels in herbal decoctions. These ancient applications established its reputation as a foundational herb in many regional healing practices.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Astragalus membranaceus (Fiisch.) Bgel. (Leguminosae) is one of nine medicinal plants traditionally used in China for treating conditions likely to be associated with inflammation and viral infection. When tested at a concentration of 200 microg/ml, this plant did not possess more than a 50% suppressing effect on RANTES secretion by H1N1-infected A549 bronchial epithelial cells. This specific result distinguished it from most other plants tested in the study. The research focused on the effect of these ethanol extracts on RANTES secretion by influenza A virus (H1N1)-infected human bronchial epithelial cells.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chinese folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Astragalus membranaceus?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune-modulating, anti-tumor, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its complex polysaccharides and flavonoids work together to enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms and regulate immune responses. The plant also helps mitigate oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals within the cellular environment. Furthermore, research suggests its compounds can protect liver cells from damage and inhibit the uncontrolled growth of certain cancer cells. These diverse biological effects make Astragalus membranaceus a significant subject in traditional and modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Anti-inflammatory & anti-allergy agents in medicinal chemistry", Astragalus membranaceus is a significant medicinal plant whose ingredients are mostly composed of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS). These APS components exert antiviral effects by enhancing type I IFN signaling and inhibiting the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins within the apoptosis pathway. The antiviral effects of APS also include anti-inflammatory activities involving B-cell proliferation, antibody products, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and IL(s). Research has focused on how the use of these components can assist in controlling inflammatory pathways during viral infections.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- immune-modulating
- anti-tumor
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several potent medicinal compounds including Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), formononetin, calycosin-7-glucoside, and ononin. Astragaloside IV serves as a primary bioactive saponin known for its significant cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties. The Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) functions as a crucial immunomodulator that enhances the body's natural defense mechanisms. Additionally, the isoflavones formononetin and ononin contribute to the plant's phytoestrogenic and antioxidant activities. Calycosin-7-glucoside further complements this chemical profile by offering unique protective effects at the cellular level.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", Astragaloside IV is the major active constituent of Astragalus membranaceuus. This compound has been widely used in China for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Astragaloside IV significantly reduced infarct size in dogs subjected to coronary ligation in vivo. It also improved post-ischemic heart function and ameliorated reperfusion arrhythmias in rat hearts in vitro. The administration of Astragaloside IV resulted in a significant increase in coronary flow both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, myocardial antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase activity increased with Astragaloside IV administration.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Astragaloside IV
- Astragalus polysaccharide (APS)
- Formononetin
- Calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside
- Ononin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Qi deficiency, immune dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and kidney disease. It functions primarily by tonifying the body's vital energy to restore balance and vitality. The medicinal properties of the herb help regulate the immune system to better defend against pathogens. Additionally, its bioactive compounds work to reduce systemic inflammation and combat cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Researchers also study its potential to support renal function and manage various stages of kidney disease.
According to a study published by "Journal of the science of food and agriculture", Astragali Radix is a traditional medicinal and edible homologous plant used for tonifying Qi. Honey-processed Astragalus exhibits a better efficacy of tonifying Qi than the raw product. The plant contains main active components known as polysaccharides, specifically APS2a and HAPS2a. These two novel high-molecular-weight polysaccharides might possibly be used as an immuno-potentiator in healthy foods or dietary supplement. HAPS2a demonstrated better probiotic effects on Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamosus strains than APS2a.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- 1. Qi deficiency
- 2. Immune dysfunction
- 3. Kidney disease
- 4. Inflammation
- 5. Oxidative stress
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations such as Astragali Radix, Huangqi granules, Yupingfeng, rhubarb-astrahalus capsules, and various herbal teas. These diverse forms allow practitioners to administer the root in both concentrated and diluted formats depending on the patient's needs. Astragali Radix serves as the primary raw root material, while Huangqi granules offer a convenient, quick-dissolving option for daily use. The classic formula Yupingfeng utilizes the herb to support immune function, and rhubarb-astrahalus capsules provide a specific combination for digestive and systemic balance. Patients may also consume the herb as a simple tea for a gentler infusion of its properties.
According to a study published by "Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceuticaal Society of Japan", a method was developed for the analysis of calycosin in Astragalus membranaceuus materials including its fluid extract. While a previous HPLC identification method for Astragalus membranaceuus and its fluid extract using calycosin as a marker substance took about 40 min for one run using gradient elution, a new approach was used. The researchers employed capillary electrophoresis (CE) to analyze calycosin in these materials. Through the use of micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) mode with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), calycosin was clearly separated from other components within 5 min. Additionally, the content of calycosin was determined in a drinkable preparation of the plant.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Astragali Radix
- Huangqi granules
- Yupingfeng
- rhubarb-astragalus capsule
- tea
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health complications including decreased insulin secretion, fatigue, leukopenia, negative chrono-tropic action, and uterine hypertrophy. The reduction in insulin production may lead to significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Patients might also experience a drop in white blood cell counts, a condition known as leukopenia, which weakens the immune system. Heart rhythm issues can arise due to the plant's negative chrono-tropic action on the cardiac cycle. Furthermore, the herb is associated with fatigue and the potential for uterine hypertrophy.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", Astragalus membranaceus roots contain two families of cysteine-rich peptides known as alpha- and beta-astratides. The alpha-astratide aM1, which contains 6 cysteines, displayed a cytotoxic effect against insect Sf9 cells. Additionally, aM1 decreased insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic beta cells, suggesting it could interfere in glucose homeostasis. The beta-astratide bM1, which contains 8 cysteines, possessed potent antifungal activity. These findings help explain the adaptogenic property of Astragalus membranaceus.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- decreased insulin secretion
- fatigue
- leukopenia
- negative chrono-tropic action
- uterine hypertrophy
What herbs are paired with Astragalus membranaceus?
This plant Astragalus membranaceus is most commonly paired with Panax ginseng, Huang Qi, and Astragalus membranaceus to enhance its immunomodulatory and tonic effects.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional formulas to bolster vital energy and strengthen the body's defensive capabilities. Pairing it with licorice root often helps to harmonize the other herbal components and improve their overall bioavailability. Additionally, combining it with Rehmannia glutinosa can support blood nourishment and kidney function in specific therapeutic applications.
These synergistic relationships are designed to balance the warming properties of the root with other restorative herbs.