A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of the Astragalus memeranaceus

Abstract

Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa and rarely in North America and Oceania. It has long been used as an ethnomedicine in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. It was first recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and includes the effects of reinforcing healthy qi, dispelling pathogenic factors, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, activating blood circulation, and dredging collaterals. This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Astragalus to explore the potential of Huangqi and expand its applications. Data were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. The collected material also includes classic works of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and PhD and Master’s theses. The pharmacological effects of the isoflavone fraction in Huangqi have been studied extensively; The pharmacological effects of Huangqi isoflavone are mainly reflected in its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties and its ability to treat several related diseases. Additionally, the medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and quality control of Huangqi require further elucidation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus to assist future innovative research and to identify and develop new drugs involving Huangqi.

An evaluation of Astragali Radix with different growth patterns and years, based on a new multidimensional comparison method

“…Flavonoids and saponins constituted the primary pharmacologically active compounds in AR ( Wang et al., 2023 ). Analysis of total-flavonoids content revealed significantly higher levels in WA compared to IWA and CA ( Figure 3K ).…”

“…The cumulative content of astragalosides I-IV was also highest in IWA ( Figure 4D ). Astragalosides I-IV exhibited pharmacological effects such as anti-aging and immune regulation ( Wang et al., 2023 ), suggesting that IWA may have better efficacy in these aspects. Liquid chromatography profiles and methodological investigations of the ten compounds were presented in Supplementary Figure 4 and Supplementary Table 4 .…”

Current Research Status and Implication for Further Study of Real-World Data on East Asian Traditional Medicine for Heart Failure: A Scoping Review

“…Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Renshen), known for its ability to tonify qi and yang, has diverse pharmacological effects, regulates blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and lowers blood pressure, thereby influencing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases [ 37 , 38 ]. Similar to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Huangqi), which tonifies qi, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vascular protective, and diuretic effects [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. In China, the combination of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Renshen) and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Huangqi) is commonly used for CHF because of the synergistic effects of the combination of the two herbs [ 40 ].…”

Optimization of the Zhou Tian Formula extraction technology based on AHP‐CRITIC method and analysis of transfer efficiency of key components based on HPLC fingerprinting

“…As mentioned previously, puerarin and ferulic acid demonstrate notable antidepressant effects, while calycosin and isoferulic acid exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. 14,16,23,24 In addition, mirificin can regulate the levels of striatal neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, etc. ), with its peak area ranking second among all peak areas.…”

“…Secondly, the presence of a substantial amount of polysaccharides in Astragali Radix may elevate the viscosity of the solution during the concentration and drying process, leading to an uneven distribution of the composition. 23 In summary, by quantifying the transfer efficiency of the index components during the conversion of the water decoction to the extract powder and subsequently to granules, it becomes possible to assess whether T A B L E 6 Content of ZTF index components and their transfer efficiencies (T) during the conversion of extract powder (E) to granules (G).…”