Chinese Herbal List

Radix Astragali


Latin Name: Radix Astragali
Common Name: Astragalus root  Original plant of Radix Astragali
Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. / Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao
 Chinese Name: 黃芪
Pinyin Name: huang qi 
 Astragalus root is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. / Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao; a perennial herbal plant of the family Leguminosae.1,2
Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. is mainly produced in inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Gansu and Heilongjiang provinces of China. A. mongholicus Bge. is mainly produced in in inner Mongolia Jilin, Hebei, and Shanxi provinces of China. Cultivated herbs in Mongolia is regarded as good quality supply. 1
Astragalus root is sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature, and manifests its therapeutic actions in the spleen and lung meridians.1
The active constituents of astragalus root mainly consist of polysaccharides and flavonoids.2 

The polysaccharides of astragalus root include two glucans, AG-1 (astragalus glucan-1) and AG-2 (astragalus glucan-2), and two heteroglycans, AH-1 (astragalus heteroglycan-1 and AH-2 (astragalus heteroglycan-2). There are other astragalus polysaccharide groups which contain D-glucose, D-galactose, and L-araban. The flavonoid-containing compounds include 7,3-dimercapto-4, 1-methoxyisoflavone, 3-dimercapto-7, 4,1-methoxyisoflavone, catycosin, kumatakenin and fomononetin. 

Astragalus root also contains numerous amino acids, trace elements and various other components, such as astragalus saponin I-II, astragalosides I-IV and soyasapogenoside. Identified amino acids include daucosterol, choline, betaine, folic acid, nicotinamide, and linoleic acid. 

Beta-sterol, lupeol, hexanol, palmitic acid, 6-o-beta-D-pyranoglucose, 3-o-beta-D-xylopyranose and carotenol can also be extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.26-33 
 
Astragalus root reinforces qi (vital energy), raises yang, replenishes protective qi, consolidates exterior body, induces urination, relieves swelling, supports wound healing and promotes tissue regeneration.1

Astragalus root is used in a wide range of problems, such as physical weakness, fatigue, organ prolapse, sweating, chronic wounds, and swelling.1  
1.) Individuals with spleen and stomach qi deficiency tend to experiences low appetite, fatigue, limb weakness, and diarrhea, which can be relieved by astragalus root along with largehead atractylodes rhizome; when the symptoms are serious, ginseng will be added in the remedy in order to enhance the qi reinforcing effect; in case if the middle burner is deficient and cold that experience abdominal colic, astragalus root can work with cassia twig, white peony root and liquorice root; a representative prescription is Astragalus Establishing Middle Decoction. If both qi and yang deficient occur that experience fatigue and sweating, astragalus root can work with aconite root, so as to reinforce qi, warm yang and consolidate the exterior body. 

2.) Middle qi sinking is often associated with organs cant place on proper positions, such as persistent diarrhea and anal prolapse, astragalus root can be selected with herbs like ginseng, bugbane rhizome and bupleurum root for relief; a representative prescription is Tonify the Middle & Augment the Qi Decoction.

Problems due to lung qi deficiency or weakened exterior body     
Body fluids disturbances due to qi deficiency 
This is associated with swelling and urinary difficulty, astragalus root can work with fourstamen stephania root and largehead atractylodes rhizome for relief.

Persistent wounds or ulcers due to qi and blood depletions
Qi and blood depletions can lead to difficult in wound healing. When the wound is suppurative in nature, astragalus root can be selected with angelica root,  pangolin scales and Chinese honeylocust spine, so as to promote pus drainage and wound healing; persistent open wounds can be treated by astragalus root combing angelica root, ginseng, and cassia bark.

Other Problems due to blood and qi depletions
Individuals tend to have swallow complexion, spiritual fatigue and a deficient pulse; astragalus root can be selected with angelica root for the remedy; when qi fails to control blood flow and leads to bleeding symptoms, astragalus root can be selected with ginseng, angelica root and longan aril for relief; qi deficiency along with blood stagnation leads to joint pain, numbness and paralysis of the body, astragalus root can be selected with cassia twig, angelica root, Chinese safflower and earthworms; qi deficiency along with fluid depletion leads to excess thirst, easy hunger or frequent urination, astragalus root can be selected with rehmannia root and Chinese yam for relief.   
 
