SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Astragalus membranaceus FAMILY NAME:

Fabaceae /PapilionaceaeCOMMON NAME:

astragalus

Evidence for Efficacy (Human Data)

Clinical Trials

Update of 2003 Cochrane evidence-based review of Chinese medical herbs for chemotherapy side effects in colorectal cancer patients found that results suggest that decoctions of Huangqi compounds may stimulate immunocompetent cells and decrease side effects in patients treated with chemotherapy. Taixang 2005

The study on the effects of six aqueous extracts of Chinese medicine on sperm motility characteristics of 30 infertile male volunteers revealed that Astragalus membranaceus could enhance the motility of human spermatozoa in vitro. Lin 2004

Update of 2002 Cochrane evidence-based review of herbal medicines for viral myocarditis found that in low-quality studies performed in China Astragalus membranaceus (either as single herb or compound of herbs) showed significant effects on improving arrhythmia,

Clinical Trials

CPK levels, and cardiac function. Liu 2004

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) modulate the imbalance state of Th1/Th2 in 106 patients with herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) and improve their immune function disturbance which shows the significance of AM in treating HSK.[Article in Chinese] Mao 2004

[Effect of astragalus injection on insulin resistance in auxiliary treating patients with diabetes mellitus type 2][Article in Chinese]. Huang 2003

Astragalus Injection improve the immune function [CD4 level and CD4/CD8 ratio increased, levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor, IgG and IgA lowered significantly] in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients and can used in the treatment of CHF. [Article in Chinese]. Liu 2003

The clinical improving rate and quality of life elevation rate in 60 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were found to be 80.4% and 43.3% respectively in Astragalus (i.v. drip 60 ml/day) treated group as against 50.0% and 23.3% respectively in control group given

Clinical Trials

chemotherapy alone. Zou 2003

The total effective rate of 89.47% was observed in 76 patients with chronic prostatitis administered Nanmiqing capsule (with Astragalus memberanaceus as one of the ingredient),compared to the control group (71.88%).[Article in Chinese]. Dai 2002

Astragalus injection supplemented with chemotherapy by i.v in 120 tumour patients showed inhibition of tumor development, decreased chemotherapy toxicity, elevated immune function of organism and improved quality of life in patients. [Article in Chinese]. Duan 2002

The elevated levels of the plasma endothelin-1, platelet granule membrane protein (GMP-140), thromboxane B2 and 24 hrs urinary albumin excretion rate in 86 early diabetic nephropathy patients were lowered by Astragalus injection treatment.[Article in Chinese]. Liu 2001a

Based on one low quality trial, the medicinal herb 'Jianpi Wenshen recipe' may have antiviral activity in asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B virus. However, firm evidence for

Clinical Trials

effect of Chinese medicinal herbs for asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carriers is awaited. Liu 2001b

Salvia miltiorrhiza & Astragalus membranaceus improved portal hypertension in 42liver cirrhotic patients as they decreased the diameter, quantity of blood flow in portal & splenic vein but increased the speed of blood flow & improved the liver fibrosis indexes.[Article in Chinese]. Tan 2001

A triplex superimposed treatment scheme of lamivudine, IFN alpha-2b, Astragalus membranaceus was chosen as a treatment scheme for patients who were on the state of hepatitis B (HBV) high replication, which had better efficacy than lamivudine alone. Wu 2001

Effect of integrated traditional Chinese medicine which includes Astragalus membranaceus and western medicine,(TCM-WM) in 164 patients improved clinical symptoms and heart function in the TCM-WM group compared to control group and can be tried to treat dilated cardiomyopathy.[Article in Chinese]. Yang 2001

Clinical Trials

Astragalus memberanaceus, Codonpsis pilosual and Glycyrrhiza uralensis appear to decrease the airway responsiveness of the patients with asthma. Wang 1998

The combination therapy of western and traditional Chinese medicine including Astragalus membranaceus was an effective method in treating 30 patients with acute viral myocarditis.[Article in Chinese]. Gu 1996

The treatment of 92 ischemic heart diseased patients with Astragalus membranaceus was significantly more effective than Nifedipine and Tab.Salviae miltiorrhizae treated group with 82.6% improvement in electrocardiogram. [Article in Chinese]. Li 1995

Astragalus membranaceus strengthen the left ventricular[LV] function and had an effect of anti- oxygen free radical in 43 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The ratio of pre-ejection period/LV ejection time correlated with superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation.[Article in Chinese]. Chen 1995

Sanhuang (Astragalus membranaceus, Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis) inhibits

Clinical Trials

platelet aggregation in patients as well as aspirin 50 mg/day Huang 1995

Routine therapy combined with Astragalus membranaceus could significantly enhance OKT3, OKT4 and OKT4/OKT8 ratio in patients with viral myocarditis. [Article in Chinese]. Huang 1995b

F3, an immuno-regulatory component of Astragalus membranaceus was shown capable of potentiating the LAK cell inducing activity of rIL-2 and thus minimize the later's toxic side effects when used in vivo. Chu 1994

Astragalus membranaceus, a Qi-tonic, increased the cardiac output from 5.09 +/- 0.21 to 5.95 +/- 0.18 L/min 2 weeks after it was administered in 20 patients with angina pectoris. [Article in Chinese]. Lei 1994

Total cholesterol, triglyceride, apoproteins and lipoprotein-a decreased by Jian Yan Ling (Succinum, Pteria margaritifers & Astragalus membranaceus etc.) in a double blind study with 128 hyperlipemia patients Lu 1994

Baoyuan Dahuang Decoction which includes 6

Clinical Trials

drugs including Astragalus membranaceus improved the quality of life of 56 chronic renal failure patients by reducing the urea nitrogen, adjusting the anemia and regulating the membrane function. [Article in Chinese]. Sheng 1994

Intervention of iv lidocaine & iv Astragalus membranaceus for 2 weeks was studied on 16 & 22 patients respectively with positive ventricular late potentials. RMS 40 was enlarged only after treatment of A.membranaceus but duration of HFQRSD & LAS were shortened [Article in Chinese]. Shi 1994

320 patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with Yi-ganning Granule which contains Astragalus membranaceus showed effective recovery of liver function and 60 of 62 patients were in a stabilized state. [Article in Chinese]. Zhang 1993

Huayu decoction which composed of Astragalus membranaceus reduced the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutases in 49 cases of infantile pneumonia in acute stage which returned to normal in convalescence. [Article in

