Abstract Detail

Economic Botany

Todorov, Toma [1], Zauner, Ranae [2], Olga, Kopp [3].

Astragalus: A review of its medicinal uses and health effects.

Astragalus is considered the largest genus of the Fabaceae family, comprising approximately 3,000 species distributed throughout the world. In Asia alone about 2,500 species of Astragalus have been described. In North America there are approximately 400 species, and additional species have been described in Africa and South America. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astragalus is considered one of the most important herbs for the treatment of nephritis, diabetes, uterine cancer, and leukemia. In addition, it is frequently used as a dietary supplement and foodstuff (soups, teas). Studies of extracts of different Astragalus species have shown a variety of activities, acting as an antioxidant, diuretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotector, neuroprotector, analgesic, immunoregulator, expectorant, and gastrointestinal protector. Some Astragalus extracts have also been shown to be antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory. A diverse group of pharmacological compounds have been isolated from Astragalus roots, leaves, shoots, and seeds. The active constituents reported include polysaccharides, galactomannans, saponins, amino acids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, alkaloids, trace elements, astragalosides, and terpenes (among others), indicating the great pharmacological potential of this genus. The purpose of this paper is to review the medicinal uses of Astragalus, clinical trials, its effects on human health, and the potential side-effects resulting from its use as complementary and alternative medicine.

1 - Utah Valley University, 800 West University Parkway, Orem, UT, 84058, USA
2 - Utah Valley University, Biology, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84058, USA
3 - Utah Valley University, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84058, United States

Keywords:
Astragalus
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fabaceae
pharmacological compounds
polysaccharides
galactomannans
saponins
flavonoids
traditional medicine.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Economic Botany: Contributed Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEN001
Abstract ID:96
Candidate for Awards:Economic Botany Section best poster