Determination and evaluation of total saponins in Astragalus membranaceus from different producing areas in Gansu Province

Gansu is known as the "Millennium medicine town" and "natural medicine storehouse", and the quality and quantity of Chinese medicine are of high standard. Astragalus membranaceus is also one of the abundant traditional Chinese medicines in Gansu, and saponins in Astragalus membranaceus have the effects of strengthening heart and protecting liver. Therefore, in this study, the content of total saponins in Astragalus from 7 producing areas in Gansu was detected and evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometer.