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. 2020 Mar-Apr;10(2):128–142.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of Astragalus spp.: The world’s largest genus of vascular plants

Mohammad Sadegh Amiri 1,*, Mohammad Reza Joharchi 2, Mohabat Nadaf 1, Yasamin Nasseh 2
PMCID: PMC7103437  PMID: 32257885

Abstract

Objective:

Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) is the largest genus of vascular plants in the world, that comprises an estimated number of 2900 annual and perennial species. The members of this genus have a broad spectrum of usages (e.g. medicine, food, fodder, fuel, ornamental plants, etc.). Here, we present a review of ethnobotanical applications of different species of Astragalus by various ethnic and cultural groupings worldwide, to provide an exhaustive database for future works.

Materials and Methods:

Literature survey was performed using Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct, and English and non-English reference books dealing with useful properties of the Astragalus species from 1937 to 2018. Consequently, we reviewed a total of 76 publications that supported lucrative information about various uses of this huge genus.

Results:

Several ethnobotanical uses of 90 Astragalus taxa were documented which were mainly originated from Asian and European countries. The two most frequently mentioned Astragalus treatments, were against urinary and respiratory diseases. The most commonly used part was gum and the most frequently used preparation method was decoction.

Conclusion:

This review highlights that various Astragalus species have great traditional uses in different ethnobotanical practices throughout the world. However, there is still lack of phytochemical and pharmacological researches on many species of Astragalus and further studies are required to substantiate the therapeutic potential of them which will develop new generation of plant-derived drugs in the near future.

Key Words: Astragalus, Ethnobotany, Fabaceae, Vascular plants, World

Introduction

The genus Astragalus L. belongs to the well-known plant family Fabaceae and tribe Galegeae, which has high medicinal and economic values. The genus Astragalus is the largest genus of vascular plants with approximately 2900 species, which has two main centers of distribution in the world, America (New World) and Eurasia (Old World). Most of the species are located in the Old world (ca. 2400 spp.) whereas ca. 500 species are restricted to the New World (Chaudhary et al., 2008 ▶, Zarre and Azani, 2013 ▶). It is a considerable example of adaptive radiation in a worldwide scale (Kazempour Osaloo et al., 2003 ▶). From a biogeographic point of view, Astragalus is a characteristic Irano-Turanian element and many species of it show a narrow geographic range (narrow endemics), which makes them particularly vulnerable to extinction (Jalili and Jamzad, 1999 ▶; Memariani et al., 2016 ▶). Iran is known for its high diversity of Astragalus that comprises 850 species of Astragalus, of which 527 species are endemics (Maassoumi, 1998 ▶; Maassoumi, 2005 ▶). Morphologically, its members can be broadly characterized by the presence of typical papilionaceous flowers. Astragalus species differ from short living annual herbs (ca. 80 spp.) to perennial rhizomatous or hemicryptophytic herbs (ca. 2500 spp.) and to cushion forming spiny shrubs (ca. 300 species). Most members of the genus are generally associated with semi-arid and arid habitats across the world, however, a few species select humid habitats (e.g. A. glycyphyllos L.), or are known as weeds. Due to the large size of the genus, it has fascinated different investigators, but much work remains to be done. There is much confusion regarding Astragalus taxonomy and phylogeny. Several authors have attempted to subdivide Astragalus to achieve a natural subgeneric classification by means of morphological characters. Among them, Bunge’s classification of the genus (eight subgenera and 105 sections), has been extensively employed until recently (Zarre and Azani, 2013 ▶; Maassoumi, 1998 ▶; Maassoumi, 2005 ▶). As the largest genus of vascular plants, its circumscription will remain obscure until the majority of known morphological lineages, are surveyed for adequate numbers of plastid and nuclear markers (Zarre and Azani, 2013 ▶).

