[Comparison on historical evolution and modern research on processing of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix]

Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix are derived from plants of different genera belonging to the same family. Because of the similar efficacy and function, they are often used as alternatives of each other in clinical practice, and they are common Qi-tonifying medicines. The comparison on the historical evolution and modern research on the processing of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix reveals that the ancient books has mixed the use of Hedysari Radix as Astragali Radix for a long time, with the processing method not clearly defined. As a result, the traditional processing of Hedysari Radix is embodied in that of Astragali Radix. The processing of Hedysari Radix has been gradually improved since the Han Dynasty, and the method of processing with honey gradually became mature after the development from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Ming Dynasty and became a core process in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This paper summarized the records about the processing of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix in the provincial and municipal standards, analyzed the application of products from different processing methods in different regions, discussed the changes from simple to complex and then from complex to simple processing methods of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix from ancient times to the present day and the underlying reasons, and compared the use of the two medicines in ancient records. In addition, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical application of the processing products of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix were collated and analyzed. The results showed that different processing methods affected the active ingredients and pharmacological effects of the products. Astragali Radix Praeparata cum Melle was more widely used in clinical practice, especially in the treatment of respiratory, digestive, and multi-systemic diseases, with sufficient evidence. Hedysari Radix Praeparata cum Melle had a greater advantage in the treatment of gynecological diseases. This paper systematically discusses the historical evolution of the processing of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix, compares the modern provincial and municipal standards for the processing and the historical evolution of the efficacy and main indications of the two medicines, and expounds the effects of processing on the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix. This paper aims to provide references for the research on Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix regarding the clinical applications, processing methods, standards of decoction pieces, and development of new medicines.