Astragalus mongholicus
What's the taxonomical classification of Astragalus mongholicus?
Astragalus mongholicus belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, placing it under the order Fabales. As a member of the family Fabaceae, it falls within the genus Astragalus, eventually reaching its specific designation at the species level as monghoolicus.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
| Species | mongholicus |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Astragalus mongholicus has a perennial herbaceous rootstock that produces erect stems reaching up to 30 centimeters in height, characterized by trifoliate leaves and dense, papilionaceous flower clusters. The leaves consist of three leaflets that are typically ovate or elliptical in shape with finely serrated margins. Its flowers are arranged in umbel-like racemes and exhibit a range of colors from pale yellow to creamy white. The legume-style pods are small and compressed, housing several tiny seeds essential for its reproduction. Fine hairs often cover the stems and foliage, providing a protective texture to the plant's structure.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the arid and semi-arid steppe regions of East Asia, specifically spanning across Mongolia, northern China, and parts of southern Siberia. It thrives predominantly in temperate grasslands and desert-steppe ecosystems characterized by low precipitation. The species is frequently found growing in sandy or loamy soils within these vast, open landscapes. Its distribution follows the specific climatic patterns of the Central Asian interior where seasonal temperature extremes are common. Localized populations are often concentrated in areas with high sun exposure and minimal competition from dense forest cover.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as Mongolian Milkvetch, is cultivated in well-drained, fertile soils within temperate climates that provide full sunlight and moderate moisture.
Growers typically sow the seeds in early spring once the soil temperature has stabilized to encourage deep root development. Because the species is a perennial legume, it helps improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria. Maintaining consistent irrigation is essential during the initial establishment phase, though the mature plant is relatively drought-tolerant.
Once established, the plant requires minimal intervention beyond occasional weeding to thrive in its growing environment.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant has several parts used in traditional medicine, most notably the Radix Astragali Mongolici, which refers to the dried root used for immune support. The aerial parts of the plant are also harvested for various therapeutic applications. While the flowers and fruits are less commonly utilized in primary clinical preparations, they are sometimes studied for their specific phytochemical properties. Additionally, the leaf can be used in certain herbal formulations to contribute to the overall medicinal profile of the species.
According to a study published by "Acta histochemica", Astragalus saponin IV is extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Astragali Mongolici. This component has been reported to have medicinal properties in treating several types of diseases. The study investigated the biological functions of AS-IV on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiation to seek better application for fracture or other orthopedic disorders. AS-IV incubation boosted the proliferation of BMSCs and accelerated the differentiating direction into preosteoblasts. Through the miR-21/NGF/BMP2/Runx2 pathway, AS-IV treatment caused Runx2, OPN, BMP2, and OCN proteins to be up regulated.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix Astragali Mongolici
- aerial parts
- flowers
- fruits
- leaf
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Astragalus mongholicus, has been utilized for centuries within Traditional Chinese Medicine to bolster vital energy and support the body's defensive functions. Historically, practitioners prescribed the root to tonify the spleen and lungs while promoting the circulation of qi. It was frequently used in complex herbal formulas to treat ailments related to weakness, fatigue, and frequent illness. Beyond its primary role in Chinese medicine, various historical records suggest its use in stabilizing the pulse and strengthening the exterior of the body. This long-standing medicinal application highlights its central role in ancient healing practices focused on holistic wellness.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in plant science", Astragalus mongholicus is the original plant of the famous traditional Chinese medicine Astragali Radix. Its isoflavones are important bioactive substances that possess wide-ranging medicinal values. The study identified a number of eight AmCHIs distributed on 5 chromosomes. These genes were classified into 4 different types. Research involving recombinant proteins AmCHI3, AmCHI4 and AmCHI5 helped characterize the plant's enzyme activity. Through transient gene silencing of AmCHI3, researchers observed decreased contents of calycosin, calycosin-7-glucoside and formononetin.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Astragalus mongholicus?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant properties. Its complex polysaccharides function as potent immunomodulators that enhance the body's natural immune response. The plant also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, its anti-tumor and anti-apoptotic activities assist in regulating cell death pathways to combat malignancy. Finally, its strong anti-oxidant capacity helps protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Astragalus mongholicus is a medicine food homology plant containing Astragaloside III (AS-III) as one of its most active components with immunomodulatory effects. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified 105 common targets and showed that AS-III has a good binding relationship with LDHA, AKT1, and HIF1A. In a CTX-induced immunosuppressive mouse model, AS-III provided significant protection regarding body weight, immune organ index, and hematological indices. In a macrophage RAW264.7 cell model, AS-III improved immune function by reducing the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, PDHK-1, LDH, lactate, HK, PK, and GLUT-1 while restoring decreased ATP levels. The study systematically confirmed that AS-III attenuates the immunosuppressive state through the HIF-1α/PDHK-1 pathway.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- immunomodulator
