Angelica dahurica
What's the taxonomical classification of Angelica dahurica?
Angelica dahurica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Apiales. This plant is a member of the family Apiaceae, which places it within the genus Angelica, and it is specifically identified by the species name dahurica.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Angelica |
| Species | dahurica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Angelica dahurica has an erect, perennial herbaceous structure characterized by hollow stems that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters and a thick, fleshy taproot. The leaves are large, compound, and pinnate, featuring serrated margins and a deep green coloration. Small, white flowers are arranged in dense, flat-topped umbels that emerge from the upper leaf axils. These floral clusters are supported by peduncles that vary in length depending on the plant's maturity. The overall morphology allows the plant to thrive in moist, shaded environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically found across China, Korea, Japan, and parts of Russia. It predominantly inhabits mountainous regions and forest edges where moisture is abundant. Within these territories, it thrives in temperate climates characterized by distinct seasonal changes. The species is often collected from wild mountainous slopes throughout its natural range. Its distribution is closely tied to specific elevations and soil conditions found in these Eastern Asian habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Angelica dahurica thrives in cool, moist, and well-drained soils within temperate climates and prefers partial shade to full sun.
Cultivation requires consistent moisture levels to prevent the delicate root system from drying out. Growers typically propagate the species through seeds or rhizome division during the early spring or late autumn. Maintaining a nutrient-rich substrate with organic matter is essential for promoting vigorous leaf and root development.
Because it is susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions, ensuring proper drainage is a critical aspect of its care.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant medicinal uses involve the radix consisting of fleshy roots, the rhizome, the leaves, and the seeds. The fleshy roots, known as the radix, are the primary component used in traditional formulas to promote blood circulation. The rhizome also offers therapeutic properties that contribute to the plant's overall medicinal profile. Additionally, the leaves and seeds are utilized in specific preparations to address various health concerns. Each of these distinct parts provides unique bioactive compounds for healing purposes.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", the RP-HPLC fingerprint analysis was developed for the quality control of Radix Angelicae dahuricae. The method utilized a Kromasil C18 column with dimensions of 250 mm x 4.6 mm ID and 5 microm. A mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and water was used at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1) and a measurement wavelength of 254 nm. During the study, 21 batches of Radix Angelicae dahuricae were determined. These 21 samples were classified as 4 clusters by cluster analysis, and 11 superior in producing area samples were confirmed to establish the mutual model.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- fleshy roots
- rhizome
- leaves
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Angelica dahuricum has been utilized for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kampo to treat various ailments involving pain, inflammation, and respiratory issues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners frequently prescribe its root to dispel wind and clear heat, specifically targeting headaches and facial swelling. The Kampo system of Japan also incorporates this botanical into specialized formulas to address similar symptoms related to the nervous and circulatory systems. Historical applications often focus on its ability to regulate blood circulation and alleviate discomfort in the musculoskeletal system. These long-standing medicinal traditions rely on the plant's complex chemical properties to maintain systemic balance and relief.
According to a study published by "International immunopharmacology", Phellopterin is a bioactive compound isolated from the ethanol extract of the Angelica dahurica root. This specific plant has been traditionally used for atopic dermatitis therapy in China. The study highlights that Phellopterin possesses anti-type 2 inflammation activity and can alleviate phenotypes such as the reduction in serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. It also works to reduce the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in skin lesions. Furthermore, the compound inhibits the interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced activation of STAT3 at Tyr705.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Kampo
What are the pharmacological activities of Angelica dahurica?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain makes it a valuable candidate for treating various musculoskeletal conditions. The plant also functions as an antipyretic agent by effectively lowering body temperature during febrile states. Additionally, its antimicrobial effects allow it to combat various pathogenic microorganisms. Finally, its potent antioxidant capacity helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
According to a study published by "Current medicinal chemistry", Angelica dahurica has been used traditionally as an anti-inflammaforary, diuretic, expectorant, and diaphoric. This species serves as a remedy for many conditions including colds, flu, influenza, hepatitis, arthritis, indigestion, coughs, chronic bronchitis, pleurisy, typhoid, headaches, wind, fever, colic, travel sickness, rheumatism, bacterial and fungal infections, and diseases of the urinary organs. The plant contains active principles such as various types of coumarins, acetylenic compounds, chalcones, sesquiterpenes, and polysaccharides. Scientific studies on Angelica species evaluate bioactivities including antimicrobial, anticancer, antitumour, analgesic, anti-inflammaforary, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects. There are more than 60 species of medicinal plants belonging to the genus Angelica.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- analgesic
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- immunomodulatory
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a variety of bioactive medicinal compounds including imperatorin, oxyimperatorin, bergaptol, pimpernellin, and osthole. These specific chemical constituents are largely classified as coumarins and are responsible for many of the plant's pharmacological effects. Researchers often study these substances for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The presence of osthole, in particular, has drawn significant scientific interest regarding its impact on various biological pathways. Together, these compounds contribute to the traditional medicinal uses of Angelica dahurica in diverse therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", four coumarin compounds were identified in Radix Angelicae dahuricae by TLC. These specific medicinal compounds found simultaneously in the plant are imperatorin, isoimperatorin, byakangelicin, and oxypeucedaninhydrate. Through the use of HPLC, the contents of 2 compounds were determined. The content of imperatorin is not lower than 0.1%. Additionally, the content of isoimperatorin is not lower than 0.04%.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Imperatorin
- Oxyimperatorin
- Bergaptol
- Pimpinellin
- Osthole
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, microbial infections, skin pigmentation issues, vitiligo, and acne. Its bioactive compounds provide potent antibacterial and antifungal properties to combat various infections. The medicinal extracts also help reduce redness and swelling caused by inflammatory responses in the body. When applied topically, it can assist in regulating melanin production to address vitiligo and uneven skin tones. Furthermore, its cleansing effects make it an effective natural remedy for managing acne breakouts.