Clinical Trials

Chinese]. Zong 1993

Shen-Qi (Ginseng-Astragalus) injection along with chemotherapy treatment reduced the toxic effects produced by chemical agents and increased the patient's body weight in 176 cases of malignant tumor of the digestive tract. [Article in Chinese]. Li 1992

Pre-incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells separately with Astragalus membranaceus and Tripterygium hypoglaucum stimulated Natural killer cytotoxicity both in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and healthy donors. [Article in Chinese]. Zhao 1992

Erythrocyte sodium content decreased and the sodium pump activity increased after 14 days of A. membranaceus 24 g/d i.v. in 45 coronary heart disease patients compared with 22 controls Jin 1991

Treatment with Kang Er Xin-I which consists of Astragalus membranaceus improved cardiac functional indexes in 26 patients & it also inactivated Coxsackie B3 virus & protected the heart cells in mice by promoting growth of interferon and by increasing the NK cell's

Clinical Trials

function. [Article in Chinese]. Yan 1991

51 cases of chronic hepatitis treated with Jiedu Yanggan Gao consisting of Astragalus membranaceus showed a total effective rate of 74.5% where as control group of 45 cases treated with 3 charred medicinal herbs had a total effective rate of 24.4%. [Article in Chinese]. Chen 1990

Adolescent brain dysfunction improved more with TCM (Bupleurum chinense, Scutellaria baicalensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, Ligustrum lucidum, Lophatherum gracile & ivory thread) than with Ritalin Zhang 1990

Graft-versus-host reaction of mononuclear cells from 13 cancer patients increased to 151 from 57 mm3 by a fraction of Astragalus membranaceus. In rats it reversed the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide Chu 1989

Wen-She decoction which has 7 drugs including Astragalus membranaceus was found to be effective in controlling mild to moderate amount of acute bleeding of upper digestive

Clinical Trials

tract in 7 patients.[Article in Chinese]. Gong 1989

Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide FB 10 micrograms/ml augmented the spontaneous 3H-TdR incorporation in the lymphocyte of 18 normal subjects from 310.2 to 910.9 counts per minute (cpm) and of 9 cancer patients from 248.5 to 642.2 cpm. [Article in Chinese]. Wang 1989b

Using local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction (XGVHR) as a model assay for T-cell function, it was shown that preincubation of mononuclear cells derived from cancer patients with fraction 3 of Astragalus membranaceus induced a significant increase in local XGVHR. Chu 1988

[Synergism of Astragalus membranaceus with interferon in the treatment of cervical erosion and their antiviral activities].[Article in Chinese]. Qian 1987

[Treating amenorrhea in vital energy-deficient patients with angelica sinensis-astragalus membranaceus menstruation-regulating decoction.] He 1986

Clinical Trials

Study on the in vitro restorative effect of Astragalus membranaceus (10 microgram/ml) in 19 cancer patients and in 15 normal healthy donors showed potent immuno stimulant effect in local graft versus host reaction test assay for T-cell function. Sun 1983

Observational Studies/Case Reports

[Clinical observation on effect of combined use of Astragalus and compound salviae injection in treating acute cerebral infarction][Article in Chinese]. Wu 2003

The herbal medicines including astragalus memberanaceus (fisch) bge, codonpsis pilosual& glycyrrhiza uralensis fisch decreased the airway responsiveness of 28 asthmatic patients as revealed by increased FVC value, FEV1 and PEF compared to control.[Article in Chinese]. Wang 1998

Left ventricular function and superoxide dismutase activity of red blood cell was increased in a study with 43 acute myocardial infarction patients Chen 1995

T-lymphocyte profile of peripheral blood is improved by A. membranaceus therapy in viral

Observational Studies/Case Reports

myocarditis patients Huang 1995

Angina relief was obtained with A. membranaceus in a study comparing it against nifedipine & Salvia in 92 ischemic heart disease patients Li 1995

Adding TCM (leaf of Asiatic Ginseng, root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge, etc) and other adjuvants to chemotherapy improved cancer survival in small cell lung cancer patients Cha 1994

Cardiac output increased from 5.1 to 5.9 L/min after 2 weeks Astragalus membranaceus in 20 angina patients Lei 1994

Chronic renal failure symptom scores was decreased from 12.5 to 5.6 in 36 patients by Baoyuan Dahuang Decoction (Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Cassia cinnamomi, Glycyrrhiza uralensis & Rheum palmatum) Sheng 1994

In patients with positive ventricular late potentials, electrocardiogram was normalized in 13.6% (of 22) by Astragalus membranaceus and 12.5% (of 16) by lidocaine Shi 1994

Observational Studies/Case Reports

320 patients with chronic hepatitis B had greater improvement with Yi-ganning (Astragalus membranaceus , Artemisia capillaris, Codonopsis pilosula, etc.) than oleanolic acid controls Zhang 1993

Ozone induced radicals are scavenged by Huayu (Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Ligusticum wallichii, Spathollobus suberectus, Hirudo nipponica, Tabanus bivittatus, Paeonia suffroticosa, Astragalus membranaceus) Zong 1993

Shen-Qi (Ginseng-Astragalus) reduced the toxic effects of chemotherapy in 176 cases of malignant tumor of the digestive tract, maintaining immunology parameters Li 1992

Campylobacter pyloridis treatment by Fu-zheng qu-xie (Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, Paeonia lactiflora, Taraxacum monogolicum & Oldenlandia diffusa) Fang 1991

Ventricular late potential duration was shortened by Astragalus membranaceus in a small number of patients Shi 1991

Observational Studies/Case Reports

Cardiac functional indexes improved in 26 patients by Kang Er Xin-I (Lonicera japonica, Ophiopogon japonicus, Astragalus membranaceus mainly). It also inactivates Coxsackie B3 virus Yan 1991

Chronic cervicitis treatment by interferon is synergized by Astragalus membranaceus Qian 1990

Coronary heart disease improvement of angina (episodes reduced 90%), ischemic ST-T in ECG (56%), treadmill exercise (348 to 503 M), left ventricular function, etc, by Yi-qi Huo-xue (Ginseng, Astragalus and Angelicae Sinensis Liao 1989

Graft reaction was increased in 18 healthy and 9 cancer patients by Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide extract FB Wang 1989

Stroke treatment with Salvia miltiorrhiza + Astragalus + Puraria Wu 1989

"Pharmacologic effects of codonopsis pilosula-astragalus injection in the treatment of CHD patients " (no abstract) Liao 1988

Observational Studies/Case Reports

Changes in proteinuria, renal function and immunity after treatment with injections of a solution of Astragalus membranaceus " (Chinese, no abstract) Dong 1987

