Astragalus cicer
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fdf05dedbe678640948 |
| Scientific name | Astragalus cicer |
| Authority | L. |
| First published in | Sp. Pl.: 757 (1753) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly called boneset, is traditionally taken as a hot infusion of the aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops) to break fevers and relieve colds and flu. Among colonial and 19th‑century herbalists in the United States and Canada, a strong decoction was a standard winter remedy for “intermittent” fevers and chills. European settlers in eastern North America recorded similar preparations in the 19th century, and classic materia medicas such as King’s American Dispensatory describe frequent use of boneset infusion for diaphoretic and tonic purposes. Other accounts come from ethnobotanical surveys of Appalachian herbal practice, where the plant’s bitter tea was valued for clearing “summer complaints” and respiratory congestion, and from northeastern woodland traditions that use a warm boneset drink to ease aching and sweating (Bennett et al., 2021; King, 1898; Warfield, 1895).
In addition to hot teas, tinctures of the dried herb were made at around 1:5 alcohol‑water (typically 40–50% ethanol) and taken by the drop or teaspoonful, especially when a stronger tonic and diaphoretic was required. Historical sources also record a macerated poultice of crushed fresh leaves applied to bruises and sprains (King, 1898; Warfield, 1895; Bennett et al., 2021).
Practical recipe: To make a mild boneset tea, combine 1–2 teaspoons (about 2–4 g) of dried leaves and flowering tops with 8 ounces (240 mL) of just‑boiled water, cover, and steep 10–15 minutes. Strain. Drink a small cup (2–4 ounces) two to three times daily while feverish, and stop as symptoms ease. Do not exceed short‑term use, avoid in pregnancy, and consider that some people are sensitive to Asteraceae; discontinue if irritation occurs.
The bitter constituents that likely account for traditional effects include sesquiterpene lactones such as eupafolin, santamarin, and related helenalin derivatives; flavonoids and their methoxylated forms (e.g., quercetin, eupafolin, and eupatilin) are also well‑documented in this species. These compounds have established anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cholagogic actions that fit the plant’s long‑standing use as a fever reducer and digestive tonic.
Today, dried boneset remains widely available in herb shops and niche tincture lines, and contemporary herbal texts frequently reference it as a classic North American diaphoretic. Modern pharmacognosy continues to study its lactones and flavonoids, keeping the plant in the broader conversation about anti‑inflammatory botanicals.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Astragalus cicer is cultivated primarily as a forage and hay legume for pasture systems and hay production. It also serves as a green-manure or cover crop that fixes atmospheric nitrogen in association with rhizobia. In some regions, it is used in pollinator mixes for habitat plantings and in erosion-control seedings.
Industrial and craft applications:
Its principal industrial value is biological: nitrogen fixation that improves soil fertility and reduces fertilizer inputs in pasture or rotational systems. The species is applied in rangeland rehabilitation and erosion control through seeding; aboveground residues and roots contribute to soil stabilization and organic matter.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
A. cicer is not recognized as a food crop; seeds are not used as human food, flour, or beverage ingredient.
Colorants and tanning:
No reliable use in tanning, dyeing, or inks is reported for this species.
Wood and fiber:
A. cicer does not produce commercial timber or fiber products.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
No fragrant extract or cosmetic use is documented.
Properties relevant to use:
Nodulation with rhizobia enables biological nitrogen fixation. Reported palatability varies among cultivars, with some groups of animals readily consuming it. Seasonal yield and persistence vary by cultivar and environment; improved forage types have been selected for agronomic performance and forage value (e.g., ‘Lutana’, ‘Oxley’, ‘McCoy’, ‘Monarch’).
Standards and regulation:
Seed quality and marketing in major jurisdictions typically follow agricultural seed testing and certification standards (e.g., AOSA/SSTC in the United States; national seed certification schemes elsewhere). Forage cultivars are named and released through public breeding programs and often referenced by cultivar names and selection notes.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Because it fixes nitrogen, A. cicer can reduce synthetic fertilizer needs in mixed grass–legume pastures and support biodiversity in pollinator plantings. Longevity and seasonal yield are moderate to high under suitable moisture and soil conditions, though drought tolerance and winter hardiness are cultivar dependent.