In the literature, multiple reports have described various ethnobotanical aspects of different species of the genus Astragalus. These invaluable plants are widely used as medicine, food, fodder, fuel and as ornamental plants in different ethnobotanical practices throughout the world (Table1). The most used part of Astragalus taxa is the gum tragacanth and Iran is the primary source of it (by supplying 70% of the commercially used gum tragacanth) in the world (Anderson and Grant, 1988; Anderson, 1989). Nowadays, several species of Astragalus, are reported to be commercially exploited for gum tragacanth (Table2). Despite the vast ethnobotanical knowledge on this genus that exists around the world, there are no distinct references on its applications and most of the publications are widely scattered. Furthermore, the number of phytochemical and pharmacological studies conducted on this big genus, is still too few. Therefore, this review aims to integrate the findings concerning the ethnobotanical aspects of Astragalus genus in order to support sufficient baseline data for subsequent works and commercial exploitation.

Table 1.

Importance of ethnobotanical applications of Astragalus taxa in different countries around the world

Reference cited Ethnobotanical uses Preparation Parts used Vernacular name Country Scientific name NO
Kidney disease, hypertension, burns, demulcent - Leaves,
gummy
exudation		 Astragal Uzbekistan A. abolinii Popov 1
Stomach pain and flu Chewing Root American
milkvetch		 America A. americanus (Hook.) M.E.Jones 2
Galactagogue in animals - Whole plant Oaxxai Pakistan A. amherstianus Benth. 3
Rattlesnake bite The root is chewed by the medicine man before sucking upon the wound; chewed root is applied to the bite Root Chitdola awan ak'wa America A . amphioxys A.Gray 4
Ornamental, medicinal plant used as astringent - Root Kotad Haramon Lebanon A. angustifolius Lam. 5
It used as animal fodder - Root Kokar geven Turkey
leishmaniasis , helminthiasis - Root, seed - Algeria A. armatus Willd. 6
It used as animal fodder - Whole plant Geven, Eşşek
geveni		 Turkey A. baibutensis Bunge 7
Laxative, febrifuge, and digestive - Manna Gazangabin Iran A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss. (Syn. A. adscendens Boiss. & Hausskn.) 8
Diabetes Decoction Root Gewen Turkey
Crushed roots are applied as animal fodder - Root Geven Turkey A. cadmicus Boiss. 9
Analgesic, eaten raw or boiled in blood to make broth - Root Canadian
milkvetch		 America A. canadensis L. 10
Roots are pounded to obtain a gum as glue. In winters spiny leaves of the plant are pounded after moistened with water and used as animal fodder - Whole plant Keven Turkey A. compactus Lam. 11
Cold Decoction Seed Eklilolmolk Iran A. camptoceras Bunge 12
Taken orally to treat diabetes and jaundice Decoction Root Kitad Kansouri Lebanon A. coluteoides Willd. 13
Root decoction is tonic, anticonvulsive and anti-headache, fruits are eaten raw as a snack, pods are consumed raw, cooked, or pickled Decoction, eaten raw Root, fruit, pods Groundplum
milkvetch		 America A. crassicarpus Nutt. 14
Kidney stone, sedative, arthrodynia, carminative - Fruit Nakhonak Iran A. crenatus Schult. (Syn. A. corrugatus Bertol.) 15
Used as sedative and tonic - Aerial parts Aghazi Shatra Pakistan A. creticus Lam. 16
Ornamental plant, taken orally to treat diabetes and jaundice Decoction Root Kotad Ahmar Lebanon A. cruentiflorus Boiss. 17
Eaten raw as a snack Raw Unripe seeds Cornizuelos Spain A. cymbicarpos Brot. 18
Making tragacanth, used as detergent, Produce rope - Gum Gini Iran A. dschuparensis Freyn & Bornm. 19
Cough Boiled, brewed Gum Gavan Iran A. effusus Bunge 20
Tightening the roots of teeth, cough, nutritious, kidney, stomach ache, chest infection, toothache Decoction, infusion, poultice Stem, seed, root Gonjed Iran A. fasciculifolius Boiss. 21
Toothache, back ache, bone ache, kidney ache, bone fracture, and diabetes, and to induce abortion Decoction, raw, poultice Aerial parts, seed, root Shoun korouchok Iran A. fischeri Buhse ex Fisch. (Syn. A. phyllokentrus Hausskn. & Bornm.) 22
Used in food and confectionery, tonic,
gastric pain, headache		 - Fruit Miveh
badkonaki		 Iran A. glaucacanthos Fisch. 23
Healing deep infectious wounds Powdered gum with Teucrium Gum Gineye gaamur Iran A. globiflorus Boiss. 24
Increasing men’s sexual potency - Aerial parts Orlovi nokti Montenegro A. glycyphyllos L. 25
The roots and leaves are used for their refreshing, purifying, and diuretic properties. They were also used for kidney ailments, gout and rheumatism. - Root, leaves Astragalo Italy
Cough Boiled, brewed, incense Gum Gavan panbei Iran A. gossypinus Fisch. 26
Used for treatment of abscesses and as an analgesic - Whole plant Aghazi Shatra Pakistan A. grahamianus Benth. 27
Diabetes Infusion Root Günizer Turkey A. gummifer Labill. 28
The decoction of the beans is used internally in nervous system disorders; liver, kidney and spleen infection. The paste of the beans is massaged and applied externally on inflamed areas Decoction, paste Fruit Iklilul Malik, Nakhuna India A. hamosus L. 29
Powdered seeds and flowers given in strangury Powder Flower,
Seed		 Kayabachtp India A. himalayanus Klotzsch 30
Typhoid, and dermal problems Decoction, bath Root Haram-chop Iran A. jolderensis B.Fedtsch. 31
Ulcer Decoction Root Cuni Turkey A. lamarckii Boiss. 32
Used as fuel wood - Aerial parts Kathi Pakistan A. leucocephalus Bunge 33
Cardiac disorder, diabetes Infusion Root Gırguni Turkey A. longifolius Lam. 34
Asthma, strengthen hair Infusion, pulverized Stem, root Kalelak Iran A. microcephalus Willd. 35
Against body weakness, diuretic, against digestive
system disorder, as supplement in cosmetic. Stem and leaves used as animal feed		 - Root Huangqi China A. mongholicus Bunge (Syn. A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge; A. propinquus Schischkin ) 36
Hypertension, dyspepsia, and common cold - Root Astragalos Greece
Blood circulation Decoction Root Hwanggi Korea
Diuretic - Root Astragalo rosato Italy A. monspessulanus L. 37
Backache - Root Gonjar khari Iran A. mucronifolius Boiss. 38
Varicosis Crushed Root Keven Turkey A. noaeanus Boiss. 39
Ornamental plant, decoction of roots is orally applied as an emollient and as a remedy for diabetes and jaundice Decoction Root Kotad Jareh Lebanon A. oleifolius DC. 40
Nutritious Raw Aerial parts, fruit Kahour kah Iran A. ophiocarpus Boiss. 41
Shoots are collected in summer, stored and used as fuel wood in winter - Shoot Dume ruba Pakistan A. oplites Benth. ex R. Parker 42
Stomachache,used in pickle Orally Fruit Gondkhorosi Iran A. ovinus Boiss. 43
Bellyache, and colic Decoction, raw Aerial parts, leaf, flower Katek Iran A. podolobus Boiss. & Hohen. 44
Cataract, and stomach problems - Aerial parts Maakhai Pakistan A. psilocentros Fisch. 45
It is used as animal fodder - Root Zomoshing India A. rhizanthus Benth. 46
Digestive disorders, Leucorrhea, and urinary troubles - Root Rudravanti India A. rhizanthus subsp. candolleanus (Benth.) Podlech (Basionym: A. candolleanus Benth.) 47
Kidney disease, hypertonic disease, burns, demulcent - Leaves,
gummy
exudation		 Astragal Uzbekistan A. rubrivenosus Gontsch. 48
Incense, pains - Gum Sarcocolla Jordan A. sarcocolla Dymock 49
Menstrual Disorders - Fruit Gol Sefid Iran A. sieversianus Pall. 50
Gastric troubles, swelling and joint pains Powder Whole plant Satkar India A. thomsonianus Benth. ex Bunge 51
Toothache Chewing Gum Geven, Saçaklı
geven		 Turkey A. tmoleus Boiss. (Syn. A. tmoleus subsp. bounacanthus (Boiss.) Ponert ) 52
Whole plant is applied as a diuretic agent and to lower kidney disorders. Root extract purifies blood. - Whole plant Yanglo India A. tribulifolius Bunge 53
Urinary infection Infusion Arial part Sareng, Sateng Iran A. tribuloides Delile 54
Antiparasitic, antimycotic and immunomodulatory activities - Wood Siahgavan Iran A. verus Olivier 55
Against worms - Arial part - India A. zanskarensis Bunge 56
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Table 2.