Synergism of Astragalus membranaceus with interferon in the treatment of cervical erosion and their antiviral activities " (chinese, clinical trial, no abstract) Qian 1987

"Treating amenorrhea in vital energy-deficient patients with angelica sinensis-astragalus membranaceus menstruation-regulating decoction " (no abstract) He 1986

Local graft versus host reaction (assay for T-cell function) is restored in 9 out of 10 patients by Astragalus membranaceus extract (10 microgram/ml) Sun 1983

"A comparison of compositus yiqi huoxue. Huang Qi (Astragalus monogholicus Bunge) and daidzein on acute mountain sickness " (Chinese, no abstract) Xu 1979

"The effect of astragalus on the functional status of the liver in patients with chronic circulatory insufficiency " (Russian, no

Observational Studies/Case Reports

abstract) Ponomarenko 1966

Traditional and Folk Use

Eight herbal products commonly used by cancer patients as complementary/ alternative medicine includes astragalus, essiac, Asian ginseng, etc. Smith 1999

Han-Dan-Gan-Le, a Chinese mixture of Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae, Astragalus membranaceus, Stephania tetrandra, & Ginkgo biloba leaves, has been used to treat human liver fibrosis and cirrhosis for years Li 1998

Astragalus membranaceus, often used as a "Qi tonifier" to exert therapeutic benefit in treatment of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and relief of anginal pain through its antioxidant activity. Miller 1998

Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang (Ten Significant, composed of Rehmannia, Paeonia, Liqusticum, Angelica, Glycyrrhiza, Poria, Atractylodes, Panax, Astragalus membranaceus & Cinnamomum) tones the blood & vital energy, and strengthens health & immunity Zee-Cheng 1992

Traditional and Folk Use

Acute upper digestive tract hemorrhage treatment with Wen-She decoction (Codonopsis, Atractylodes, Poria, Glycyrrhiza, Zingiber, Halloysitum and Astragalus membranaceus) Gong 1989

Botanical origins of huangqi (Astragalus spp.) produced in Sichuan " (Chinese, no abstract) He 1988

"On the pharmacognosy of Astragalus membranaceus Tish " (Russian, no abstract) Nikonova 1967

Search for ethnobotanical uses of Astragalus membranaceus in Dr. Duke's Phytochem and Ethnobot DB

Safety Data

Adverse Effects & Toxicity

Research designed to isolate and identify the active compounds present in toxic plants to livestock that graze them has been successful for many plants including Astragalus. The knowledge gained has been used to predict potential outbreaks of poisoning, and treat affected animals. James 2004

Adverse Effects & Toxicity

The ingestion of neurotoxic seeds, fruits and plants including Astragalus which are rich in swainsonine, a toxin that inhibits the enzyme alpha mannosidase can produce different neurological syndromes like locoism manifesting with cerebellar syndrome. [Article in Spanish]. Carod-Artal 2003

Review of selenium toxicity and dietary requirement leads to a thesis that Se is a pro-oxidant and that carcinostasis benefit is related to toxicity Spallholz 1994

Salmonella/AFB1 mutagenic reversion assay was inhibited by Scutellaria barbata > Ligustrum lucidum > Astragalus membranaceus > Oldenlandia diffusa Wong 1992

Among 116 Chinese herbal formularies screened to restore immunity in cancer patients, Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang which has 10 drugs including Astragalus membranaceus, was found to be most effective biological response modifier with low toxicity (LD50 > 15 g/kg op murine). Zee-Cheng 1992

Selenium clinical signs of weight and hair loss,

Adverse Effects & Toxicity

cracked hooves and inflamed coronary bands were induced in all five pigs fed Na2SeO4 (26.6 ppm Se) but only one fed A. praelongus (31.6 ppm Se) and none fed A. bisulcatus (31.7 ppm Se) Baker 1989

Certain birth defects in livestock induced by poisonous plants such as members of the Astragalus, Lupinus, Conium, Nicotiana and Veratrum genera possess clinical similarities to congenital deformities in humans. Keeler 1988

"Effects of capitalized wilfordii, angelica and astragalus on glomerular permeability in rats with minimal change nephropathy " (Chinese, no abstract) Wang 1988

Cells affected by Astragalus lentiginosus, Swainsona galegifolia or mannosidosis show a similar lectin staining pattern, indicating accumulation of alpha-mannosyl and beta-N-acetyl glucosamine residues Alroy 1985

[Syndromes of astragalus poisoning in livestock.] James 1981

Field and experimental studies in cattle and sheep poisoned by nitro-bearing Astragalus or

Adverse Effects & Toxicity

their toxins revealed varying degrees of alveolar emphysema in lungs and wallerian degeneration of the spinal cord. James 1980

Loss of condition, depression, hyperaesthesia and hyperexcitability observed in Swainsona poisoning of horses in south-western Queensland were similar to those horses suffering from Swainsona poisoning of Astragalus & Oxytropis in North America. O'Sullivan 1977

InteractionsNo Records

ContraindicationsNo Records

Evidence of Activity

Animal Studies

When different Chinese herbal medicines and western medicine were compared in treating pulmonary fibrosis in SD rats, the therapeutic effect of Radix Astragalus membranaceus was found to be lesser than that of Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and hydrocortisone. [Article in Chinese]. Dai 2004

Animal Studies

Prebiotic effects of mushroom and herbal extracts including Astragalus membranaceus Radix extract were studied on chicken infected with avian Mycoplasma gallisepticum on their growth and the effect on cecal microbial ecosystem which was compared with birds treated with antibiotic Apramycin. Guo 2004

Sperm abnormality(SP) induced by Cadmium on rats were reverted by Astragalus membranaceus injection and showed improvement on parameters like Testis coefficient, testicular sperm count,daily sperm production & epididymal sperm count while the % of SP was also decreased.[Article inChinese] Liang 2004

In renal interstitial fibrosis-induced unilateral ureteral obstruction UUO rats, and angelica mixture retard the progression of renal fibrosis and renal function deterioration by inhibiting myofibroblasts and suppressing TGF-beta1 expression.[Article in Chinese] Zhao 2004

The baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with Astragalus membranaceus was higher and there was no change in blood pressure(BP)level in these

Animal Studies

animals than the control group in which BP was increasing continuously during the observation period.[Article in Chinese] Chen 2003

Expression of glutathione S-transferase placenta (GST-P) protein and mRNA induced by diethylnitrosamine , two-thirds partial hepatectomy, and 2-acetylaminofluorene (DEN-PH-AAF) were reduced in rats treated with Astragalus membranaceus, effectively delaying induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Cui 2003

