Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Applications of Radix Astragali

Radix Astragali (RA), a traditional Chinese medicine from the dried root of Astragalus species, is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world. The major bioactive constituents of RA are triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, and these compounds mostly exert pharmacological activities on the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, and hepatic systems. This review summarizes the recent studies on RA and provides a comprehensive summary regarding the status of resources, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical application, and patent release of RA. We hope this review can provide a guidance for further development of therapeutic agents from RA.

Automated summary

Radix Astragali (RA), a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the dried root of Astragalus species, contains bioactive constituents such as triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids which exert pharmacological activities on various systems. Recent studies on RA have provided a comprehensive overview of its resources, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical applications, and patents, guiding further development of therapeutic agents derived from RA.