Modern TCM also uses astragalus root to treat renal diseases, proteinuria, enterogastritis, bone marrow disease, and chronic hepatitis. 
 
1.  Effects on Immune System 

Both in vitro and in vivo investigations show Astragalus membranaceus possess immune enhancing effects. 5-16 

Cell culture and Animal studies

Using a local xenogenic graft-versus-host reaction (XGVHR) three crude extracts of Astragalus membranaceus were tested on mononuclear cells (MNC's) derived from healthy normal donors and 13 cancer patients. Both groups showed that Astragalus membranaceus extracts had significant immuno-potentiating activity.7

Another study of an Astragalus membranaceus extract combined with low dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL2) (100u/ml) generated an 80% lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity similar to the 76% of LAK cell activity generated by a high dose rIL2 (1000u/ml). This study suggests that a decreased dose of rIl2 could be used in combination with this herb to reduce toxicity associated with high dose rIL2. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immuno-suppression in rats was also attributed to polysaccharide fractions of this herb. 8-11

Phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system was increased in mice fed with a gastric gavage daily or on alternate days for one to two weeks of an Astragalus membranaceus decoction. Even when the rehabilitation of the mouse reticuloendothelial system was disrupted by injection of carbon particles before administration of the Astragalus membranaceus extract, the phagocytic index was enhanced. 5-6

Induction of an antibody response to a T-cell-dependent antigen was noted with intravenous administration of a crude Astragalus membranaceus extract to normal mice, or mice immuno-suppressed by cyclophosphamide, radiation treatment, or ageing. The response is associated with an increase in T-helper cell activity in both normal and immuno-suppressed mice.12 Another in vivo study performed on cyclophosphamide-immuno-suppressed mice has suggested that Astragalus membranaceus extracts may modulate the immune system through activation of macrophages and splenic lymphocytes.13 Polysaccharide fractions from Astragalus membranaceus root extracts are thought to be responsible for the herb's immunostimulant activity. 5,12,14

Clinical studies

Administration of an aqueous Astragalus membranaceus extract orally or intra-nasally to 1000 human subjects was found to decrease the incidence and shorten the course of the common cold. Two months of oral administration of Astragalus membranaceus in people susceptible to the common cold increased IgA and IgG levels in their nasal secretions.5
 
Increase in serum IgM, IgE, and cAMP concentrations were found in adults treated with an oral dose of Astragalus root (15.6g/person/day, for 20 days).15 Astragalus membranaceus extracts have also been reported to stimulate the production of interferon (a protein effective against some viruses) in response to viral infections.14-16 

2. Diuresis 

Animal studies 

When rats were given subcutaneous injection of 0.5g/kg Radix Astragali and anaesthetized dogs were given i.v. injection of 0.5g/kg Radix Astragali, prominent diuretic effects were observed. The diuretic potency of Radix Astragali (subcutaneous injection at 0.5g/kg) in rats was shown to be comparable to that of 0.05g/kg aminophylline and 0.2mg/kg dihydrochlorothiazide. The effect was most prominent one to 1.5 hours after administration.17

3. Effects on Cardiovascular System 

Animal studies 

Blood pressure lowering effects
When 0.5g/kg of Radix Astragali decoction was injected i.v. to anaesthetized dogs, blood pressure was reduced, the effect of which lasted for 0.5 to1 hour. However, following secondary administration, this hypotensive effect was less pronounced, indicating that Radix Astragali may be a rapidly tolerated herb. When 0.5g/kg of Radix Astragali decoction was given by gavage instead, blood pressure was also notably reduced, but to a lesser extent.17

Radix Astragali was shown to be able to control the increase of blood pressure in a spontaneous hypertension rat model. When rats were given a 0.5g/ml Radix Astragali water decoction at a dose of 2ml daily by gavage, the degree of blood pressure increase in the treatment group of the spontaneous hypertensive rat model was shown to be less than that of control group. The average blood pressure increase in the treatment group was 3.22±3.03 kPa (24.2±22.8 mmHg) as compared to 6.22±2.81 kPa (46.8±21.1 mmHg) in the control group. The results suggest Radix Astragali may be able to control an increase in blood pressure in a spontaneous hypertensive rat model.19 

