Astragalus
Rattle-pod
Astragalus, commonly known as huang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a powerful adaptogen used to bolster the immune system. Renowned for its ability to support vitality and fight fatigue, this resilient root helps the body manage stress, promotes longevity, and strengthens the body's natural defenses against illness.
- Scientific name: Astragalus
- 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 a member of the Fabaceae family. Its specific taxonomic classification is defined by the genus Astragalus.
| 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, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic context and region. In Simplified Chinese, it is commonly called 黄芪属 (zh-hans) or 黄芪属 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese contexts, it is identified as 黃芪 (zh-hant), 黄芪 (zh-hk), or 黄芪 (zh-sg).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 黄芪属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 黃芪 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 黃芪 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 黄芪属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 黄芪 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 黃芪屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Traganek | Wikidata |
| qu | Husk'a | Wikidata |
| be | куравай | Wikidata |
| he | קדד | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence also extends to the northern landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is established within the natural habitats of Great Britain. Finally, it is documented throughout the territories of Ireland and Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Astragalus, is highly valued in traditional medicine, with its medicinal properties primarily concentrated in its roots. Specifically, the root of the plant is harvested for its therapeutic benefits, though it is important to note that it does not utilize rhizomes in the same manner as other medicinal herbs. One of the most common traditional preparations involves using radix astragali mixfry with honey, a process where the dried root is prepared to enhance its efficacy. Whether referred to as radix astragali mix-fry with honey or simply as a honey-based decoction, this method of combining the root with honey is a staple in herbal practices to support the body's vital energy.- Total parts
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 18
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| radix astragali mixfry with honey | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| radix astragali mix-fry with honey | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| radix astragali | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polysaccharides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polysaccharide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mongolia radix astragali | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hebei radix astragali | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Astragalus has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins, swainsonine, Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharide.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| swainsonine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Astragaloside IV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Astragalus polysaccharide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Calycosin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Protocatechuic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TFA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TPA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TSA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Astragalus has 14 reported activities identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Astragalus has 28 reported medicinal uses identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Allergic rhinitis, Alzheimer's disease, antioxidant, arrhythmia.
- Total uses
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 30
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Allergic rhinitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arrhythmia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bovine mastitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| brain infarction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| estrus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heart failure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |