Hedysarum theinum

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Common products:
Common products of Hedysarum theinum are hay and leaf meal used as protein-rich livestock forage, especially in the Transbaikal region, and as a pasture plant for animals. The species is a known source of “Altai sugar” (altaiskii sakharnyi) roots, which have been used in producing a natural sugar; production required hand-harvesting, washing, slicing, and drying the roots. The aerial parts are sometimes used to produce a sweet, non-alcoholic syrup called “kubda,” with a thin film (“sakharnaya plonka”) harvested from boiled or concentrated infusions of aerial parts and pods.

Industrial and craft applications:
Hedysarum theinum is cultivated for its aerial parts as a source of condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) for leather tanning. The herb, flowers, and roots have been reported as sources of natural brown dyes used on protein fibers. Tannin extracts are used in hide preservation and as wood adhesives; condensed tannins in legumes generally give high pH resistance, low color development, and superior binding to protein-based substrates. The species is also used for paper and rope making, though specific fiber morphology and strength are not documented.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
Young leaves and shoots are edible and used in salads and as a cooked leaf vegetable; the seed is edible as pulse and can be sprouted. The roots are used as a sweetening material in non-alcoholic beverages and syrups. In Altai cuisine, aerial parts are processed into “kubda” syrup; leaves are used to supplement porridges and soups. Seeds are mentioned as used in dough for flatbreads.

Colorants and tanning:
Condensed tannins and flavonoid pigments from the aerial parts and roots are used to produce natural brown dyes for wool and other protein fibers. The plant is a source of leather tannins, with the leaves and flowers traditionally used for hide tanning in Altai.

Wood and fiber:
Though the species is a herbaceous perennial, stems and bast fibers have been used for paper and rope making. Lignin content is typical for herbaceous legumes, with bast fiber proportions used for paper pulping, though detailed strength and fiber yield are not well documented.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
Aromatic compounds are reported in the aerial parts, used in perfumery and cosmetics. Specific fragrance chemicals are not documented.

Properties relevant to use:
The leaves and aerial parts contain 18–24% protein in dry matter and approximately 10–14% condensed tannins. Roots accumulate sugars, with “sugar” yield reported at 10–12% of fresh mass in production stands; “sugar” films can reach 2–6% sugar content. A sample of seed oil has a saponification value of 190–198 mg KOH/g, indicating potential suitability for industrial lubricants; polyunsaturated fatty acids are the main component, limiting oxidative stability.

Standards and regulation:
No species-specific standards are identified; the plant is covered by general regulations for food plants and feed materials in Russia and neighboring countries.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Hedysarum theinum is native to the Altai, Tuva, and Mongolia, occupying river valleys, floodplains, and meadow steppe; its natural habitats are vulnerable to land conversion. Cultivation can reduce harvest pressure, while yield of “sugar” roots and high tannin levels enables sustainable production of non-medicinal food and leather products.

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