Astragalus (plant)

Most species in the genus have pinnately compound leaves.^[5] There are annual and perennial species. The flowers are formed in clusters in a raceme, each flower typical of the legume family, with three types of petals: banner, wings, and keel. The calyx is tubular or bell-shaped.^[6][7]

The genus was formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum.^[8]

The name Astragalus is Greek, an old name for this group of plants which were believed to have a positive effect on goat milk production.^[9]

Astragalus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including many case-bearing moths of the genus Coleophora: C. cartilaginella, C. colutella, C. euryaula, and C. onobrychiella feed exclusively on Astragalus, C. astragalella and C. gallipennella feed exclusively on the species Astragalus glycyphyllos, and C. hippodromica is limited to Astragalus gombo.^{[citation needed]}

Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine over centuries to treat various disorders, but there is no high-quality evidence that it is effective or safe for any medical purpose.^[11][12]

Extracts of astragalus root include diverse phytochemicals, such as saponins and isoflavone flavonoids, which are purported in traditional practices to increase lactation in nursing mothers.^[13] There is no valid clinical evidence to indicate such use is effective or safe for the mother or infant.^[13] Dietary supplement products containing astragalus extracts may not have been adequately tested for efficacy, safety, purity or consistency.^[13] The root extracts of astragalus may be used in soups, teas or sold in capsules.^[11]

Although astragalus supplements are generally well tolerated, mild gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions may occur.^[11][13] Because astragalus may affect regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure, it may be risky for people with blood disorders, diabetes, or hypertension to use it as a supplement.^[11] Astragalus may interact with prescribed drugs that suppress the immune system, such as medications used by people being treated for cancer or recovery from organ transplants.^[11]

Some astragalus species can be toxic, such as those found in the United States containing the neurotoxin swainsonine, which causes "locoweed" poisoning in animals.^[11] Some astragalus species may contain high levels of selenium, possibly causing toxicity.^[11]

Several species, including A. alpinus (bluish-purple flowers), A. hypoglottis (purple flowers), and A. lotoides, are grown as ornamental plants in gardens.^{[citation needed]}

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Astragalus.

• Astragalus – Genus of vascular plants
• Astragalus – Clinical summary and constituents, MSKCC Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center