Astragalus Membranaceous. Astragalus has no known toxicity and is commonly known as Locoweed, Milk Vetch, Yellow Vetch, Chinese Astragalus and Huang Ch'i. In the family of peas and is a mild restorative and preventive plant.Astragalus is one of the most important Oriental tonic and health-promoting medicinal plants and is often used to increase resistance to disease and infections. Used as a diuretic, a vasodilator and as a treatment for respiratory infections. Replenishes vital energy, and may also reduce blood pressure by helping to rid the body of excess water weight. Given routinely to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. May also prevent the spread of malignant cancer cells to healthy tissue. Astragalus also increases interferon production and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions such as hepatitis, AIDS and cancer