Many triterpenoid saponins have been identified including Astragalosides I to VIII, acetylastragalosides, astragenol etc. The root also contains flavonoids, especially isoflavonoids which confer a yellow colour.
Polysaccharides have recieved considerable attention, especially the polysaccharide fraction F3. Plant sterols, a volatile oil and amino acids including GABA and l-canavanine have also been isolated from the root.