Scientific names: Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus propinquus
Common names: Mongolian milkvetch, Huang Qi (in Chinese)
Native to: Northern and Eastern Asia, especially China, Mongolia, and Korea.
Grows in grasslands, mountain slopes, and dry areas.
It is a perennial plant (lives for several years).
Not endangered and is widely cultivated.
🌸 Description
A flowering plant in the Fabaceae (legume) family.
Grows up to 40–60 cm tall.
Has small, yellow flowers and compound leaves with many leaflets.
The root is thick and long, harvested after 3–4 years for medicinal use.
🧬 Traditional Use and Health Benefits
Used in Traditional Medicine: A key herb in Traditional Chinese and Mongolian medicine, where it’s known for boosting energy and immunity.
Main part used: Root (called Radix Astragali)
Health Benefits:
Immune system support
Anti-aging properties
Helps manage fatigue and weakness
Promotes heart health
Supports kidney function
Active Compounds:
Polysaccharides: Support immunity
Triterpenoids (e.g. astragalosides): May help protect organs
Isoflavones: Natural plant chemicals with antioxidant effects
TA-65: A modern extract from the root that may help protect telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of our DNA. This could help slow down aging at the cellular level.
📍 In India or Hindi Name
Not native to India, and does not have a specific Hindi name.
May sometimes be referred to in Ayurveda-based supplements as “Astragalus” or “Milk Vetch Root” in English.