The herbal extract of Astragalus membranaceus at 2 mg/kg/day & 10 mg/kg/day in ovariectomized rats inhibited tibia and lumbar bone loss and did not cause uterine hypertrophy but its main ingredient, 1-monolinolein did not inhibit bone loss. Kim 2003

A Chinese herb preparation (including Astragalus membranaceus) significantly reversed chemical-induced liver fibrosis in rats and appeared to stimulate the collagenolytic process in the liver, evidenced by an increase in urinary excretion of hydroxyproline. Li 2003

The water extract of Astragali (Astragalus

Animal Studies

membranaceus Bunge Radix) did not affect singly but potentiated the anti-hyperglycemic action of fangchinoline (0.3 mg/kg) from Stephania tested in streptozotocin-diabetic ddY mice. Tsutsumi 2003

Studies with 2 Chinese herbal preparations i)ABCI containing three herbs & ii)Qi containing R. Codonopsis Pilosulae and R. Astragalus membranaceus showed certain inhibitory effect of left ventricular remodeling in rats with left heart failure after myocardial infarction [Article in Chinese]. Wang 2002

Among the 34 - heathy mature Japanese big-ear rabbits, with renal injury induced by ischemia reperfusion, the Astragalus Membeanaceus treated group showed low serum level of Cr & TNF-alpha and high level of bFGF in kidneys. [Article in Chinese] Xu 2002

Treatment of Astragalus and Angelica in rats promote the recovery of glomerular filtration rate & renal plasma flow after ischemia/ reperfusion, prevent the oliguria, reduce the increment of fractional excretion of sodium and improve the histomorphological injury of kidney. [Article in Chinese]. Sheng 2001

Animal Studies

Total flavonoids of Astragalus showed good protective effect against paracetamol-induced hepatic injury and caused significant reduction in paracetamol-prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep in C57BL/6J mice. [Article in Chinese]. Wang 2001a

Pre-treatment of total flavonoids of Astragalus (100 mg.kg-1) reduced the death rate by 20% in paracetamol-induced hepatic damaged mice.[Article in Chinese]. Wang 2001b

The astragaloside IV inhibit the increase in microvascular permeability induced by histamine, which was expressed by changes in the transendothelial electrical resistance in pial microvessels of rat. [Article in Chinese]. Wu 2001

Astragalus membranaceus injections increased serum Meg-CSA (megakaryocyte colony-stimulating activity) of anemic mice and accelerated the recovery of megekaryocyte hematopoiesis after bone marrow suppression. Zhu 2001

Astragalus membranaceus total saponins increased the cAMP content and the total

Animal Studies

flavonids decreased the level of malondialdehyede production in the ischemic myocardium of oracotouated rats, inhibiting the production of free radicals. Zhou 2000

The flavonoids of Astragalus membranaceus's stem and leaves promoted the proliferation of lymphocytes induced by ConA and raised the T cell count of immunosuppressive mice. Jiao 1999

Hairy root of Astragalus membranaceus had similiar senility-preventing, antioxidizing and immunomodulating functions as natural A. membranaceus in a anti-ischemia-reperfusion kidney model of rat. Jin 1999

The effect of astragalus on the endothelin in serum and lung of the rats with acute lung injury revealed, concentration of endothelin in the lung of the rats in therapy group was lower than that of the injured rats suggesting a protective role in acute lung injury. Liu 1999

Astragaloside (AS) and Astragalus injections have some protective effects on myocardial injury of viral myocarditis mice. Lu 1999

Animal Studies

Astragalus membranaceus completely reversed hypothalamic arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA expression in both cortex and medulla of the kidney, nephrotic rat, increaseing AVP V2 receptor expressions compared with normal control rat. Ma 1999

Astragapolysaccharide reduces the number of antigen-induced eosinophils infiltrating into the airway of sensitized mice and inhibits the proliferation, activation of lymphocytes and IL-2 production and can be useful in the treatment of asthma. Xue 1999

Survival time with dimethoate & atropine poisoning was improved with the root of Astragalus Membranaceus in guinea pigs from 70 to 235 minutes Li 1998

Guinea pigs intoxicated with Dimethoate treated with glucoside extracted from the root of Astragalus Membranaceus survived longer and muscular fasciculation, fibrillation, seizures and respiratory tract secretion were significantly reduced Li 1998

Experimentally-induced liver fibrosis in male Wistar rats and other morphological alterations

Animal Studies

were significantly ameliorated by a Chinese medicine, Han-Dan-Gan-Le (Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae, Astragalus membranaceus, Stephania tetrandra, and Ginkgo biloba). Li 1998

The Chinese herb, Astragalus membranaceus, has therapeutic effects on sodium and water retention in aortocaval fistula-induced heart failure in rats. Ma 1998

Astragalus membranaceus decoction reduced capillary hyperpermeability and alleviated dyskinesia caused by cerebral ischemia in rats. Quan 1998

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) was significantly reduced in Astragalus membranaceus (AM) treated mice, especially in AM + taurine group. Xiong 1998

Hairy roots of Astragalus membranaceus produced by culture was found to have 5.81% & 0.14% of crude saponin and astragaloside i.v. respectively by RP-HPLC analysis and feeding with aqueous extract of the hairy roots resulted in regaining of the immunity function in rats with low immunity. Zheng 1998

Animal Studies

Cerebral ischemia induced increase of thromboxane B2 was reduced by A. membranaceus i.v. in rabbits Deng 1995

Shi-ka-Ron, and Chinese herbs including Astragalus membranaceus resisted immunosuppression induced by antitumor agent mitomycin C in ICR mice, by stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system, activation of T cell blastogenesis and NK cell cytotoxicity [Article in Chinese]. Jin 1995

Cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression was not affected by 240 mg of crude extract of Astragalus membranaceus or Ligustrum lucidum in rats Khoo 1995

RNA replication in myocardial tissue of mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus is inhibited by A. membranaceus Peng 1995

Gentamicin ototoxicity and nephritis in guinea pigs is reduced by a compound injection Pyrola rotundifolia and Astragalus membranaceus, possibly mediated by cAMP Xuan 1995

Intestinal flora imbalance induced by ozone was recovered by A. membraceus root decoction in

Animal Studies

mice Yan 1995

IL-2 is increased in splenic lymphocytes of blood-deficient mice given Angelica sinensis or Astragalus membranaceus or Danggui Buxue decoction Chen 1994