Some of the most important tragacanthic species of Astragalus L. (Fabaceae).

NO Scientific name Reference
1 A. albispinus Sirj. & Bornm.
2 A. andalanicus Boiss. & Hausskn.
3 A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss. (Syn. A. adscendens Boiss. & Hausskn.; A. leioclados Boiss.) Gentry, 1957 ▶; Mozaffarian, 2013 ▶
4 A. brachycalyx subsp. eriostylus (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Zarre (Basionym: A. eriostylus Boiss. & Hausskn.)
5 A. caspicus M.Bieb.
6 A. cerasocrenus Bunge
7 A. compactus Lam.
8 A. condensatus Ledeb. (Syn. A. brachypterus Fisch.)
9 A. creticus Lam.
10 A. cylleneus Boiss. & Heldr. ex Fischer
11 A. cymbostegis Bunge (Syn. A. stromatodes Bunge)
12 A. diphtherites Fenzl (Syn. A. strobiliferus Benth.)
13 A. dschuparensis Freyn & Bornm.
14 A. echidna Bunge
15 A. eriosphaerus Boiss. & Hausskn. (Syn. A. elymaiticus Boiss. & Hausskn.)
16 A. floccosus Boiss.
17 A. floccosus subsp. rahensis (Širj. & Rech.) Zarre (Basionym: A. rahensis Sirj. & Rech.f.)
18 A. geminanus Boiss. & Hausskn.
19 A. globiflorus Boiss.
20 A. gossypinus Fisch.
21 A. hypsogeton Bunge
22 A. kurdicus Boiss.
23 A. longistylus Bunge
24 A. microcephalus Willd. (Syn. A. senganensis Bunge) Mozaffarian, 2013 ▶; Gentry, 1957 ▶
25 A. muschianus Kotschy & Boiss. (Syn. A. gummifer Labill.)
26 A. myriacanthus Boiss. (Syn. A. echidnaeformis Sirj.)
27 A. microcephalus subsp. pycnocladus (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Širj. (Basionym: A. pycnocladus Boiss. & Hausskn.)
28 A. pycnocephalus Fisch.
29 A. tragacantha L.
30 A. verus Olivier (Syn. A. brachycentrus Fisch.; A. heratensis Bunge; A. meschhedensis Bunge; A. parrowianus Boiss. & Hausskn.) Mozaffarian, 2013 ▶; Gentry, 1957 ▶; Gavlighi et al., 2013 ▶
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Materials and Methods

This review was prepared based on an extensive survey of major scientific databases namely, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct, and English and non-English reference books dealing with useful properties of the Astragalus species over the past few decades (1937- 2018). After a holistic search, we reviewed a total of 76 publications that reported beneficial information about various aspects of the genus Astragalus globally. The most frequently published reports on this genus were from various regions of Iran, Turkey, India, Pakistan, China and American countries. In this paper, scientific and author names of plant species were carefully scrutinized for latest changes via “The Plant List” (http://www.theplantlist.org) and also according to the most recent monograph of the genus (Podlech and Zarre, 2013 ▶).

