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- Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the immune system.<a href="#hdng0">(More...)</a>
- View 236 genera in Fabaceae, 419 species in Astragalus or click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles.<a href="#hdng1">(More...)</a>
- Currently there is one Federally listed endangered plant found within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park: the sentry milk-vetch ( Astragalus cremnophylax var. cremnophylax ).<a href="#hdng2">(More...)</a>
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Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer. It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections. <a href="
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/" TARGET="_blank"
[1]</a> Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.<a href="
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/" TARGET="_blank"
[1]</a> The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.<a href="
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/" TARGET="_blank"
[1]</a>
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the effects of astragalus on the body, particularly on the immune system.<a href="
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/" TARGET="_blank"
[1]</a> Results from small or preliminary studies suggest that astragalus may benefit heart function and help the immune system fight infections.<a href="
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/" TARGET="_blank"
[1]</a>
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View 236 genera in Fabaceae, 419 species in Astragalus or click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. <a href="
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ASCA11" TARGET="_blank"
[2]</a> Astragalus canadensis L. This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state.<a href="
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ASCA11" TARGET="_blank"
[2]</a>
Astragalus crassicarpus Nutt. This plant and the related entityitalicized and indented below are listed by the U.S. federal government or a state.<a href="
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ASCR2" TARGET="_blank"
[3]</a>
Objective V: Further describe toxicoses and pathology of animals poisoned by Astragalus species containing nitro-propionic.<a href="
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?accn_no=412850" TARGET="_blank"
[4]</a> Technical Abstract: Spotted locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus var. diphysus) is a toxic, perennial plant that may, if sufficient precipitation occurs, dominate the herbaceous vegetation of pinyon-juniper woodlands on the Colorado Plateau.<a href="
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=142862" TARGET="_blank"
[5]</a>
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Currently there is one Federally listed endangered plant found within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park: the sentry milk-vetch ( Astragalus cremnophylax var. cremnophylax ). This plant is endemic to Grand Canyon and is a perennial, mat-forming herb. It grows in crevices and on rimrock in the Kaibab Limestone formation within the pinyon-juniper vegetation type. <a href="
http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/astragalus.htm" TARGET="_blank"
[6]</a> The exact location cannot be disclosed. The name Astragalus is derived from either the Greek word meaning ankle-bone or dice, perhaps in reference to the rattling of the seed within the fruit, or it may be derived from astro meaning star and gala meaning milk, in reference to the belief that its use in pasture land improves livestock milk yield.<a href="
http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/astragalus.htm" TARGET="_blank"
[6]</a>
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