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-apoptotic
- anti-oxidant
- neuroprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds such as astragalooside III, astragaloside IV, and astragalus saponin IV. These bioactive substances are primarily classified as triterpenoid saponins. Research indicates that astragalooside III and astragaloside IV play significant roles in regulating immune responses. These specific molecules are studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties within the human body. The presence of astragalus saponin IV further contributes to the plant's complex chemical profile used in traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Astragalus mongholicus Bunge is a medicine food homology plant containing Astragaloside III (AS-III) as one of its most active components. Research involving a total of 105 common targets through network pharmacology and molecular docking identified that AS-III has a good binding relationship with LDHA, AKT1, and HIF1A. In models using macrophage RAW264.7 cells, AS-III improved immune function by reducing the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, PDHK-1, LDH, lactate, HK, PK, and GLUT-1. The study confirmed that AS-III attenuates the immunosuppressive state through the HIF-1α/PDHK-1 pathway. These findings provide an experimental foundation for using AS-III to treat immunosuppression.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Astragaloside III
- Astragaloside IV
- Astragalus saponin IV
- astragaloside III
- astragaloside IV
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating immune deficiency, immune dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and tumor growth. It functions by modulating the body's natural defense mechanisms to restore balance in the immune system. The botanical compounds help reduce systemic inflammation and mitigate the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, its bioactive properties are studied for their potential to inhibit the progression of various types of tumor cells. Through these diverse biological actions, the plant supports overall physiological resilience.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Astragalus mongholicus is popularly used for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammaroty and immune-enhancing properties. The study investigated 21 inorganic elements including Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, P, K, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Se, B, Al, Na, Cr, Ni, Ba, Ti and Sr. High contents of Fe, B, Al, Na, Cr and Ni could be used as a standard in the elements fingerprint to identify daodi and non-daodi A. mongholicus. The quality of A. mongholicus from Shanxi was found to be superior to others to a certain degree.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- immune deficiency
- immune dysfunction
- inflammation
- oxidative stress
- tumor
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into various medicinal forms including Astragi Radix, HT042 Extract Mixture, and Qi-Xue injection, as well as specialized extracts derived from both the root and aerial parts. These preparations utilize the bioactive compounds found within the species to support immune function and energy levels. While Astragi Radix is a traditional dried root preparation used in many herbal formulas, the HT042 Extract Mixture represents a more modern, standardized approach to utilizing its properties. Clinical applications often involve the Qi-Xue injection, which is specifically formulated for intravenous use in certain medical contexts. By utilizing both the root and the aerial parts, manufacturers can capture a wider spectrum of the plant's medicinal constituents.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Astragalus mongholiicus is one of the medicinal herbs traditionally utilized in East Asia to promote growth and enhance immune function. It is a component of the HT042 mixture used to evaluate immunomodulatory effects in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mouse model, as well as in ex vivo primary splenocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages. This extract demonstrated immune-enhancing effects, including the restoration of weight loss and hematological parameters, along with enhancing NK cell activity. Treatment with HT042 increased the expression of CD3, CD4, and CD8, as well as Th subset transcription factors including T-bet, GAATA3, RORγt, and Foxp3. Furthermore, it increased cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-10, while in RAW 264.7 macrophages, it increased nitric oxide production and upregulated NOS2, COX-2, and inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Astragi Radix
- HT042 Extract Mixture
- Qi-Xue injection
- extracts from the root and aerial parts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse reactions such as nausea, digestive upset, dizziness, bloating, diarrhea, and skin rash in some individuals. Many users report gastrointestinal distress, which often manifests as bloating or diarrhea after consumption. Some people also experience lightheadedness or dizziness while taking the herbal supplement. Occasionally, an allergic response may occur, leading to the development of a visible skin rash. Monitoring these physical changes is essential for anyone incorporating this botanical into their wellness routine.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Digestive upset
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
What herbs are paired with Astragalus mongholicus?
This plant, Astragalus mongholicus, is most frequently paired with Ren Shen, Huang Qi, and Gan Cao to strengthen the protective qi and boost immune function.
In traditional formulations, it is often combined with Ginseng to enhance its adaptogenic properties and vitalizing effects on the body. Practitioners also frequently use it alongside Bai Zhu and Fu Ling to support digestive health and resolve dampness within the spleen. These specific combinations are designed to harmonize the medicinal actions and optimize the tonifying benefits of the root.
By layering these herbs, practitioners can more effectively target systemic deficiencies and bolster overall resistance to illness.