A Review of Astragalus Species as Foodstuffs, Dietary Supplements, a Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Part of Modern Pharmaceutical Science

Astragalus is a common Traditional Chinese Medicinal plant and is a widely used herbal product in China and other countries. Saponins, polysaccharides, amino acids, flavonoids, organic acid, glycosides, alkaloid, and trace elements, are the major classes of chemical compounds occurring in the species of Astragalus genus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astragalus is considered to be effective in the treatment of diabetes, mellitus, nephritis, leukemia, uterine cancer, besides its tonic agent and diuretic effects. Some uses of Astragalus are in the treatment of kidney and urinary problems, digestion, liver problems, female reproductive system problems, muscular, skin problems, cardiovascular and blood related issues, immune and lymphatic system, nervous system, respiratory system, and for some specific diseases. It helps protect the body against various types of stress such as physical and emotional stress. Astragalus root has anti-aging properties, and also help in the prevention of bone loss. Astragali radix, the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, has been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects, antioxidative effects, antiviral activity, anti-oxidative effects, anti-hypertensive effects, and immunostimulant properties; it has also been reported to strengthen superficial resistance, drainage action and new tissue growth. More clinical studies are necessary to discover the effects of Astraglaus.