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 28 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Huang Qi Bei (Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicinal plant, primarily utilized for its roots [PMID:30691074, PMID:36244068].
Background
Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Leguminosae family cultivated in Northwest China [PMID:38276773, PMID:36307985]. The dried roots, known as Astragali Radix, are the primary medicinal part [PMID:35609680, PMID:36307985].
Traditional uses
It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is a component in formulas used to treat insomnia, fatigue, and loss of appetite [PMID:31644940, PMID:36244068].
Active compounds
Main bioactive constituents include flavonoids (such as calycosin and formononetin), phenolic acids, saponins (including astragalosides), and cycloartane-type triterpenoids [PMID:31890338, PMID:32654511, PMID:36244068, PMID:28501748]. Additionally, pterocarpans and apiosyl-containing pterocarpan glycosides have been isolated from the root [PMID:35609680].
Mechanism of action
Some isolated pterocarpans exhibit alpha-glucosidase inhibitory function [PMID:35609680]. Calycosin is associated with antioxidative activity [PMID:36244068]. TCM herbs including A. membranaceus var. mongholicus are reported to modulate the Th17/Treg axis in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases [PMID:32345031].
Clinical evidence
Evidence AImmune-mediated inflammatory diseases
A systematic review indicates that TCM prescriptions containing A. membranaceus var. mongholicus (found in 5.20% of assessed prescriptions) may modulate the Th17/Treg axis [PMID:32345031]
Evidence DType 1 diabetes mellitus
Integrative TCM therapy, where Huang-qi is a common single herb used, is associated with a reduced risk of diabetic ketoacidosis [PMID:27340102]
Safety & adverse effects
In a toxicological study of the Bei Qi Wu Jia formula (containing Radix Astragali), no evidence of acute toxicity was observed in mice, and no deaths or changes in general behavior were noted in rats during a 28-day subacute study [PMID:31644940].
Evidence summary
The available evidence consists primarily of phytochemical characterizations, genomic studies, and animal-based toxicological assessments. Clinical evidence is limited to systematic reviews of TCM prescriptions and observational data.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 35609680 (2022) — Bioactive pterocarpans from the root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus. · Phytochemistry
- 2.PMID: 32654511 (2020) — Cycloartane-type triterpenoids from the root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus. · Journal of Asian natural products research
- 3.PMID: 30691074 (2019) — Flowers of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus as a Novel High Potential By-Product: Phytochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 36244068 (2023) — Identification of characteristic markers for monofloral honey of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Hsiao: A combined untargeted and targeted MS-based study. · Food chemistry
- 5.PMID: 31890338