Clinical Treatments of Various Diseases with The Root of Astragalus Membranaceus

Abstract

Astragalus L., is one of the largest genuses of flowering plants in the Leguminosae family. As annual or perennial herbs, sub shrubs, or shrubs, the plants of Astragalus L. are widely distributed throughout the temperate and arid regions. So far, the genus has been estimated to contain 2000–3000 species and more than 250 taxonomic sections in the world. Astragalus can significantly improve motor and memory impairment following D-galactose induced senescence in mice, which suggests anti-aging effects and possibly a delay in senility of middle-aged mice. The root of A. membranceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (Radix Astragali) is a precious medicine in TCM, which has the properties of intensifying phagocytosis of reticuloendothelial systems, stimulating pituitary-adrenal cortical activity, and restoring depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Clinically, it is used to treat chronic phlegmatic disorders and general gastrointestinal disturbances including stomach ulcers and diarrhea. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of various renal diseases for over 2000 years and was recorded in Shen Nong’s Materia Medica, which was written in the Han dynasty. Also, it is famed for its antimicrobial, antiperspirant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and tonic effects. Some plants in the Astragalus genus are well known for their pharmacological properties, particularly hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, and antiviral activities. While, the most common use of this genus is as forage for livestock and wild animals, some plants in this genus have been recognized as being used in foods, medicines, cosmetics, as substitutes for tea or coffee, or as sources of vegetable gums. Saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides are believed to be the principle active constituents of Astragalus. This herb possesses tonic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, and expectorant properties and has been shown to exhibit immunomodulating, antihyperglycemic, and antiviral activities, among others. Traditionally, it was used to treat weakness, wounds, anemia, fever, multiple allergies, chronic fatigue, and loss of appetite, uterine bleeding, and uterine prolapse. The plants have also been used for treatment of diabetes, nephritis, leukemia, stomach ulcers, hypertension and chronic bronchitis.