Results

In this review, several ethnobotanical usages of 90 Astragalus taxa which mainly originated from Asia and Europe, were documented. These invaluable plants were arranged in alphabetical order for their scientific names, with the related data. The information comprises autochthonous names, the part(s) used, the method of preparation, and traditional applications along with literature sources. Various parts of Astragalus taxa have been used in different ethnobotanical practices around the world. The most used parts of the plants were gum (34 species) followed by root (28 species), aerial part (10 species), fruit (8 species), seed (6 species), whole plant (6 species), flower (3 species), leaf (3 species), wood (1 species) and manna (1 species) (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Proportional presentation of most used plant parts

The most common methods of preparation were decoction (20 species), followed by infusion (5 species), poultice (4 species), chewing (4 species), powder (4 species) and bath (1 species). Many reports could be found representing ethnomedicinal uses of different members of this huge genus. Among them, A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss. (Syn. A. adscendens Boiss. & Hausskn.), A. fasciculifolius Boiss., A. glycyphyllos L., A. gossypinus Fisch., A. gummifer Labill., A. hamosus L., A. microcephalus Willd., A. mongholicus Bunge and A. tribuloides Delile are the most popular medicinal plants. The most treated illness categories were the urinary system (11 species), respiratory system (8 species), metabolic system (8 species), digestive system (7 species), nervous system (7 species), blood and circulatory system (5 species), and skin problems (4 species) (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Proportional presentation of species applied in each medicinal use category

The importance of ethnobotanical aspects

Literature review indicated that many cultures including Asian, European, American and African have used Astragalus species for alleviating a wide array of diseases. Some of its exemplary uses are given below while the others are summarized in Table 1. In Asian countries, particularly Iran, Pakistan, India, China and Korea, there are considerable reports on the traditional applications of Astragalus species. Iran is a region of high Astragalus biodiversity and thus, the rich tradition usage of Astragalus in this area is not surprising. Among them, A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss., A. fasciculifolius Boiss., A. fischeri Buhse ex Fisch., A. globiflorus Boiss., A.gossypinus Fisch., A. gummifer Labill., A. hamosus L., A. mucronifolius Boiss., A. ovinus Boiss. and A. verus Olivier, are the most commonly used ones in different regions of Iran. The common Persian name of the majority of Astragalus species is “Gavan” (Mozaffarian, 2007 ▶). In Iran, the decoction of aerial parts of A. hamosus L. is considered very useful in the treatment of prostate problems. The decoction of flower, root and gum of A. fasciculifolius Boiss. locally known as “Gineh or Ginja”, is recommended for the treatment of cold, joint pains, aching tooth, wounds and diabetic wounds (Mosaddegh et al., 2012 ▶). The decoction of its gum popularly known as “Anzerut”, is also broadly used in Iranian Traditional Medicine system, as antitussive, laxative, and anthelmintic and to cure jaundice (Amiri et al., 2014 ▶; Mozaffarian, 2013 ▶). Moreover, it is used as a remedy for cold, and fatigue and for tightening bone fractures. Root decoction of A. mucronifolius Boiss. is also considered very useful in the treatment of back pain and bone fracture by traditional healers of Iran (Safa et al., 2013 ▶). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), A. mongholicus Bunge (Syn. A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge; A. propinquus Schischkin), is one of the most famous tonic herbs. It is also an antiperspirant, and a diuretic, and is consumed for treatment of nephritis and diabetes (Yu et al., 2013 ▶). In Pakistan, the roots of A. mongholicus Bunge commonly known as “Shatra”, are widely used in traditional medicine as an adaptogenic, immune stimulant, diuretic, vasodilator and antiviral agent (Ullah et al., 2014 ▶). In Jordan, the fruits of A. hamosus L. are applied externally as incense, and evil eye and for treatment of baldness (Lev and Amar, 2002 ▶).