In vitro studies

Cardiovascular activity
Both the contractility and contraction amplitude of isolated frog or toad hearts was enhanced with alcohol extracts of Radix Astragali.5 Dogs given an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Radix Astragali did not produce any immediate effects on heart rate, but three to four hours after administration demonstrated inverted and biphasic T waves and prolonged S-T intervals.5 Furthermore, a positive inotropic effect on isolated rat hearts was reported from use of saponins isolated from Radix Astragali. The resting potential of cultured rat myocardial cells also decreased with use of saponins, suggesting that they may exert an inotropic effect through modulation of Na+/K+ exchanging ATPase.20
 
 4. Anti-inflammatory effects 

Animal studies 
When rats were given 50mg/kg astragalus saponin I by gavage, and 5mg/kg astragalus saponin I by i.v. injection, the increase in capillary permeability induced by histamine and by 5-hydroxytyptamine was antagonized. When 25-100mg/kg of saponin I was given by gavage, it significantly suppressed carrageenin-induced edema in the rat hind paw. The inhibitory rate within the dose range of 25-50mg/kg showed linear correlation.19-21
 
5. Hematological effects 

Cell culture studies 

When 0.2g/ml of Radix Astragali decoction was added to in vitro pathological red blood cells isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it was shown to protect the deformability of red blood cells treated with glutaraldehyde, and reduce the degree of cell damage. Hence it was suggested that Radix Astragali's ability to invigorate qi may help maintain the deformability of red blood cells.23 

6. Anti-stress effects 

Animal studies 

When 50g/kg of Radix Astragali decoction was given to mice by gavage, the level of hydroxyproline in skin tissues was elevated, whilst the weight of the adrenal glands were increased so that the mice became more tolerant to hypoxic conditions. Stress was induced in mice when they had to swim while carrying weights. Radix Astragali decoction was shown to possess anti-stress effects when the swimming durations of mice were prolonged following administration of Radix Astragali.24-25  
 
Acute toxicity: when mice were gavage fed with 0.4-0.7ml Radix Astragali decoction (equivalent to 7.5g/kg raw herb), no abnormality was observed within 48 hours and LD50 could not be detected. When Radix Astragali was injected i.p. into mice, the LD50 was found to be 40±5g/kg. Difficulty in breathing and loss of sensation in limbs in the animals were observed, followed by death.17
 
