Chemical and genetic diversity of Astragalus mongholicus grown in different eco-climatic regions

Abstract

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Fabaceae) is an important plant source of the herbal drug known as Radix Astragali, which is used worldwide as a medicinal ingredient and a component of food supplement. Russian Federation, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China are the main natural distribution areas of A. mongholicus in the world. However, the quality of medicinal plant varies among different locations. As for A. mongholicus, limited literature focused on its biodiversity mechanism. Here, we combined the chemometric analysis of chemical components with genetic variation, as well as climatic and edaphic traits, to reveal the biodiversity mechanism of A. mongholicus. Results showed that the detected chemical, genetic and climatic traits comprehensively contributed to the quality diversity of A. mongholicus. The eight main chemical components, as well as the inorganic elements of P, B and Na were all significant chemical factors. The precipitation and sunshine duration were the main distinguishing climatic factors. The inorganic elements As, Mn, P, Se and Pb were the distinguishing edaphic factors. The systematic method was firstly established for this medicinal plant in order to illustrate the formation of diversity in terms of quality, and provide scientific evidence for geographic indications and climatic adaptation in production and in the clinical application of herbal medicinal plants.

In Silico Studies on Triterpenoid Saponins Permeation through the Blood–Brain Barrier Combined with Postmortem Research on the Brain Tissues of Mice Affected by Astragaloside IV Administration

“…The tested saponins possess various biological activities, among which the antioxidant, antifungal, molluscicidal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral properties are most widely described [42]. Astragalosides (especially astragaloside IV) show immunostimulant, anti-perspirant, antidiarrheal, anti-diabetic, and tonic properties, among others [43]. Moreover, they are characterized by their anti-cancer effect on lung, gastric, breast, and colorectal cancer (in vitro tests) [44][45][46][47]; anti-photoaging effects [48]; and influence on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, the metabolism of collagen, and the immune system [49].…”

Major bioactive chemical compounds in Astragali Radix samples from different vendors vary greatly

“…Inevitably, the phytochemical composition of the herbs grown naturally varies due to differences between plant origin, geographical conditions and growth environment [ 9 , 32 ]. There are also differences between different Astragalus species [ 33 ].…”

Analysis of Food Production and Consumption Based on the Emergy Method in Kazakhstan

“…Research on food production and consumption in Kazakhstan is extremely important in order to make use of the country’s natural resources and the distribution of food trade, improving the sustainability of food production and consumption, and assisting with scientific decision-making for agricultural development. However, research on Kazakhstan food mostly focuses on food consumption or improving the quantity of food [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. The comprehensive study linking both production and consumption patterns and their changes, differences between urban and rural food consumption, and the driving factors, is rarely considered and launched.…”