Comparative analysis between aerial parts and roots (Astragali Radix) of astragalus membranaceus by NMR-based metabolomics

Aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus (APAM), which are derived from the overground part of Astragalus membranaceus consist of stems and leaves. The aim of this study was to provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization of APAM. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to compare the chemical compositions of APAM and Astragali Radix (AR). The pharmacological effects of APAR and AR in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced mice were studied using 1H NMR-based metabolomics. The results showed that APAM and AR were different from each other in primary and secondary metabolites, and they could recover the amounts of white blood cell, monocytes, lymphocyte and neutrophils content, IL-2 and IL-6; there was no significant difference in APAM and AR in terms of immune functions. The mechanisms of APAM and AR on leucopenia were probably related to energy metabolism, amino acids metabolism, and gut microbiota-related metabolism.