Where is the origin of Astragalus? An introduction to the latest distribution

The medicinal use of Astragalus has a history of more than 2000 years, with effects of enhancing immune function, protecting the liver, promoting diuresis, anti-aging, anti-stress, lowering blood pressure and relatively broad antibacterial action. Due to long-term large-scale harvesting, the quantity of wild Astragalus has sharply decreased in recent years, with a risk of trending toward extinction. Artificial cultivation has now been achieved. Let us take a look below at the origin and distribution of Astragalus!

Origin and distribution of Astragalus

Astragalus is produced in Northeast China, North China and Northwest China, growing at forest edges, in thickets or under sparse forests, and also in hillside grasslands or meadows. It is cultivated in many places across China and is one of the commonly used Chinese medicinal materials. It was also distributed in the former Soviet Union.

Origin environment of Astragalus

Astragalus prefers cool conditions, is cold-resistant and drought-resistant, and fears heat and waterlogging. It is suitable for planting in sandy loam soil with deep soil layers, rich in humus and strong water permeability. Strongly saline-alkali land is not suitable for planting. Its roots grow vertically and can reach more than 1 m, commonly known as “whip-pole astragalus”. In sticky, heavy soil, the roots grow slowly and become deformed; in thin soil layers, the roots tend to grow horizontally with many branches, forming a “chicken-claw shape” and poor quality. Continuous cropping is avoided, and it should not be rotated with potato or flax. The hard seed rate can reach 30%-60%. When sown directly, it grows only stems and leaves in the first year without flowering, and only in the second year does it flower, set seed and produce seeds.

Main categories of Astragalus

1. Huangqi: Huangqi generally refers to Astragalus, also known as Mianqi. It is a perennial herb, 50-100 cm tall, produced in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Gansu, Heilongjiang and other places.

2. Mongolian Astragalus: Mongolian Astragalus is a plant of the genus Astragalus in the Fabaceae family. It is distributed in Xinjiang and other places in mainland China, growing in areas at elevations of 2,000 m to 2,400 m, and is found in grasslands.

3. Pale purple-flowered Astragalus: Pale purple-flowered Astragalus is a perennial herb, 50-100 cm tall, with a flowering period from June to August and a fruiting period from July to September. It is produced in Northeast China, North China and Northwest China, growing at forest edges, in thickets or under sparse forests, and also in hillside grasslands or meadows. It is cultivated in many places across the country and is one of the commonly used Chinese medicinal materials. It was distributed in the former Soviet Union.