Astracantha gummifera

(Labill.) Podlech

Tragacanth, Gum tragacanth

FabaceaeBark/SapPotential hazards — see below

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What to Eat

Edible parts: Gum

The gum is used in confectionery and as a thickening agent and emulsifier in salad dressings, syrups, sauces, ice cream, drinks, and puddings.

Known Hazards

Although astragalus supplements are generally well tolerated, mild gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions may occur. Because astragalus may affect regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure, it may be risky for people with blood disorders, diabetes, or hypertension to use it as a supplement. Astragalus may interact with prescribed drugs that suppress the immune system, such as medications used by people being treated for cancer or recovery from organ transplants. Some astragalus species can be toxic, such as those found in the United States containing the neurotoxin swainsonine, which causes "locoweed" poisoning in animals. Some astragalus species may contain high levels of selenium, possibly causing toxicity.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

Asia, Europe, India, Kuwait, Kurdistan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Syria,

Countries: Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, Belarus, Switzerland, China, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Algeria, Estonia, Egypt, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Georgia, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Libya, Morocco, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Malta, Maldives, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, San Marino, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A low shrub. It is evergreen and umbrella shaped. It grows 30 cm high. The leaves have spiny stalks. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. There are 4-7 pairs of narrowly oval leaflets. They are 1 cm long. The flowers are small, white and downy. They are pea-like flowers. They are in the axils of leaves.

How to Grow

Plants are grown from seed.

Medicinal Uses

Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine over centuries to treat various disorders, but there is no high-quality evidence that it is effective or safe for any medical purpose.

Notes

There are 2,000 Astragalus species.

Names & Synonyms

Astragalus gummifer Labill.Astragalus rayatensis Elg.

References (9)

Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 60 (As Astragalus gummifer)
Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 46 (As Astragalus gummifer)
Brouk, B., 1975, Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press, London. p 264 (As Astragalus gummifer)
Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 136 (As Astragalus gummifer)
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 102 (As Astragalus gummifer)
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 83 (As Astragalus gummifer)
J. Phys. 46. 1790 (As Astragalus gummifer)
Middleditch, B. S., 1991, Kuwaiti Plants: Distribution, Traditional Medicine, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Economic Value. Studies in Plant Science, 2. Elsevier p 13 (As Astragalus gummifer)
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (As Astragalus gummifer)