According to a study published by "Inflammation & allergy drug targets", imperatorin is an active constituent isolated from the roots of Angelica dahurica. This compound is studied for its effects on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in rat peritoneal macrophages. The research shows that these compounds inhibit the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). By suppressing COX-2 induction, the substance works to inhibit PGE2 production.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- microbial infections
- skin pigmentation issues
- vitiligo
- acne
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations including Angelicae dahuricae Radix, Gumiganghwal-tang, Seijo-bofu-to, 70% EtOH extract, and essential oil. Angelicae dahuricae Radix serves as the primary dried root used in traditional pharmacological applications. The herbal formulas Gumiganghwal-tang and Seijo-bofu-to utilize this plant to treat various inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. Researchers also utilize a 70% EtOH extract to isolate bioactive compounds for therapeutic study. Additionally, the essential oil extracted from the plant provides a concentrated source of aromatic and medicinal properties.
According to a study published by "Phytochemical analysis : PCA", Angelica dahurica (BZ) and Angelica dahurica var. formosana (HBZ) are two plant sources of Angelicae dahuricae Radix used as herbal medicines. A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was established for the chemical profiling of BZ and HBZ. A total of 30 coumarin compounds were identified through this process. A quantitative analysis method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 9 bioactive coumarins, which include xanthotoxol, oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicin, xanthotoxin, bergapten, oxypeucedanin, phellopterin, imperatorin, and isoimperatorin. Chemometric analysis indicated that 5 specific coumarins, namely xanthotoxol, xanthotoxin, bergapten, phellopterin, and isoimperatorin, were responsible for the significant differences between the two sources.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Angelicae dahuricae Radix
- Gumiganghwal-tang
- Seijo-bofu-to
- 70% EtOH extract
- essential oil
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health side effects including allergic inflammation, cardiotoxicity, dizziness, edema, and the inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 activity. Consumption may trigger immune responses that lead to localized or systemic allergic inflammation. Some users might experience neurological symptoms like dizziness or physical swelling known as edema. There is also a potential risk of cardiotoxicity which can impact heart function. Furthermore, the plant's components can interfere with metabolic processes through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 activity.
According to a study published by "Experimental and therapeutic medicine", Angelica dahurica is a medicinal plant used to treat symptoms related to allergic inflammation. Researchers identified 15 compounds from the plant, which included 13 coumarins such as isoimperatorin (1), imperatorin (2), oxypeucedanin (3), oxypeucedanin hydrate (4), bergapten (5), byakangelicin (6), phellopterin (7), byakangelicol (8), isopimpinellin (9), xanthotoxol (10), xanthotoxin (11), pimpinellin (12), scopoletin (13), β-sitosterol (14) and daucosterol (15). Compounds 1-13 were able to reduce the release of histamine, with compounds 4-6 exhibiting the most potent activity. Furthermore, compounds 1-12 inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-4, while compounds 5 and 7 showed the strongest inhibitory effects. Virtual screening also indicated that compound 3 acts as a potent histamine H1 receptor antagonist.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- allergic inflammation
- cardiotoxiocity
- dizziness
- edema
- inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 activity
What herbs are paired with Angelica dahurica?
This plant Angelica dahuricu is frequently paired with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia lactiflora, and Ligusticum chuanxiong to enhance its therapeutic effects on blood circulation and pain relief.
In traditional formulas, it is often combined with Bupleurum chinense to alleviate liver-related stagnation and emotional tension. Practitioners may also add licorice root to harmonize the various components and reduce potential side effects of the mixture. These synergistic combinations are specifically designed to address issues ranging from menstrual irregularities to localized physical discomfort.
The precise selection of these partner herbs depends heavily on whether the practitioner aims to tonify the blood or move it more vigorously.