Astragalus mongholicus
Common Name:Astragalus, milk vetch
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Chinese Medicine Name: Huang qi
Parts Used: Root
Actions:  Adaptogen,  Anti-diabetic,  Anti-inflammator, y Antioxidant,  Cardioprotective,  Hepatoprotective,  Hypoglycemi, c Immunomodulant,  Neuroprotective ,Restorative Tonic
Taste: Slightly sweet
Energy: Warming
Herbalists consider astragalus useful for anemia or other blood disorders (Bove, 2001). 
Astragalus root has also traditionally been used in China for diabetes and is currently the most frequently used antidiabetic herb (Xie et al., 2011). Its hypoglycemic action is used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Scientific studies of several compounds isolated from astragalus (including polysaccharides, inositol compounds, saponins, and flavonoids fractions) indicate that these phytochemical constituents exhibited significant activity towards types I and II diabetes, including a potential corrective effect on inadequate insulin production (Agyeman et al., 2013). A meta-analysis of 13 studies including 1054 participants showed the aqueous decoction of astragalus reduced fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index levels compared to control (Tian et al., 2016). It also regulates fluid metabolism, which can be helpful for diabetes-related edema (Sinadinos, 2008).
 
Astragalus is considered to be cardioprotective and is used for mild congestive heart failure and angina. A Chinese study of 72 chronic heart failure patients showed that treatment with astragalus injections in addition to conventional treatment led to a greater improvement in symptom severity, levels of apoptosis-related factors, and measurements of cardiac function compared to conventional treatment alone (Zhang et al., 2005). Astragalus is also used to regulate blood pressure (Winston, 2007). It may improve blood lipid profile and is widely used in Asia for recovery from strokes (Stansbury, 2018a). Stansbury (2018b) also notes its benefits for vascular inflammation. 
 
In traditional use, astragalus is valued for its hepatoprotective effect, which means it protects the liver against toxic substances and viruses and supports liver health.  Buhner (2013) reports that in several clinical studies, astragalus was found to be effective in supporting hepatitis B and liver issues, resulting in improved liver function, protection from liver damage, and stimulation of liver cell regeneration. An in vitro cellular study showed that astragaloside IV (a triterpenoid saponin) suppressed secretion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens in a human HBV-transfected liver cell line (Wang et al., 2009). In a small clinical study of 84 people with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, those treated with a combination of astragalus and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) experienced improvements in the diameter and blood flow of the portal and splenic veins as well as liver fibrosis indices (Tan et al., 2001). 
 
For those experiencing chronic immune suppression, astragalus may improve wound resolution and support the regeneration of tissue such as skin, bones, or other connective tissues (Sinadinos, 2008). Stansbury (2018b) includes it in a tincture with andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and echinacea (Echinacea spp.) to support those with diabetes suffering from chronic infections.