The genus Astragalus is also well documented for its notable applications in the European Traditional Medicine. In Russian folk medicine, A. laxmannii Jacq. (Syn. A. adsurgens Pall.), A. dahuricus (Pall.) DC. and A. penduliflorus Lam. are used as a diuretic for treatment of oedema. In Belarus, A. arenarius L. and A. cicer L. are applied to heal heart and gastrointestinal diseases. In Bulgarian folk medicine, A. corniculatus M. Bieb., A. ponticus Pall. and A. vesicarius L. are used as a diuretic for treatment of hypertension, renal system ailments, nervous disorders and rheumatism, and as a diaphoretic (Lysiuk and Darmohray, 2016 ▶). Furthermore, a decoction of root of A. gummifer Labill. is used for diabetes (Çakılcıoğlu et al., 2010 ▶). Some other Astragalus species are also well documented for their folkloric use as anti-diabetics in traditional medicine of Turkey, Lebanon and Iran (Table1). In different geographical areas of American continent, remarkable reports that highlight ethnobotanical and traditional applications of the genus Astragalus, are found. In Argentina, A. mongholicus Bunge is used as an antifatigue, antistress (adaptogenic), antiaging, neuroprotective, and cognitive enhancer agent, and to treat sexual dysfunctions and genital sickness (Hurrell and Puentes, 2017 ▶). In the USA, various species of Astragalus such as A. americanus (Hook.) M. E. Jones, A. amphioxys A. Gray, A. canadensis L. and A. crassicarpus Nutt., are applied to treat different ailments (Table1). In African continent, the root and seed of A. armatus Willd. are used traditionally in the Algerian folk medicine as an effective treatment for leishmaniasis and helminthiasis (Chermat and Gharzouli, 2015 ▶). Moreover, A. arpilobus subsp. hauarensis (Boiss.) Podlech (Syn. A. gyzensis Bunge), called “Foul Alibil”, is used against scorpion stings and snake bites (Lakhdari et al., 2016 ▶). In Ethiopia, the fresh chewing and poultice of A. atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge leaf known as “Teten agazen”, is applied to treat teeth pain (Hishe and Asfaw, 2014 ▶). Astragalus taxa are reportedly used for a multitude of ethnobotanical purposes besides medicine consumption.

In Iran, the manna of A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss. is applied in preparation of honey and traditional Iranian sweet candy (“Gaz” in Persian) (Golmohammadi, 2013 ▶). In Turkey, the root of A. condensatus Ledeb. (Syn. A. brachypterus Fisch.) and A. microcephalus Willd. are pounded to obtain gum which is used as glue (Özüdoğru et al., 2013 ▶). Several species of Astragalus such as A. alpinus L. (bluish-purple flowers), A. hypoglottis L. (purple flowers), and A. sinicus L. (Syn. A. lotoides Pall.), are grown as ornamental plants in gardens (Golmohammadi, 2013 ▶). Some species of Astragalus including and A. oplites Benth. ex R. Parker are collected in summer, stored and used as fuel wood in winter (Ali and Qaiser, 2009 ▶; Hussain and Muhammad, 2009 ▶). Furthermore, some plants like A. angustifolius Lam., A. baibutensis Bunge, A. cadmicus Boiss., A. compactus Lam., A. mongholicus Bunge and A. rhizanthus Benth. were documented as forage for livestock (Table1).