Scientific/model-organism use:
Reference entries and cultivar information are maintained in germplasm and forage plant databases (e.g., GRIN, NPGS) and in agronomic literature describing pasture establishment and management of Cicer milkvetch.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus mucronatus | DC. | Astragalogia: 140 (1802) |
| Astragalus microphyllus | L. | Sp. Pl.: 757 (1753) |
| Astragalus cicer var. microphyllus | (L.) Asch. & Graebn. | Syn. Mitteleur. Fl.6(2): 771 (1909) |
| Astragalus cicer var. angustifolius | Celak. | Prodr. Fl. Böhmen: 675 (1874) |
| Astragalus cicer var. dieffenbachii | Hegi | Ill. Fl. Mitt.-Eur.4: 1424 (1924) |
| Astragalus cicer var. heldaviensis | Fuss | Fl. Transsilv.: 171 (1866) |
| Astragalus cicer var. major | DC. | Astragalogia: 163 (1802) |
| Astragalus cicer var. pseudocicer | (Opiz) Beck | H.G.L.Reichenbach, Icon. Fl. Germ. Helv.22: 102 (1900) |
| Astragalus cicer var. speciosus | Schur | Enum. Pl. Transsilv.: 163 (1866) |
| Astragalus pseudocicer | Opiz | Flora4: 758 (1821) |
| Astragalus vesicarius | Lam. | Fl. Franç. (Lamarck) 2: 637. 1779 [1778 publ. after 21 Mar 1779] |
| Tragacantha cicer | (L.) Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl.2: 944 (1891) |
| Cystium cicer | (L.) Steven | Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou4: 268 (1832) |
| Astragaloides cicera | (L.) Moench | Methodus: 168 (1794) |
| Astragalus heldaviensis | Lerchenf. ex Schur | Verh. Mitth. Siebenbürg. Vereins Naturwiss. Hermannstadt4: 19 (1853) |
| Cystium pseudocicer | (Opiz) Opiz | Lotos8: 65 (1858) |
| Tragacantha mucronata | (DC.) Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl.2: 946 (1891) |
| Astragalus cicer f. heldaviensis | (Fuss) Gusul. | Fl. Republ. Popul. Române5: 282 (1957) |
| Glaux astragaloides | Medik. | Vorles. Churpfälz. Phys.-Ökon. Ges. 2: 377 (1787) |
| Astragalus cicerinus | St.-Lag. | Ann. Soc. Bot. Lyon 7: 120 (1880) |
| Astragalus microphyllus | Schübl. & G.Martens | Fl. Würtemberg : 474 (1834) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | chickpea milkvetch |
| Arabic | حمص جبلي |
| Belarusian | астрагал нутавы |
| Czech | kozinec cizrnovitý |
| cv | Кушак çăмарти |
| Welsh | llaethwyg ffacbys |
| German | kicher-tragant |
| Estonian | põis-hundihammas |
| Finnish | pulleakurjenherne |
| Upper Sorbian | Žołtojty kozync |
| Lithuanian | ilguolinė kulkšnė |
| Latvian | dedestiņu tragantzirnis |
| Dutch | bergerwt |
| Polish | traganek pęcherzykowaty |
| Russian | Астрагал нутовый |
| Russian | Хлопунец |
| Russian | Астрагал гороховидный |
| Swedish | kikvedel |
| tt | Нут дөя сеңере |
| Chinese | 鹰嘴紫云英 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!| Maintain seeds at a constant 10°C. |
| Requires Scarification: Scarification involves physically breaking, scratching, or softening the seed coat to allow water absorption and germination to occur. This can be done by nicking the seed coat with a knife or rubbing the seeds between sheets of sandpaper. |
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Caucasus
- North Caucasus
- Transcaucasus
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Siberia
- West Siberia
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Western Asia
- Turkey
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Caucasus
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Europe click to expand
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Eastern Europe
- Baltic States
- Belarus
- Central European Russia
- East European Russia
- Krym
- North European Russia
- Northwest European Russia
- South European Russia
- Ukraine
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Middle Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czechoslovakia
- Germany
- Hungary
- Poland
- Switzerland
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Northern Europe
- Denmark
- Sweden
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Southeastern Europe
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- Romania
- Yugoslavia
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Southwestern Europe
- France
- Spain
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Eastern Europe
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Northern America click to expand
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North-central U.S.A.
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Wisconsin
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Northeastern U.S.A.
- Indiana
- Michigan
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Northwestern U.S.A.
- Colorado
- Montana
- Washington
- Wyoming
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South-central U.S.A.
- New Mexico
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Southwestern U.S.A.
- Nevada
- Utah
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Subarctic America
- Yukon
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North-central U.S.A.
