Journal of Medicinal Plants and Studies

 

Volume 2, Issue 3

 

Adaptation of Astragalus membranaceus varieties to Southeastern United States: Growth, Root Development and Astragaloside IV Content

Author(s): Dennis A. Shannon, Meili Wang, Barbara Kemppainen, Charles C. Mitchell and Saeid Zehtab Salmasi

Abstract: Astragalus membranaceus roots have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat diseases. A field experiment was established to assess the growth, root development and astragaloside IV concentration of seven varieties of Astragalus membranaceus in Auburn, Alabama. Significant differences among varieties were observed in concentration of Mn and Zn.  Accessions AM2, AM3, AM4 and AM5 had the best adaptability in terms of shoot growth, root weight and concentration and yield of astragaloside IV in roots. AM7 ranked highest in root length and weight in 13 month plants, but had low astragaloside concentration and yield and the plants did not flower. Large 13-month roots of AM3, AM4 and AM5 had concentrations of astragaloside IV comparable to a commercial sample. These varieties may have potential for cultivation in the southeastern US. However, control of root rot and white fringe beetle are keys to its successful cultivation in this region.

 

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