4.1.2 Astragalus

4.1.2 Astragalus

Astragalus (Radix Astragali) is the dried root of either Mongolian astragalus or membranous astragalus, both leguminous plants. It is mainly produced in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, and other regions. Its taste is sweet, its nature slightly warm, and it enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. It has the effects of tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen, lifting yang and supporting the sinking organs, benefiting the defensive qi and consolidating the exterior, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, and supporting wound healing and muscle regeneration. Its main constituents include astragalus polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and other substances. Astragalus exhibits immune regulation, antioxidant, anti-radiation, anti-tumor, and liver-protective effects [20]. According to literature, astragalus has broad immune-enhancing effects [8], significantly lowering serum TNF-α levels while increasing the average counts of white blood cells, NK cell activity, activated T lymphocytes (CD3+/HLA-DR+), and activated B lymphocytes (CD3-/HLA-DR+)—while decreasing the average counts of resting T lymphocytes (CD3+/HLA-DR-) and resting B lymphocytes (CD3-/HLA-DR-) [84]. Shao P et al. [85] demonstrated that astragalus markedly increases white blood cell counts and macrophage phagocytic indices, significantly enhancing the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system.