Astragalus propinquus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Astragalus propinquus | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||
| Astragalus propinquus Schischkin[1] |
||||||||||||||||
| Synonyms | ||||||||||||||||
|
Astragalus propinquus (syn. Astragalus membranaceus) also known as huáng qí (simplified: 黄芪; traditional: 黃芪) or běi qí (北芪),[2] is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.[3] It is a perennial plant and it is not listed as being threatened.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Uses
A. propinquus is used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to speed healing and treat diabetes.[4] In western herbal medicine, Astragalus is primarily considered a tonic for enhancing metabolism and digestion and is consumed as a tea or soup made from the (usually dried) roots of the plant, often in combination with other medicinal herbs. It is also traditionally used to strengthen the immune system and in the healing of wounds and injuries.[5]
A. propinquus has been asserted to be a tonic that can improve the functioning of the lungs, adrenal glands and the gastrointestinal tract, increase metabolism, sweating, promote healing and reduce fatigue.[6]
There is a report in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology that Astragalus membranaceus can show "immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects."[7] It has been shown to increase the production of interferon and to activate immune cells such as macrophages.[3]
The biotech company Geron Corporation has determined that a molecule from Astragalus propinquus root called TA-65 is a telomerase activator. According to PRNewswire, TA Sciences, has a license from Geron to sell TA-65 and is now selling it as a neutraceutical anti-aging product at their TA Sciences Center in New York City.[8]
[edit] Related species
The natural gum tragacanth, which is used in pharmaceuticals and textiles, is obtained from Astragalus tragacanthus.[9] It has been termed as a renal adaptogen.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Astragalus propinquus. ILDIS LegumeWeb. International Legume Database & Information Service (2005-11-1). Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
- ^ Huang qi, Complementary and Alternative Healing University. Retrieved on 2008-02-19.
- ^ a b Astragalus membranaceus - Plants For A Future database report. Plants For A Future (June 2004). Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
- ^ Astragalus. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) (2007). Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
- ^ Gaia Garden Herbals | Products : Astragalus
- ^ Phyllis Balch, C.N.C. (2006). Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food. Avery Penguin Putnam. ISBN 9781583332368.
- ^ Cho, WC; Leung KN. (2007 Aug 15). "In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus.". J Ethnopharmacol. 13 (1): 132–41. PMID 17611061.
- ^ "New Product Scientifically Battles Aging at the Cellular Level", PR Newswire News and Information, PR Newswire Association LLC., 2003-04-09, pp. 1. Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
- ^ Gentry, H.S.; M.Mittleman, and P.R. McCrohan. "The natural gum tragacanth, which is used in pharmaceuticals and textiles, is obtained from Astragalus tragacanthus", Purdue University Crop Index, Purdue University, 1990, pp. 1. Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
