Semen Astragali Complanati (Kidney-shaped and flattened, smooth, with one side indented inwards; the hilum is on the indented edge; when chewed, it has a bean-like smell)

Semen Astragali Complanati (Milkvetch)

Flat-stemmed Astragalus (top left), Chinese Astragalus (top right), Crotalaria (bottom right), Milkvetch (bottom left)

【Naming】

Semen Astragali Complanati

【Source】

Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Upper Class

【Frequency of Use】

C

【Botanical Origin】

The dried mature seeds of Astragalus complanatus R. Br. (Flat-stemmed Astragalus) and A. chinensis L. (Chinese Astragalus) of the Fabaceae family.

【Characteristics】

Kidney-shaped and slightly flattened, about 2mm long, 1.5mm wide, and less than 1mm thick. The surface is grayish-brown or greenish-brown, and smooth. One side is slightly indented inward. There is a distinct hilum in the indentation. The texture is hard and not easily broken. The cotyledons are two in number, light yellow, and slightly elliptical, with a curved radicle. It is odorless, tasteless, and has a bean-like smell when chewed. The seeds of Chinese Astragalus are larger and plumper, with a long, strip-shaped hilum, otherwise the same as the above species.

【Processing】

1. Raw Semen Astragali Complanati 2. Stir-fried Semen Astragali Complanati

【Identification】

Ren Shu Bian Lan: “Semen Astragali Complanati… the pure powder is like silkworm seeds, the ones from Tongzhou are the best.” Ben Cao Xin Bian: “Semen Astragali Complanati is used to brighten the eyes, but it is not as good as using white Tribulus terrestris.” Jing Yan Dan Fang Hui Bian: “Semen Astragali Complanati, the ones with coarse, black grains are genuine.” Yan Fang Xin Bian: “Semen Astragali Complanati (the ones carried by leather goods stores are genuine, the ones shaped like green pig kidneys are the best),” “Tribulus terrestris, the ones shaped like green pig kidneys are the best.” Yan Fang Xin Bian: “Semen Astragali Complanati produced in Tongguan are of good quality. The ones carried by leather goods stores, shaped like kidneys and green in color, are genuine.”
The ones with plump, even grains are the best.

【Category】

Seeds