Aqueous extract of Astragulus membranaceus at 50g/kg (ig) improved the anisodine-induced impairment on memory acquisition and also the alcohol-elicited deficit of memory retrieval in mice. [Article in Chinese]. Hong 1994

Murine renal carcinoma was inhibited by Astragalus membranaceus & Ligustrum lucidum (500 micrograms each). Splenic macrophage oxidative burst activity was restored Lau 1994

Coxsackie virus B3 in mice is slowed by Astragalus membranaceus, possibly by inhibiting replication Peng 1994

In Coxsackie B3 virus infected mice survival rate and some abnormal electrophysiological parameters are improved by Astragalus membranaceus Rui 1994

Animal Studies

Whole blood viscosity is decreased and plasma viscosity is increased by Astragalus membranaceus & Angelica sinensis in a blood stagnation model of rats treated with adrenaline and cold Xue 1994

A study on the normal rats showed that Astragalus membranaceus and tail of Angelica sinensis improved hemorrheological indexes, such as the whole blood specific viscosity[SV], the plasma SV, erythrocyte electrophoresis & had significant effects of enriching the blood. [Article in Chinese]. Xue 1993

Scopolamine induced dysmnesia is reversed and acetylcholinesterase is inhibited in mice by Invigorating-Qi (Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis) Liu 1993

Coxsackie infected mice survival was increased and the percentage of abnormal action potential was lowered by Astragalus membranaceus Rui 1993

Phagocytosis was increased by Astragalus membranaceus (1 gm/kg/wk for 12 weeks) or exercise in mice. Superoxide anion production

Animal Studies

of peritoneal macrophages was also inceased Sugiura 1993

Astragalus membranaceus, a TCM for invigoration of vital energy, strengthens the movement and muscle tonus in the intestine (esp. the jejunum) of dogs Yang 1993

CCl4 induced liver damage in rats was reduced by YiQi Huoxue (Astragalus membranaceus, Ligusticum, Paeonia, etc) Fu 1992

Lymphocytes, serum IgG and thymus weight increased in mice treated with Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Eclipta prostrata for 7 days He 1992

GSH and survival of endotoxin treated mice was increased by Astragalus polysaccharide (30, 60, 100 mg.kg-1.d-1 x 7d, ip) dose-dependently Wang 1992

There was a positive inotropic action on isolated working rat heart with Astragalus membranaceus saponins 50-200 micrograms/ml but it is negative at a lower dose Wang 1992

Collagen in the aorta and lung of old rats is

Animal Studies

kept lower by Astragalus root Xu 1991

Burn induced reduction of cell mediated immunity is restored somewhat by cerium with Astragalus membranaceus or Lonicera japonica in mice Luo 1990

Astragalus Membranaceus was found to be effective in the inhibition of Coxsackie B virus propagation and protection of myocardium in 4-week-old male BALB/C mice myocarditis. Yang 1990

Coxsackie B-2 virus infected rat heart cells are somewhat protected by Astragalus membranaceus Yuan 1990

Stilbenemidine induced liver injury was alleviated by Astragalus membranaceus root ethanol extract fed mice Zhang 1990

Immunodepression by age, cyclophosphamide or radiation is reversed by Astragalus membranaceus extracts injection in mice Zhao 1990

Qi-Xue (Panax ginseng, Astragalus monogholicus, Angelica sinensis) or verapamil

Animal Studies

minimized the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure due to hypoxia in rats Zhao 1990

Lipid peroxidation was inhibited in vitro and lipofuscin of liver and brain tissues was reduced in mice fed Shou Xing Bu Zhi (Polygonum multiflorum, Codonopsis silvestris, Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, etc.) 10 g/kg/d for 3 months Chen 1989

Large dose of Yang-restoring herb medicines which includes Astragalus membranaceus, reduced natural weight gain, decreased serum T3 level, raised rT3 & TRH levels and TSH showed a raising tendency in normal rats. [Article in Chinese]. Chen 1989

The effects of vitamin A and Astargalus on the splenic TL-CFU of mice were studied by means of T-lymphocytes colony formation in semi-solid culture in vitro& incorporation of 3H-TdR. [Article in Chinese]. Pang 1989

Antitumor polysaccharide from Astragalus or Radix hedysarum at 500 mg/kg enhanced the third component of complement (C3) cleavage production of macrophages in ICR mouse as shown by immunofluorescent method. Wang

Animal Studies

1989

Thymus index, spleen index, humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity are promoted in hungry mice by Codonopsis pilosulae and Astragalus injection Zhou 1989

Abrogation of graft versus host reaction, maximally by injection of 5.55 mg/d of fraction F3 (MW 20-25 kd) for 8 days in rats, indicates a reversal of the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide Chu 1988

[Effects of capitalized wilfordii, angelica and astragalus on glomerular permeability in rats with minimal change nephropathy].[Article in Chinese]. Wang 1988

"Effects of Crataegus pinnatifidae, Astragalus memoranaceus and Acanthopanax senticosus on cholesterol metabolism in the guinea pig " (Chinese, no abstract) Wang 1987

"Pharmacological action of Astragalus membranaceus on the central nervous system in mice " (Chinese, no abstract) Pan 1986

Tetracycline liver toxicity is reduced by vitamin

Animal Studies

E, sodium selenite or Astragalus, which decrease lipid peroxidation in rats Skakun 1984

"Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on enhancement of mouse natural killer cell activity " (Chinese, no abstract) Chang 1983

The use of vitamin E combinations with selenium-containing preparations or Astragalus L. infusion markedly or completely arrested the occurrence of hepatotoxic properties of tetracycline on albino rats. [Article in Russian]. Skakun 1983

"Preliminary observation on the therapeutic effect of Astragalus membranaceus in experimental anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis in rabbits " (Chinese, no abstract) Zhao 1983

"In vitro effect of Astragalus mongholicus on activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (cAMP-PDE) in liver and spleen cells of mice " (Chinese, no abstract) Liu 1982

"Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on phagocytic function in mice " (Chinese, no abstract) Chen 1981

Animal Studies

"A pharmacological study on Astragalus membranceous root--effect on the irritable state in rats " (Chinese, no abstract) Song 1981

Pharmacodynamics

The investigation of in vitro fermentabilities of two mushrooms, Astragalus membranaceus and their polysaccharide fractions (LenE, TreE, and AstE) using microflora from chicken ceca show promise in altering microbial activities and composition. Guo 2003

The four compounds Formononetin , 9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid , stigmast-4-en-6beta-ol-3-one and 98-E isolated from extracts of Astragalus membranaceus Radix induced growth hormone release in the rat pituitary cell culture and among these 98-E was found to be the most active. Kim 2003b

Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in 5:1 ratio have certain promotive effect on the formation of capillary (angiogenesis effect) in chick embryo choriollantoic membrane.[Article in Chinese] Lei 2003a

Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica

Pharmacodynamics

sinensis promote vascular endothelial cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and exhibit synergistic effect when used in combination. [Article in Chinese] Lei 2003b

[The effects of endotoxin on the Th1/Th2 cells and immune modulation of Astragalus membranaceus. [Article in Chinese] Liu 2003a

Among the 15 extracts from traditional Chinese medicinal plants used to treat topical inflammations, Astragalus membranaceus inhibited 5-lipoxygenase, with IC50 values of 141 microg mL(-1). Prieto 2003

Astragali radix extract blocked the effect of interleukin -1beta in leukotriene C(4) production in human amnion, thus exhibited a broad antiinflammatory effect and used as a promising agent to protect preterm labour. Shon 2003

The two isomers HDTIC-1 and HDTIC-2 from Astragalus membranceus, maintain non-senescent phenotype of human fetal lung diploid fibroblast (2BS cells) even at late population doubling. Wang 2003

Pharmacodynamics

The saponin astragaloside IV from the Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus, inhibits the NF-kappaB pathway, thus exhibit anti-inflammatory potential in vivo. Zhang 2003c

Equiguard, a herbal preparation containing 9 herbs including Astragalus membranaceus is found to be efficacious in preventing or treating both androgen-dependent and independent prostate carcinoma as it is capable of targeting multiple signal transduction / metabolic pathways of cancer cells. Hsieh 2002

The screening of 18 Chinese medical plant extracts including Astragalus membranaceus against epimastigote of Trypanosoma cruzi Bra C15C2 clone in vitro at 250 microg/ml in axenic culture showed 20-100% of growth inhibition. Schinella 2002

Astragalus membranaceus extract promote the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, elevate the tumor cell-killing activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte, etc thus enhancing the human immuno-function in vitro.[Article in Chinese] Wang 2002a

Pharmacodynamics

Astragalus injection at 62.5-250 micrograms/ml promote rat's small intestinal crypt-like cell line (IEC-6) differentiation by means of inducing the ornithine decarboxylase activity and biosynthesis of polyamine. [Article in Chinese]. Zhang 2002

Danggui Buxue Decoction comprising Angelica sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus promoted the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and increased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1. [Article in Chinese]. Wu 2001b

Studies on the protective effects of radix astragali against anoxic damages to in vitro cultured neurons in rats by using NaCN as hypoxic model from newborn rat cerebral cortex revealed the mophological changes were mild, the effluxes of LDH & K+ were decreased & A value increased. He 2000

These results demonstrated that Astragali Radix has inhibitory effects on oxidative stress induced by metal. Toda 2000

A formulation of Polygonum multiflorum, Angelica sinensis and Astragalus

Pharmacodynamics

membranaceus appear to sustain the myocardial glutathione antioxidant status under conditions of IR-induced oxidative stress Yim 2000

Astragalus membranaceus injection 40 microgms/ml & 400 microgms/ml in culture system, promoted normal murine bone marrow cells (BMC) and anemic murine BMC respectively. [Article in Chinese]. Zhu 2000

Of 28 extracts, melanocyte proliferation was stimulated by aqueous extracts of Astragalus membranaceous root, Citrus peel, Dictamnus dasycarpus root bark. Ophiopogon japonicus root, Poria cocos sclerotium & Tribulus terrestris fruit Lin 1999

Clinical studies with Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herb, have indicated that its in vitro antioxidant activity is the mechanism by which it affords its cardioprotective benefit. Miller 1998

The anti-herpes simplex virus activities of suppository and ointment combining Astragalus membranaceus and ecombinant human interferon alpha 2b(IFN) were shown to

Pharmacodynamics

be significantly higher than that of IFN alone. Zhang 1998

Cell culture of hairy roots of A. membranaceus contained 5.81% crude saponin, 0.14% astragaloside, 23% total polysaccharide (acidic 8.29% and soluble 14.88%). Feeding experiment indicates increase of immunity function Zheng 1998

Murine spleen cell proliferation was stimulated by Astragalus membranaceus and Oldenlandia diffusa; mediated by B cells Yoshida 1997

Astragaloside IV, a saponin from A. membranaceus (TCM for cardiovascular diseases) @ 0.01-100 microg increased the fibrinolytic potential and expression of t-PA, and decreased expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 Zhang 1997

Ca2+ influx across the myocardial plasma membrane was inhibited by A. membranaceus and is a rational choice to treat patients with viral myocarditis Guo 1995

Shi-ka-ron (Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Astragalus membranaceus & Ligusticum

Pharmacodynamics

Wallichii) protect against mitomycin induced immunosuppression in mice Jin 1995

F3, an immuno-regulatory component of Astragalus membranaceus @ 55 micrograms/ml potentiated the LAK cell inducing activity of rIL-2 Chu 1994

Astragulus membranaceus aqueous extract can improve the anisodine-induced impairment on memory acquisition as well as the alcohol-elicited deficit of memory retrieval (number of errors were reduced and latent period was prolonged) in step down Hong 1994

Lipid peroxidation of heart mitochondria is inhibited 40% by Astragalus membranaceus and 51% by Polygonum multiflorum (2 mg dried herb/ml) Hong 1994

"Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on cardiovascular system " (Chinese review, no abstract) Lei 1993

Astragalus membracaceus inhibited the formation of TXA2 and mildly affected the formation of PGI2 Wang 1993

Pharmacodynamics

LAK cell activity is enhanced by Shengmaisan with Astragalus membranaceus @ 100 micrograms/ml with IL-2 Zhao 1993

Astragalan (20-25 kd) increased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor: TNF-alpha from adherent- and TNF-beta from nonadherent- peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in vitro Zhao 1993

Sperm motility (crossing a membrane with 5 micron pores) was increased by Astragalus membranaceus aqueous extract and not by 17 other herbs Hong 1992

LAK cell cytotoxicity (tumor cell lysis) was 88% with 100 U/ml of IL-2 plus Astragalus membranaceus versus 86% in the group with 1,000 U/ml of rIL-2 alone Wang 1992

Astragalus membranaceus saponins (50-200 micrograms/ml) had a positive inotropic action on the isolated working heart of rats, through influencing the Na-K-ATPase, but in the case of 30 micrograms/ml the inotropic action turned negative. [Article in Chinese]. Wang 1992

