Common Name: Hong Qi

General Information

Hedysarum polybotrys is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a clump of erect stems 7 - 12cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often used, especially in Taiwan, as a substitute for the widely used herb Huang Qi (Astragalus mongholicus).
Hedysarum polybotrys has a wide distribution, is present in protected areas and an apparently stable population. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northern China (Gansu, Hebei, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Shanxi, Sichuan)

Habitat

Gravelly and stony slopes and in forest margins; at elevations from 1,200 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hedysarum species generally grow best in a sunny position, though many can tolerate some shade. They are often found in somewhat alkaline soils in the wild, but are usually easy to grow in ordinary garden soils, preferring a deep well-drained sandy loam[, ].
Species in this genus generally strongly resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
This species is closely related to Hedysarum boreale[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

This species has a long histroy of medicinal use in China, where it is employed mainly to increase the energy of the body. It is used in the treatment of infestation with gastrointestinal nematodes, and may also support the immune system and peripheral nervous system[].
The root is anhidrotic[], antioxidant. It is used in the treatment of asthma, boils, cachexia, diarrhoea, oedema, nervousness, numbness, night sweats and poor circulation[].
The root is often used, especially in Taiwan, as a substitute for the widely prescribed herb huang qi (Astragalus mongholicus)[].

Various medicinally active compounds found in this and other Hedysarum species contribute to the antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties of the plants[].
In terms of its anti-inflammatory properties, this species is similar to Astragalus mongholicus, although they are two distinct species. This species is also capable of regenerating immune cell populations under stress. Taken together, the biological activities of this plant suggest the potential usefulness of this traditional Qi-tonifying herb in the treatment of clinical conditions when immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effect is desired[].
This species has shown significant protective effect against heart and brain hypoxia, and also exhibits tonification, growth promotion, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in the spring[]. Stored seed benefits from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination[]. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Division in spring. Great care is needed since the plant dislikes root disturbance[].