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000213547 |
| Canadensys | 5646 |
| USDA Plants | ASCI4 |
| Tropicos | 13025624 |
| INPN | 84817 |
| Flora of Italy | 2344 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:476814-1 |
| The Plant List | ild-8614 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 838609 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 20410 |
| NBN Atlas | NBNSYS0000014800 |
| Nature Serve | 2.129848 |
| IPNI | 476814-1 |
| iNaturalist | 75633 |
| GBIF | 5343253 |
| Freebase | /m/0gywy2w |
| WisFlora | 7063 |
| EPPO | ASACI |
| EOL | 704253 |
| Elurikkus | 2968 |
| Calflora (Californian flora) | 8567 |
| USDA GRIN | 5753 |
| Wikipedia | Astragalus_cicer |
| CMAUP | NPO7315 |
| Plantarium | 4848 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Steroidal glycosides / Steroidal saponins / Cucurbitacin glycosides | |||||
| (1S,3R,6S,8R,11S,12S,14S,15R,16R)-14-hydroxy-7,7,12,16-tetramethyl-15-[(2R,5R)-6-methyl-5-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxyheptan-2-yl]-6-[(2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxypentacyclo[9.7.0.01,3.03,8.012,16]octadecan-9-one | 163059129 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2CCC34CC35CCC6(C(C(CC6(C5CC(=O)C4C2(C)C)C)O)C(C)CCC(C(C)(C)OC7C(C(C(CO7)O)O)O)OC8C(C(C(C(O8)CO)O)O)O)C)O)O)O | 931.10 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000157 |
| [(1S,3R,6S,8R,9S,11S,12S,14S,15R,16R)-15-[(2R,5R)-5-hydroxy-6-methyl-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxyheptan-2-yl]-7,7,12,16-tetramethyl-6,9-bis[[(2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy]-14-pentacyclo[9.7.0.01,3.03,8.012,16]octadecanyl] acetate | 24882586 | Click to see | 959.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000157 |
| [(1S,3R,6S,8R,9S,11S,12S,14S,15R,16R)-7,7,12,16-tetramethyl-15-[(2R,5R)-6-methyl-5-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxyheptan-2-yl]-6,9-bis[[(2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy]-14-pentacyclo[9.7.0.01,3.03,8.012,16]octadecanyl] acetate | 162988654 | Click to see | 1121.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000157 |
| [15-[5-Hydroxy-6-methyl-6-(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxyheptan-2-yl]-7,7,12,16-tetramethyl-6,9-bis[(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxy]-14-pentacyclo[9.7.0.01,3.03,8.012,16]octadecanyl] acetate | 74343975 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2CCC34CC35CCC6(C(C(CC6(C5CC(C4C2(C)C)OC7C(C(C(C(O7)C)O)O)O)C)OC(=O)C)C(C)CCC(C(C)(C)OC8C(C(C(CO8)O)O)O)O)C)O)O)O | 959.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000157 |
| [7,7,12,16-Tetramethyl-15-[6-methyl-5-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxyheptan-2-yl]-6,9-bis[(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxy]-14-pentacyclo[9.7.0.01,3.03,8.012,16]octadecanyl] acetate | 162988653 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2CCC34CC35CCC6(C(C(CC6(C5CC(C4C2(C)C)OC7C(C(C(C(O7)C)O)O)O)C)OC(=O)C)C(C)CCC(C(C)(C)OC8C(C(C(CO8)O)O)O)OC9C(C(C(C(O9)CO)O)O)O)C)O)O)O | 1121.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000157 |
| 14-Hydroxy-7,7,12,16-tetramethyl-15-[6-methyl-5-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxyheptan-2-yl]-6-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxypentacyclo[9.7.0.01,3.03,8.012,16]octadecan-9-one | 163059128 | Click to see | 931.10 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000157 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Cyclitols and derivatives / Quinic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 3-{[3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxy}-1,4,5-trihydroxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid | 348159 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| Chlorogenic Acid | 1794427 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids | |||||
| 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)Prop-2-Enoic Acid | 2518 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| Caffeic Acid | 689043 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Quercetin | 5280343 | Click to see | 302.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| 2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-Dihydroxy-3-(3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-(Hydroxymethyl)Oxan-2-Yl)Oxychromen-4-One | 5378597 | Click to see | 464.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one | 5462193 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O | 448.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| Astragalin | 5282102 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O | 448.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| Isoquercetin | 5280804 | Click to see | 464.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| Isorhamnetin 3-galactoside | 13245586 | Click to see | 478.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00575723 |
| Isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside | 5318645 | Click to see | 478.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00575723 |
| Rutin | 5280805 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| Vitamin P | 5293655 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00602480 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides | |||||
| 5-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxy-3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-[(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one | 5351997 | Click to see | 740.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00575723 |
| 5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-[(2R,3S,4S,5S,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-[[(2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one | 162903659 | Click to see | 740.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00575723 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / O-methylated isoflavonoids / 2-O-methylated isoflavonoids | |||||
| (3R)-3-(6-methoxy-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-7-ol | 163092609 | Click to see COC1=CC2=C(C=C1C3CC4=C(C=C(C=C4)O)OC3)OCO2 | 300.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)83810-8 |
| Astraciceran | 156986 | Click to see | 300.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)83810-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / O-methylated isoflavonoids / 4-O-methylated isoflavonoids / 3-hydroxy,4-methoxyisoflavonoids | |||||
| (-)-Mucronulatol | 442811 | Click to see | 302.32 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)83810-8 |
| (R)-3',7-Dihydroxy-2',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan | 4484949 | Click to see COC1=C(C(=C(C=C1)C2CC3=C(C=C(C=C3)O)OC2)OC)O | 302.32 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)83810-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / O-methylated isoflavonoids / 7-O-methylated isoflavonoids / 7-O-methylisoflavones | |||||
| Acicerone | 24721438 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(=C1)OC=C(C2=O)C3=CC4=C(C=C3)OCO4)O | 312.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89635-1 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |