Pharmacognosic studies on astragalus compactus LAM

Astragalus L. genus that belongs to Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family is represented by 445 species including 224 endemic species in Turkey. The roots of Astragalus sp. have been used as an antiperspirant, tonic and diuretic among people since ancient years. They have also been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, nephritis, leukemia and uterine cancer. Known biologically active compounds of Astragalus roots have been collected in two major classes of chemical compounds; including polysaccharides and saponins. Up to now, more than 400 cycloartane-type saponins were determined and around 200 of them were isolated from Astragalus genus. The species of Astragalus genus which are the richest source of cycloartane type saponins have been considered important because of their extract's and isolated compound's wide range of biological activities known as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, immunostimulant, antioxidant, antiviral and anti cancer. In this study, phytochemical studies heve been performed on the underground parts of Astragalus compactus. The compounds of Astragaloside I, Astragaloside II, Astragaloside IV, Astrasieversianin II and Cyclosephaloside II were isolated using several chromatographic techniques (open column chromatography, vacuum liquid chromatography, and medium pressure liquid chromatography) on the subfractions obtained by fractionation of methanol extract of the roots. Structure determination of the compounds was performed by using spectral techniques. Key Words: Astragalus compactus, cycloartane, Fabaceae, natural compounds, saponins, triterpene.