Anti-HIV activity and cytotoxicity were

Pharmacodynamics

assessed for crude extracts of Arctium lappa, Astragalus membranaceus, Andrographis paniculata, and Prunella vulgaris Yao 1992

Natural killer activity was increased in cell culture of PBMC from lupus patients by Astragalus membranaceus and Tripterygium hypoglaucum Zhao 1992

Tumor suppression of macrophage chemiluminescent oxidative burst was reversed by Astragalus membranaceus & Ligustrum lucidum @ 50-100 micrograms./ml Rittenhouse 1991

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell cytotoxicity generated by low dose IL-2 is potentiated by Astragalus membranaceus, in vitro Chu 1990

The total saponin of Gynostemma pentaphylla is a better immunomodulator, which seems to have similar actions to that of some Chinese drugs, like Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus etc. [Article in Chinese]. Zhang 1990

Yang medicines (Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae,

Pharmacodynamics

Astragalus membranaceus, Radix Aconiti Praeparata, Epimedium brevicornum, Cortex Cinnamomi and Herba Cistanchis) decrease serum T3 & weight gain and increase rT3, TRH levels and TSH Chen 1989

Complement (C3) positive macrophages were increased by 500 mg/kg of Astragalus polysaccharide in mice Wang 1989

Study on the effect of Astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B-2 virus[CB2V]-infected neonatal rat myocardial cell cultures & alterations in electrical activities by standard microelectrode techniques revealed AM may be valuable in prophylaxis & treatment of acute CB2V.[Article in Chinese]. Yuan 1989

The potentiation of antitumor activity mediated by recombinant interleukin -2 in low concentration manifesting as potentiation of LAK cell cytotoxicity is possible by the concomitant use of another immune modulator such as Astragalus membranaceus. Chu 1988

"Protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on ribonucleases and the ribonuclease inhibitor system " (Chinese, no abstract) Wang 1987

Pharmacodynamics

[Effect of Astragalus membranaceus injecta on Coxsackie B-2 virus infected rat beating heart cell culture.] Yang 1987

"Advances in immuno-pharmacological studies on Astragalus membranaceus " (Chinese, no abstract) Geng 1986

"Effects of codonopsis pilosula-astragalus injection on platelet aggregation and activity of PGI2-like substance " (no abstract) Li 1986

"The effect of the Chinese medical herbs Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis on 3 kinds of experimental nephritis " (Chinese, no abstract) Zhang 1986

"Effects of Codonopsis pilosular-Astragalus injection on the cyclic nucleotide levels and phosphodiesterase activity in platelets " (Chinese, no abstract) Chai 1984

"Effects of Codonopsis pilosulae-Astragalus injection on superficial activity and ultrastructure of platelets " (Chinese, no abstract) Chai 1984

"Effect of pH on hemolytic activity and stability

Pharmacodynamics

of Astragalus membranaceus injection " (Chinese, no abstract) Shao 1984

[Biological activities of Astragalus polysaccharides] [Article in Chinese]. Shen 1984

[Effects of Astragalus saponin 1 on cAMP and cGMP levels in plasma and DNA synthesis in the regenerating liver] [Article in Chinese]. Zhang 1984

High efficiency of antioxidants, such as tocopherol acetate, sodium selenite and tincture of Astragalus L. is indirect evidence of the role of the free radicals in initiation of lipid peroxidation in tetracycline affections of the liver. [Article in Russian]. Oleinik 1983

Lymphocyte blastogenesis was stimulated (thymidine uptake) by Astragalus membranaceus (2.4 fold) and by Ligustrum lucidum (3.1 fold). Toxin stimulated lymphocytes also increased manyfold Sun 1983

[Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on ribonucleic acid metabolism of spleen and liver cells of mice] [Article in Chinese]. Wang 1982

Pharmacodynamics

"Hypotensive principle of Astragalus and Hedysarum roots " (no abstract) Hikino 1976

[The diuretic and hypotensive action of Astragalus membranaceus bge.] [Article in Chinese]. Huang 1965

[Treatment of cardiac and renal diseases with Astragalus.] [Article in Russian]. Stepashkina 1957

Immunostimulation and the inhibition of tumors and viruses by polysaccharides from the gum exudates of Astragalus species Tragacantha; US Patent 5,268,467

Analytical Chemistry

From 100 mg of partially purified extract of Astragalus membranaceus, 50 mg of isoflavan glycoside and 10 mg of pterocarpan glycoside with 95% purity were separated by using preparative high-performance counter-current chromatography and their structures elucidated by MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Ma 2004

2 isoflavones, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glycoside (12 mg)& formononetin-7-O-beta-D-

Analytical Chemistry

glycoside(10 mg), were isolated from 200 mg of crude extract Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicusBge. using high-speed counter-current chromatography & their structures identified by MS, 1H NMR & 13C NMR. Ma 2003

The total amount of isoflavones and flavonols of Astragalus membranaceus, acclimated in Poland was analyzed by TLC & HPLC and found to be 0.55 mg & 3.04 mg g(-1) dry weight and 3.54 mg & 0.49 mg g(-1) in the leaves and roots respectively. Matkowski 2003

Sucrose, glucose, and fructose were determined in 3 Chinese traditional drugs including Astragalus Membranceus by capillary zone electrophoresis with amperometric detection and the linear ranges of sugars were from 5.0x10(-6) to 5.0x10(-4) mol/l. Hu 2002c

From 200 mg of the crude extract of Astragalus membranaceus, 14.8 mg of calycosin was obtained at over 99% purity by using HPLC analysis, and its chemical structure was confirmed by MS, 1H and 13C NMR. Ma 2002a

The contents and dissolution rates of As, Hg,

Analytical Chemistry

Cd and Pb including 44 batches of Astragali samples from major habitats were analysed and As, Hg and Cd were very low and below the limitation of national food and hygiene standard, but that of Pb was high in Astragali and its extracts. Ye 2002

8 flavonoids were identified including calycosin-7-O- beta-D-glucoside, 6"-O-malonate, by HPLC - electrospray ionization mass spectrometry from Astragalus membranaceus & A. mongholicus roots and the presence of glycoside malonates is reported for the first time. Lin 2000

Organochlorine pesticide multi-residues were determined in 3 herbals including Astragalus membranaceus using capillary gas chromatography in which the average recoveries and RSD were in the range of 78.30%-130.1% and 0.75%-31.9% respectively. [Article in Chinese] Zhang 2000

