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Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)

astragalus membranaceus

What is Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Huang Qi, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae and is classified within the genus Astragalus.

It is further grouped into the subfamily Faboideae and the tribe Galegeae.

At the species level, Astragalus membranaceus is often distinguished from its closely related species, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus var. membranaceus.

What is the taxonomy of this plant?

The taxonomy of astragalus membranaceus is presented in the table below using the Linnaean system of classification.

Taxonomy Category
Kingdom Plantae
Division Angiospermae
Class Magnoliopsida
Subclass Rosidae
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Astragalus
Species Astragalus membranaceus

Is there a botanical illustation of this plant?

Yes, the following drawing shows a botanical illustration of astragalus membranaceus.

astragalus membranaceus botanical illustration

What are the most common uses of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure.

It is also known to help alleviate symptoms of high cholesterol by reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health. Additionally, astragalus membranaceus has been shown to be effective in managing high liver enzymes, indicating its potential in treating liver-related issues. Furthermore, this plant has been traditionally used to treat high blood sugar levels, making it a potential natural remedy for diabetes management.

Overall, astragalus membranaceus is valued for its adaptogenic properties, allowing it to help the body adapt to various stressors and promote overall well-being.

The following list summarizes the most common ailments treated with this plant.

What are the benefits of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus can be a highly beneficial plant for overall health, as it is known to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, helping to protect against infections and diseases.

This plant also improves digestion by enhancing the functioning of the gut and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, astragalus membranaceus has been shown to reduce stress hormones by regulating cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and fatigue. Additionally, the plant supports cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and preventing the formation of blood clots.

Astragalus membranaceus also enhances antioxidant capacity by scavenging free radicals and promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage and inflammation.

The following list summarizes the 7 most common benefits of Astragalus membranaceus.

What are the therapeutic properties of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus has many therapeutic properties, such as being an adaptogenic herb, which helps the body adapt to stress and promotes balance in the body's physiological processes.

It also exhibits antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, astragalus membranaceus has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis. Furthermore, it has immunomodulatory effects, regulating and enhancing the immune system's response to infection and disease.

Astragalus membranaceus also possesses antioxidant properties, which help to protect against cell damage and promote overall health and well-being.

The following list summarizes the 11 most common therapeutic properties of Astragalus membranaceus.

What are the medicinal parts of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus has several medicinal parts, such as the root, which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

The root bark of Astragalus membranaceus is also valued for its ability to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. The stems of this plant have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a potential treatment for various diseases. The flowers of Astragalus membranaceus contain flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have been found to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Additionally, the seeds of this plant have been used to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma due to their expectorant properties.

The following list summarizes the 11 most important medicinal parts of Astragalus membranaceus.

What are the active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties.

Flavonoids, such as baicalin and hispidulin, have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Saponins, like astragaloside IV, exhibit immunomodulatory effects and may help to enhance immune function. Polysaccharides, including astragalus polysaccharide, possess immunostimulatory and anti-fatigue properties, making them useful in the treatment of various diseases.

The plant also contains triterpenoids, tannins, and other compounds that contribute to its overall therapeutic potential.

The following list summarizes the 7 most common constituents of Astragalus membranaceus.

What are the medicinal preparations of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Huang Qi, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that requires careful preparation to unlock its full potential.

To prepare this herb, the roots are typically harvested in the fall, dried, and then processed to remove any impurities or excess moisture.

The dried roots can then be made into various forms, including powder, capsules, or decoctions, which can be used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote energy and immune function.

The following list summarizes the 7 Astragalus membranaceus best medicinal preparations.

What are the side effects of Astragalus membranaceus?

Astragalus membranaceus can have several negative health side effects, including the potential to induce liver damage due to its high saponin content, which can cause liver cell death and inflammation.

Additionally, astragalus membranaceus has been known to cause insomnia in some individuals, likely due to its stimulating properties that can disrupt sleep patterns. Furthermore, it can affect the immune system by suppressing the production of certain immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections. Astragalus membranaceus has also been linked to nephrotoxicity, or kidney damage, which can result from its high levels of toxic compounds that can harm kidney cells.

Moreover, long-term use of astragalus membranaceus can lead to cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias, due to its potential to increase cardiac workload and alter blood vessel function.

The following list summarizes the 9 most common side effects of Astragalus membranaceus.