A viewpoint toward medical plant of astragalus and its main characteristics, products and economical importance in Iran (Case study: Boldaji and lake Choghakhor in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province)

Medicinal plants are one of very valuable rescores in wide range of world and Iran natural resources. Herbal medicines against chemical and synthetic drugs have bad effects and minor side effects and or are completely harmless. Interest in ethnobotany has increased dramatically in recent years. Medicinal folklore over the years has proved to be an invaluable guide in present day screening of drugs. In recent years, use of ethnobotanical information in medicinal plant research has gained considerable attention in segments of the scientific community. Iran has a long medical tradition and traditional learning of plant remedies. Some authors have investigated the traditional pharmacopoeia and medicinal plants in different areas of Iran. Iran is one of the most important habitats of Astragalus in the world. Astragalus spp are valuable for their forage, medicinal and industrial usage and soil conservation. Gum tragacanth is one of the most important herb gum, which is exudated from the stem of Astragalus gossypinus. Iran is the greatest producer of gum tragacanth. It is an important item of international trade in the food, pharmaceutical, adhesive, paper, textile, and other industries. Chemical structure of gum tragacanth is mixed of a complex of polysaccharides and inorganic elements. In this article author state results of his field research mainly in major problems, approaches and aspects of exploiting, products, economics, marketing and etc. of Astragalus spp in Boldaji and lake Choghakhor in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province in south west of Iran as a major producer and exporter of this valuable medicinal plant and its byproducts.