Phytochemistry and cardiovascular protective effects of Huang‐Qi (Astragali Radix)

Abstract

Huang‐Qi (Astragali Radix) is an herbal tonic widely used in China and many other countries. It is derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus and shows potent cardiovascular protective effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed 189 small molecules isolated from the two Astragalus species and discussed the interspecies chemical differences. Moreover, we summarized the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of Huang‐Qi and its major bioactive compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review covers 171 references published between February 1983 and March 2020.

Exploring the mechanism of Yixinyin for myocardial infarction by weighted co-expression network and molecular docking

“…Furthermoe, the Ligusticum chuanxiong hort (Chuanxiong) and Dalbergia odorifera (Jiangxiang) can effectively improve microcirculation and reduce blood viscosity 11 , 12 ; Astragalus mongholicus(Huangqi), Pueraria lobata(Gegen), Pseudostellaria sylvatica (Taizishen) can promote blood circulation as well. It effectively reduces the body's inflammatory response, and restores the balance between the body's coagulation system and fibrinolytic system 13 – 15 . In addition, the prescription also contains Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (Zhigancao), Allium macrostemon Bunge.…”

Functional Characterization and Protein Engineering of a Triterpene 3‐/6‐/2′‐O‐Glycosyltransferase Reveal a Conserved Residue Critical for the Regiospecificity

“…3‐OH, 2′‐OH, and 6‐OH glycosylated triterpenes are commonly seen in nature [20] . For example, cycloartane‐type saponins (astragalosides) are the major bioactive constituents in the roots of Astragalus membranaceus .…”

“…In this study, we reported the first plant cycloartane‐type glycosyltransferase AmGT8 from Astragalus membranaceus , a tonic herbal medicine containing mainly cycloartane‐type saponins [20] . AmGT8 simultaneously catalyzed the 3‐OH, 6‐OH and 2′‐OH glycosylation of cycloastragenol or its 3‐ O ‐glucoside.…”

“…Cycloartane (9,19‐cyclolanostane)‐type saponins are important bioactive compounds in the roots of Astragalus species (milk vetch) and Cimicifuga species (black cohosh). For example, astragalosides from Astragalus plants were reported for cardiac protective, immune activating, and anti‐diabetes activities [20, 21] . However, GTs that modify cycloartane backbones have not been reported yet.…”

Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…The TCMIs included in this study all have the effect of nourishing Qi and blood. And a large number of articles and reviews have explored the protective effects of the active ingredients of these TCMIs on cardiovascular diseases in terms of molecular mechanisms, such as Huang-Qi ( Radix Astragali ) ( Su et al, 2021 ) in HQ, the combination of Ren-Shen ( Radix Ginseng ) and Fu-Zi (processed) ( Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata ) ( Tan et al, 2018 ; Li L. et al, 2020 ) in SF, the combination of Hong-Shen ( Radix Ginseng Rubra ) and Mai-Dong ( Radix Ophiopogonis ) ( Wang et al, 2019 ) in SM and YQFM, Wu-Wei-Zi ( Fructus Schisandrae ) ( Nasser et al, 2020 ) in SGM, and American cockroach ( Periplaneta Americana Linnaeus ) ( Qi et al, 2017 ; Lin S. S. et al, 2019 ) in XML. Due to the available active ingredients, rich and diverse targets, and complex regulatory mechanisms, TCMIs have considerable development potential.…”