The root of Astragalus membranaceus was processed by HPLC for the determination of astragaloside IV. The recovery was 96.1% and the RSD was 2.15%. [Article in Chinese]. Wang 1998

Analytical Chemistry

Among the 6 compounds of Astragalus membranaceus 10-hydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy petero carpan,(3R)8,2'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxy isoflavan and 8,3'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxy isoflavone were new compounds and determined by RP-HPLC method with a recovery range between 96.47% and 103.33%. [Article in Chinese]. Zheng 1998

Agroastragaloside II, was isolated from the hairy root culture of Astragalus membranaceus. Its structure is 3-O-beta-(2'-O-acetyl)-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(24S)- 3 beta,6 alpha,16 beta,24,25-pentahydroxy-9,19-cyclolanostane Hirotani 1994

Fatty acids in Astragalus complanatus seeds include heptenoic, tetradecanoic, pentadecanoic, hexadecanoic, octadecenoic, octadecanoic, octadecadienoic, linolenic, eicosanoic, eicosenoic and docosanoic. There is also beta-sitosterol Chen 1990

Astraisoflavanin (3S-(-)-mucronulatol-7-O-D-glucopyranoside), dimethyl 4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylenedioxybiphyenyl 1-2,2'-dicarboxylate and 8 other constituents from

Analytical Chemistry

Astragalus membranaceus He 1990

"Recent development of chemical studies on some medicinal plants of Astragalus spp " (Chinese, review, no abstract) He 1988

"Quantitative determination of astragaloside A in Astragalus membranaceus " (Chinese, no abstract) Yu 1986

"Study on the biologically active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus " (Chinese, no abstract) Hou 1984

"Constituents of Sichuan astragalus " (Chinese, no abstract) Xiao 1984

"Preliminary studies of some species of Astragalus on flavonoid content " (Ukrainian, no abstract) Deriugina 1965

"Biochemical differences between selenium accumulator and non-accumulator Astragalus species " (no abstract) Virupaksha 1965

Pharmacokinetics (ADME)

Astragalus membranaceus shows inhibitory

Pharmacokinetics (ADME)

effect on herpes simplex virus type-1 and has low cytotoxicity with IC50 and MIC values of 0.98 and 1.95 g/ml respectively, and therapeutic index of 128 as seen in the 2BS cells infected with HSV-1. [Article in Chinese]. Sun 2004

Genetics & Molecular Biology

The extract of Astragalus membranaceus at 1.5 mg/ml for 3-5 days induced K562 and apoptosis in HEL cells and resulted into the expression of beta - globin gene in both cell lines and leads to terminal differentiation. Cheng 2004

The phylogenetic relationships of 10 Astragalus species, including A. lepsensis, A. aksuensis, A. membranaceus, etc. were determined for the first time using DNA sequences of the 5S rRNA spacer, internal transcribed spacer region and 18S rRNA coding region. Dong 2003

Traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus was observed to reverse Th2 status of lung cancer and enhanced culture supernatant & gene expression levels of Th1 cytokine, its transcript factor and reduced those of Th2 cytokines in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells of lung cancer patients. Wei 2003b

Genetics & Molecular Biology

Apical buds of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao seedlings were induced with semi-solid 0.2% colchicine & 0.1% agar and the plants obtained were identified as tetraploids. [Article in Chinese] Wu 2003a

The genetic variability of Astragalus medicine in Taiwan was investigated using RAPD analysis in order to obtain available primers. 3 of the primers OPT-03, 13 & 17, revealed polymorphic RAPD fingerprints among the A. membranaceus, and between A . membranaceus & Hedysarum polybotrys samples. Cheng 2000

About 300 species & varieties of Astragalus was identified by DNA sequence of its 5S-rRNA spacer domain in which the nucleotide sequences of A. membranaceus, A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, A. lehmannianus, A. hoantchy and Hongqi were determined. Ma 2000

The up-regulated mRNA expressions of hypothalamic arginine vasopressin (AVP), renal V2 receptor and AVP-dependent aquaporin-2 mRNA play a role in edema formation in adriamycin-induced nephrotic rats and Astragalus membranaceus exerts its effects on

Genetics & Molecular Biology

nephrosis through this mechanism. Ma 1999b

The trend of inhibition of 4 Chinese medicinal herbs on aflatoxin B1-induced mutagenesis was : Scutellaria barbata greater than Ligustrum lucidum greater than Astragalus membranaceus and all these agents possessed cancer chemopreventive properties. Wong 1992

Astragalus membranaceus in Mendel Plant Gene Nomenclature Database

Formulas/Blends

Modern Methods of Preparation

[Astragalus membranaceus.monograph.] [No authors listed] 2003

Patents

Conduct a search on "astragalus" in the title, abstract or claims section of the US patent database

Immunostimulation by polysaccharides of Huang QI from Astragalus membranaceus Bge or Astragalus gummifier Labillard, and polysaccharides of Dankuei from Angelica sinensis Diels, Angelic archangelica or Levisticum

Patents

officinale; US Patent 4,843,067

Interferon induction by water soluble extracts from Astragalus and other plants; US Patent 4,469,685

Soyasaponin extraction from Trifolium, Medicago, Astragalus and Vicia by organic solvent; US Patent 4,594,412

Other Information

Pictures & Distribution Maps

Search AltaVista Images on astragalus membranaceus

Plant picture at Michael Moore

Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology

The preparation of Trichoderma harzianum at the dose of 10 g.m-2 in the field produced antagonistic action to Fusarium equiseti, the pathogen of Astragalus membranaceus, in vitro and exhibited 80% controling effects on root rot of A. membranaceus in the field. [Article in Chinese] Ding 2003

Hairy root cultures of Astragalus

Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology

membranaceus grown in bioreactors gave 11.5 g l dry wt with 1.4 mg g(-1) astragaloside IV and polysaccharide (range 25-32 mg g(-1)) which is an alternative to plant crops without compromising yield or pharmacological potential. Du 2003

The comparative study of chemical analysis of Radix Astragali with its adulterants and seasonal variation revealed that higher amount of astragaloside I & IV were present in A. membranaceus & A. membranaceus var. mongolicus and the constituents changed according to seasons and age of the plant. Ma 2002

144 fungal isolates from diseased medicinal plants including Astragalus membranaceus were identified into 15 genera containing 8 species and presumed to be pathogens of the host plants. [Article in Japanese]. Sato 1992

[Selenium absorption by excised Astragalus roots.] Ulrich 1968

[On the pharmacognosy of Astragalus membranaceus Tish (Bge)][Article in Russian]. Nikonova 1967