Tragacanthic species of Astragalus

Several tragacanthic species of the genus Astragalus gained fame owing to their potential in producing gum tragacanth which has a wide array of uses in medicine and many industries. Among them, A. gummifer Labill., A. microcephalus Willd., A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss., A. myriacanthus Boiss. (Syn. A. echidnaeformis Sirj.), A. gossypinus Fisch. and A. kurdicus Boiss. are the most important species to supply the gum tragacanth in global market (Verbeken et al., 2003 ▶). However, the contribution of other tragacanthic species is also significant (Table 2). The name "tragacanth" is derived from the two Greek words tragos (goat) and akantha (horn), referring to the white curled ribbons, the best grade of commercial gum (Whistler, 1993 ▶). Gum tragacanthic plants are perennial legumes, characterized by spine-tipped leaf rachises; sessile or subsessile flowers, glomerate in the axils of the leaves; and one-seeded pods enclosed in hairy persistent calyces (Gentry, 1957 ▶). Iran is well-known as the largest producer and exporter of gum tragacanth and supplies the highest quality of it for the world (Anderson and Grant 1988 ▶). Turkey is the second largest producer, but Turkish gum is deemed to be of an inferior quality. Much smaller amounts of gum are exported by Afghanistan and Syria (Verbeken et al., 2003 ▶). The United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, France, Italy and Japan have been the biggest importers of gum tragacanth (Whistler, 1993 ▶). Structurally, gum tragacanth is categorized into two general kinds, ribbon (highest grade) and flake or “kharmony”. After collection, Iranian tragacanth ribbons are classified into five grades, while flakes are sold in seven various grades (Gentry, 1957 ▶; Verbeken et al., 2003 ▶).

Gum tragacanth comprises of two fractions including Tragacanthin (water-soluble) and Tragacanthic acid or bassorin (water-insoluble). Although the latter is insoluble in water, but has the capacity to swell and form a gel (Anderson and Bridgeman, 1985 ▶). Commercially, gum tragacanth has extensive applications as an emulsifier, stabilizer and thickening agent in various industries, due to its stability to heat and acids and because it is an effective emulsifying agent with an extremely long shelf life (Whistler, 1993 ▶). However, there are several reports in the literature that compositional discrepancies of gum tragacanth obtained from diverse tragacanthic species of Astragalus, can result in the chemical and physical changes (Balaghi et al., 2011 ▶).

Therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications

Gum tragacanth has been used therapeutically for thousands of years, with written evidence of its applications, described by Theophrastus in the 3rd century B.C. (Whistler, 1993 ▶). In some Asian countries, particularly Iran, various tragacanthic species of Astragalus have a broad habitation and many of them are important in folk medicine (Table2). In Iran, the tragacanth gum, commonly known as “Katira’, has been largely used in medicine and confectionery since ancient times (Hopper and Field, 1937 ▶). In Iranian traditional medicine, gum tragacanth is broadly applied as an analgesic, general tonic, and laxative agent and to cure cough and lip fissures (Zarshenas et al., 2013 ▶). In Jordan, the gum of A. gummifer Labill., commonly known as “Tragacanth’, is widely employed in traditional medicine for healing stomachache and coughs (Lev and Amar, 2002 ▶).

In addition to its usage in traditional therapeutics, the gum tragacanth has also been applied as an excellent suspending agent for many pharmaceutical products. Mucilage of tragacanth is utilized in lotions for external applications. It is also applied at higher concentrations as a base for jelly lubricants. Gum tragacanth can act as the suspending agent in various kinds of toothpastes with a humectant, such as glycerol or propylene glycol. It forms a creamy and brilliant product. Its long shelf life and its film-forming properties make it beneficial in hair lotions and hand creams and lotions (Whistler, 1993 ▶).

Food applications

Due to its acid resistance and its long shelf life, gum tragacanth is lucrative in the preparation of different kinds of salad dressings, relishes, sauces, condiment bases, sweet pickle liquors, soft jellied products such as gefilte fish, thick broths, beverage and bakery emulsions, ice cream and sherbets, bakery toppings and fillings and confectionary (Whistler, 1993 ▶).

Miscellaneous applications

Gum tragacanth can be employed in various kinds of polishes for furniture, floor, and auto polishes. It is beneficial in print pastes and sizes because of its good release properties. The gum is applied for stiffening silks and crepes. It is also utilized in the dressing of leather and in the preparation of leather polishes. Certain grades of gum tragacanth are lucrative as binding agents in ceramics because they contain a low ash content, and the gum acts to suspend different materials in a mass prior to the firing of the ceramic in the furnace. Gum tragacanth forms stable emulsions containing 50% insect repellant. They have the potential to be efficacious as pure repellant compounds against mosquitoes, mites, chiggers, ants, and certain fleas (Whistler, 1993 ▶).

