PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Astragalus sinicus, also known as Chinese milk vetch, is a legume primarily used as a green manure to improve soil fertility and rice productivity [PMID:35602334, 35529952]. Recent research has explored its potential in phytoremediation of heavy metals and as a treatment for menopause-related symptoms [PMID:38202384, 41605805].
Background
Astragalus sinicus (Chinese milk vetch) is a traditional winter-growing cover crop and green manure species widely planted in the temperate zones of China [PMID:35602334, 36466260]. It is used to upgrade soil fertility, maintain crop yield and quality in rice fields, and as a landscape ground cover plant [PMID:35602334, 37510305].
Traditional uses
Primarily utilized as a green manure and cover crop to improve rice productivity and prevent soil degeneration [PMID:35529952].
Active compounds
Water-extractable organic matter from A. sinicus is rich in C=C and C=O functional groups, including carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols, fatty acids, aliphatic aromatic, and amide compounds [PMID:32126945]. It also contains anthocyanins, the formation of which depends on the enzyme chalcone isomerase (CHI) [PMID:37510305].
Mechanism of action
In an ovariectomized mouse model, A. sinicus ethanol extract exhibited estrogenic activity and improved the mRNA expression of menopause-related genes [PMID:41605805]. In soil, its decomposition leachates contain compounds that exert phytotoxicity on weeds like goosegrass [PMID:36466260].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DMenopausal symptoms
Ethanol extract of A. sinicus effectively improved menopause-related symptoms in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model and showed estrogenic activity in vitro [PMID:41605805]
Evidence summary
The majority of available evidence is based on agricultural and botanical research (soil science, genomics, and phytoremediation). There is very limited preclinical evidence (animal/in vitro models) regarding its potential medicinal use for menopausal symptoms.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 35574090 (2022) — Astragalus sinicus Incorporated as Green Manure for Weed Control in Corn. · Frontiers in plant science
- 2.PMID: 38202384 (2023) — Cadmium-Tolerant Bacterium Strain Cdb8-1 Contributed to the Remediation of Cadmium Pollution through Increasing the Growth and Cadmium Uptake of Chinese Milk Vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) in Cadmium-Polluted Soils. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 40871297 (2025) — Biochar-Immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa Enhances Copper Remediation and Growth of Chinese Milk Vetch (Astragalus sinicus). · Microorganisms
- 4.PMID: 35602334 (2022) — The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Astragalus sinicus Linne 1767. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
- 5.PMID: 35185950 (2021) — Synergism Between Water Management and Phosphorus Supply Enhances the Nodulation and Root Growth and Development of Chinese Milk Vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.).