Astragalus L., the largest genus in the family Leguminosae, is represented by about 400 species in the flora of Turkey. The roots of Astragalus species are well-known for its usage in folk medicine as an immunostimulating agent. It has also been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, nephritis, leukemia and uterine cancer [1]. In continuation of our comprehensive phytochemical studies and evaluation of biological activity of the roots of Astragalus species, three main components namely Astragaloside VII, Macrophyllosaponins B and D were purified and screened in vitro and in vivo for a wide range of biological activities which included the effects on the immune response cytokines (IL-1β, TGF-1β, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ), induction of the surface receptor production in spleen and lymph node cells [IL-2Ra (CD25), CD69], anti-inflammatory activity, and hemolytic and adjuvant properties.
Acknowledgements: Thanks go to the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK, project 109T637), Ege University Science and Technology Center (project 0162010), The Council of Higher Education (YOK) from Turkey and National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) University of Mississippi, USA.
References: [1] Yesilada E, Bedir E, et al. (2005) Ethnopharmacol, 96: 71–77.
