Abstract: Hairy root cultures were established from the leaf explant of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. infected with Agrobacterium rhizogenes and factors that affect their growth were investigated. It was found that the hairy roots grew best in a phytohonnone-free MS medium at pH 6, in which the most optimal concentration of sucrose was 3 % and NH4NO3 was omitted because of its inhibitory effect to the hairy roots. Light was also inhibitory to them but the effect of low temperature was not apparent. Moreover, there were more crude saponin and soluble polysuccharide contents in the hairy roots than in the natural dry roots. Finally, a discussion on the application and the potenrial of the hairy root technique in the production of the plant roots as an effection Chinese traditional medicine was also involved.

Key words: Astragalus membranaceus, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Hairy roots, In vitro culture, Biologically active compounds