Astragalus glycyphyllos L.: Phytochemical constituents, pharmacology, and biotechnology

Astragalus glycyphyllos is a widely distributed plant found in Bulgaria that has been used in the folk medicine of the country for decades as an antihypertensive, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory. This review article is focused on the traditional usage, phytochemical studies, pharmacological activity, and biotechnology of this species. Recent progress in the phytochemical investigation led to the identification of different flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, sterols, volatiles, etc. Many pharmacological studies, performed on extracts and pure compounds, revealed promising antiproliferative, cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities in vitro and an in vivo hepatoprotective effect on a model of CCl 4 -induced liver damage. Based on its popularity in traditional Bulgarian medicine, the species represents a promising subject for further investigations.