The importance of identification credibility in ethnobotany

The validity of botanical identification is the first step in the ethnobotany studies. Nowadays, the ethnobotanical investigations can comprise a few erroneous and ambiguous identifications, due to the lack of services of taxonomic or botanical expertise. For instance, in the present literature review, we found that the gum of A. ammodendron Bunge has been employed for ethnobotanical applications (Sadeghi et al., 2014 ▶). However, this taxon does not occur in Iran (Podlech and Zarre, 2013 ▶). Thus, we omitted this plant from the list (Table 1). Moreover, one of the major problems ethnobotanists face is when identical names are attributed to various species, or different names to the same species. For example, the name Eklilolmolk is matched with A. camptoceras Bunge and Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. in different references (Rajaei et al., 2012 ▶; Mozaffarian, 2007 ▶). Therefore, correct identification of plant species should only be authenticated by a panel of experts including taxonomists (Joharchi and Amiri, 2012 ▶). Additionally, preparation of voucher specimens are crucial for scientific identification which can diminish such mistakes and help investigators with a better perception of their subjects (Bennett and Balick, 2008 ▶).

Discussion

The genus Astragalus is one of the most important genera in the Fabaceae family. This review highlights that different Astragalus species have great potential uses in medicine and many industries. The total number of 90 Astragalus taxa (the sum of the species in Table 1 and 2, as well as the taxa pointed in the text without repetition), reveals numerous ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal applications around the world. Ethnomedicinal results showed that the most frequent traditional applications of Astragalus taxa in different countries, seems to be treatment of urinary diseases, respiratory ailments, digestive diseases, nervous ailments, circulatory diseases, skin problems, and as an antiseptic, tonic and antidiabetic agent. The most used part of Astragalus taxa is gum which has a broad applications in different industries, due to its outstanding characteristics. However, it is important to note that the gum exudate from various tragacanthic species of Astragalus has diverse chemical composition, so exhibits different properties and behaviors. Hence, any try for development of biomedical uses of gum tragacanth without considering the plant species, will result in misleading information (Balaghi et al., 2011 ▶). To our knowledge, there is still lack of phytochemical and pharmacological researches on many species of Astragalus that have been traditionally used in various countries. In addition, there are only few reports on the biological activity of some Astragalus species, of which the majority have investigated the anticancer effects (Yesilada et al., 2005 ▶). In this context, the best and quickest way to species selection for phytochemical, biological and pharmacological studies, is by reviewing the ethnobotanical literature which highlights the importance of such studies (Amiri and Joharchi, 2016 ▶). Based on the data presented in this paper, some species should be given precedence to subsequent investigations, particularly, for the treatment of some globally prevalent diseases like diabetes including, A. brachycalyx Fisch. ex Boiss., A. coluteoides Willd., A. cruentiflorus Boiss., A. fischeri Buhse ex Fisch., A. gummifer Labill., A. longifolius Lam. and A. oleifolius DC. (Table 1). Besides the detailed information introduced in this article, supporting pharmaceutical and clinical trials should be undertaken to validate the therapeutic potential of different species of Astragalus which will develop new generation of herbal-based natural drugs for the optimal benefit to mankind. Finally, several Astragalus species, display a narrow geographic range (narrow endemics), with significant commercial and therapeutic value. These species are threatened due to intense harvesting pressure from the wild. Undertaking ecological investigation in Astragalus diversity hotspots such as Iran and Turkey is essential to conservation of this invaluable genus in these regions.

Acknowledgment

We are grateful to all the authors whose work has been cited in this paper. This work was supported by Payam Noor University and we appreciate this support.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest associated with this work.

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