Astragalus

Astragalus is a large genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, commonly known as milkvetches. The genus contains thousands of species, making it one of the largest plant genera. They range from herbaceous perennials to shrubs and occur in a variety of habitats across temperate regions of Eurasia and North America, including dry steppes and alpine meadows. Many species are used as forage or as ornamental plants, and some have ecological or soil-improving properties in restoration projects. Certain species contain toxic compounds and can cause health problems for grazing livestock if consumed in quantity.

Astragalus membranaceus, in particular, has gained attention in traditional medicine, especially in East Asia, where its root is used in various preparations. Extracts and constituents such as polysaccharides and saponins are studied for potential immunomodulatory or adaptogenic effects, though high-quality clinical evidence remains limited and usage should be approached with caution due to variability among species and potential interactions with medications.

The astragalus is also the name of a bone in the ankle, anatomically known as the talus. In humans and many other vertebrates, it sits between the tibia and fibula above and the calcaneus (heel bone) below, forming the ankle joint. The superior surface articulates with the tibia and fibula to create the ankle mortise, while the inferior surface contacts the calcaneus. The talus plays a central role in weight bearing and foot mobility. The term derives from Greek astragalos, meaning knucklebone or dice, a reference that extends to its usage in anatomy as the astragalus for this bone in various species.