Chronic toxicity: when rats were injected i.p. with 0.9-1.3 ml Radix Astragali (equivalent to 0.5g/kg raw herb) for 30 days, no toxic side effects or death were reported.17
For decoction, the usual dose of astragalus root is 10～15g, it can be higher to 60g if necessary. 
Astragalus root is contraindicated in those with exterior syndromes, yin vacuity with internal heat, or indigestion due to food retention. It is also not suitable for skin sores or abscess conditions with significant swelling, pain and redness. Individuals with immune active diseases should be used with caution. 
  1. Lui Daiquan (editor-in-chief), Chinese Herbal Medicine, Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, 2000-6.  
  2. Li Jiashi (editor-in-chief), Chinese Medicine Identification, Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, 2000-2.
  3. Wu Yiluo. Bencao Congxin (New Compilation of Materia Medica), 1757AD. 
  4. Li Shizhen, Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) 1578AD. 
  5. Chang HM, But PPH, eds. Pharmacology and applications of Chinese material medica, Vol. 2. Singapore, World Scientific Publishing, 1987. 
  6. Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E. Astragalus membranaceus (Fish.) Bge. Milan, Indena, 1994. 
  7. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs I. Immune restoration of local exnogeneic graft-versus-host reactions in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro. Jornal of clinical laboratory immunology, 1988, 25:119-123. 
  8. Yang YZ et al. Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on natural killer cell activity and induction of alpha- and gamma-interferon in patients with coxsackie B viral myocarditis. Chung-hua I hseuh tsa chih (English Edition), 1990, 103:304-307. 
  9. Bombardelli E, Pozzi R. Polysacharides with immunomodulating properties from Astragalus membranaceus. Europe patent, 1991, 441:278. 
  10. Chu DT et al. Fractionated extract of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb, potentiates LAK cell cytotoxicity generated by a low dose of recombinant interleukin-2. Journal of clinical laboratory immunology, 1988, 26:183-187. 
  11. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs II. Reversal of cyclophasphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivio. Journal of clinical laboratory immunology, 1988, 25:125-129. 
  12. Zhou KS, Mancini C, Doria G. Enhancement of the immune response in mice by Astragalus membranaceus extracts. Immunopharmacology, 1990, 20:225-233. 
  13. Jin R et al. Immunomodulative effects of Chinese herbs in mice treated with antitumor agent cyclophosphamide. Yakugaku zasshi, 1994, 114:533-538. 
  14. Hou YD et al. Effect of Radix Astragali seu hedysari on the interferon system. Chinese medical journal, 1981, 94:35-40. 
  15. Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Immunity parameters and blood cAMP changes in normal persons after ingestion of Radix Astragali. Chung hua I hsueh t’sa chih, 1979, 59:31-34. 
  16. Finter NB. Interferons and interferon-inducers. Amsterdam, North Holland, 1973:363.  
  17. Huang Houpin, The diuretic and the blood pressure lowering effects of Radix Astragali, Journal of Pharmacology 1965;12(5):319.  
  18. Song Daijun, et al, The effects of Radix Astragali on the primary hypertension in rats, Chinese herbal medicine 1989;20(8);25.  
  19. Zhang Yindi, et al, The anti-inflammatory and the hypotensive effects of Astragaloside I, Journal of Pharmacology 1984;19(5);333.   
  20. Wang QL et al. Inotropic action of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. Saponins and its possible mechanism, Journal of Chinese Material Medica 1992, 17:557-559.  
  21. Tao Yongmei, The new progress of studies of Radix Astragali, Xin Jiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1988(4):50.  
  22. Dai Jiahe, et al, Experimental study of effects of Radix Astragali on human erythrocyte deformation, Guizhou Medicine 1987;11(1):23.  
  23. Xu Xi, Clinical and experimental study of effects of Radix Astragali and Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae on platelet aggregation, Pharmacology and clinical use of Chinese Medicine 1988; 4(4):32.  
  24. Chen Shuqing, et al, Experimental study of total saponins of Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Fructus Lycii, Rhizoma Polygonatti, Radix Astragali and Zhulushen, Pharmacology and clinical use of Chinese Medicine 1990;6(3):28.  
  25. Kang Yong, et al, Study of pharmacological actions of Radix Astragali oral solution, Chinese Herbal Medicine 1989; 20(11):21.  
  26. Wang Weikang, et al, Study of chemical ingredients of Radix Astragali in Inner Mongolia, Chinese Herbal Medicine 1989;20(5):6.  
  27. Han Kewei, ed, Immunology experimental study and clinical applications of Chinese Medicines, Academic Periodicals Publisher 1988:26.  
  28. Zhou Jinhuang, et al, Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers 1986:244.  
  29. Huang Qiaoshu, et al, Study of polysaccharides in Radix Astragali, Journal of Pharmacology 1982:17(3):200.  
  30. Ma Yinli, et al, Study of the chemical constituents of stems and leaves of Radix Astragali, Chinese Herbal Medicine 1991;8(2):121.  
  31. Qi zongshao, et al, Study profile of the chemical constituents of Radix Astragali, Chinese Herbal Medicine 1987; 18(5):41.  
  32. Wu Jizhou, Study of the chemical constituents of Radix Astragali in Inner Mongolia (I), Chinese Herbal Medicine 1982;13(8):3.  
  33. Lu Shuhua, Study of the flavone constituents of Radix Astragali plant part that is above the ground in Inner Mongolia (I), Chinese Herbal Medicine 1990;21(6):9.  
  34. Quoted in "Wang BX ed. Modern Pharmacological studies on Chinese Medicine. Tianjin Scientific Technology Publishing, 1999: 1175-1180."
  35. Quoted in “WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants”  

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