ASTRAGALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Astragalus is a noun referring to a genus of flowering plants within the Fabaceae family, commonly known as milkvetch or astragalus. It encompasses a vast group of over 2,000 species of perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees found predominantly in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, although some species extend into high-altitude areas. Astragalus plants are characterized by their pinnately compound leaves with numerous small leaflets, an inflorescence consisting of dense clusters of flowers, and a legume fruit often containing seeds.
In addition to their botanical significance, several species of astragalus have been used in traditional medicine for their potential healing properties. They are frequently employed in various traditional systems of medicine, including Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Native American, where they are believed to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, certain species of astragalus have also been used as a source of natural dye, forage for livestock, and soil stabilizers owing to their nitrogen-fixing abilities.
Given the wide range of species and its diverse applications, astragalus represents an important botanical genus with ecological, medicinal, and agricultural importance. This versatile plant genus plays a vital role in different ecosystems, cultural practices, and traditional medicines, highlighting the significance of understanding and preserving this diverse group of plants.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ASTRAGALUS
- zstragalus
- sstragalus
- wstragalus
- qstragalus
- aatragalus
- aztragalus
- axtragalus
- adtragalus
- aetragalus
- awtragalus
- asrragalus
- asfragalus
- asgragalus
- asyragalus
- as6ragalus
- as5ragalus
- asteagalus
- astdagalus
- astfagalus
Etymology of ASTRAGALUS
The word "astragalus" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "astragalos", which means "anklebone" or "joint". This is because the shape of the plant's root, typically used for medicinal purposes, resembles the joint or knuckle of an animal. Over time, the term "astragalus" has been adopted as the scientific name for a genus of flowering plants in the bean family (Fabaceae).
Similar spelling words for ASTRAGALUS
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