Astragalus gummifer vs Astragalus glycyphyllos

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Astragalus gummifer

Respiratory

Respiratory

Astragalus gummifer

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Astragalus glycyphyllos

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Middle Eastern thorny shrub whose gum has been used for millennia as medicinal demulcent and food thickener.

European milkvetch with licorice-like taste used in folk medicine for respiratory and digestive conditions.

Active Compounds

arabinogalactan, bassorin, tragacanthin, polysaccharides

flavonoids, glycyrrhizin-like compounds, saponins, tannins

Traditional Uses

Demulcent in Greek medicine for 2000+ years, Cough remedy, Digestive complaints, Wound healing

Respiratory conditions in European folk medicine, Digestive complaints, Wound healing

Modern Uses

GI demulcent, Immune modulation, Prebiotic effects, Food additive

Expectorant effects, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Adult Dosage

1-2 g gum dissolved in water

3-5 g dried herb as tea

Contraindications

None significant

Hypertension - glycyrrhizin-like compounds, Pregnancy

Side Effects

Bloating if taken in excess, Rare allergy

Edema, Hypertension with prolonged use

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E