Common Name:

General Information

Oxytropis glabra is an erect to sprawling, herbaceous perennial plant producing a tuft of growth from a multi-headed caudex; it can grow 20 - 80cm tall, occasionally reaching 100cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

There are indications that this plant is poisonous to horses and cows[].
We have no more information for this species, but several members of this genus are known to be potentially toxic, particularly to grazing animals.
Some members of the genus are known to contain the indolizidine alkaloid 'swainsonine'. Chronic intoxication with this alkaloid causes a variety of neurological disorders in grazing animals along with reduced appetite which can lead to weight loss and cessation of reproductive ability. Swainsonine has also been found to have potential for use in anti-cancer drug treatments.
In some species, other alkaloids are suspected of causing toxicity.
In addition, some members of the genus have been reported to accumulate selenium - although this is an essential trace element it can be toxic in higher doses. Signs and symptoms of selenium toxicity include a garlic odour on the breath, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, sloughing of nails, fatigue, irritability, and neurological damage - in extreme cases it can result in death.

Botanical References

Range

Eurasia - Russia from eastern Europe to southern Siberia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, western China, western Himalayas

Habitat

Hillsides, roadsides, sandy areas, scrub, damp places, floodplains, fields, sandy flats, semistabilized sand dunes, steppes, desert meadows; at elevations from 400 - 4,400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxytropis species generally grow best in a very sunny position in a deep, well-drained, sandy or gritty soil[]. Species with woolly leaves greatly resent winter wet[]. This species is usually found on clay soils in the wild, often of a saline nature[].
Many species in this genus are suitable as ornamentals, valued for their clusters of flowers and their attractive foliage. However, species often fail in cultivation, often because of a lack of an appropriate Rhizobium bacterium[].
Members of this genus are generally resentful of root disturbance and, if the seed is not sown in situ, then seedlings need to be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
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

The plant is used in traditional medicine[]. It is said to be analgesic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, cardiac, diuretic, haemostatic and to have a depressing action on the central nervous system. It is used in the treatment of ascites and oedema[].

The plant contains saponins, alkaloids, Vitamins C, P, carotene, flavonoids[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the cotyledons emerge in order to avoid damage to the root. Grow them on in deep pots in a cold greenhouse or cold frame, and plant them out the following spring[].