Astracantha gummifera
(Labill.) Podlech
Tragacanth, Gum tragacanth
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Description
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.
Edible Uses
The gum is used in confectionery and as a thickening agent and emulsifier in salad dressings, syrups, sauces, ice cream, drinks, and puddings.
Traditional Uses
The gum is used in confectionary. It is used as a thickening agent and emulsifier in salad dressings, syrups, sauces, ice cream, drinks, and puddings.
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.
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.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Europe, India, Kuwait, Kurdistan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Syria,
Cultivation
Plants are grown from seed.
Notes
There are 2,000 Astragalus species.
Synonyms
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)
Show all 9 references Hide references
- 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)
