Angelica sinensis
Angelica sinensis, commonly known as Dong Quai, is a revered perennial herb central to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Often called "female ginseng," its nutrient-rich roots are prized for supporting hormonal balance, enhancing blood circulation, and relieving menstrual discomfort. This versatile botanical serves as a cornerstone for promoting overall reproductive wellness.
- Scientific name: Angelica sinensis
- Family: Apiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered as Apiales and situated in the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Angelica, specifically as the species Angelica sinensis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Apiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Angelica | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Angelica sinensis, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Dutch, it is referred to as Dong quai, while in Arabic, it is called حشيشة المللاك الصينية. It is known as Angélique de Chine in French, dzięgiel chiński in Polish, and is called Kinakvanne in Swedish.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nl | Dong quai | Wikidata |
| ar | حشيشة الملاك الصينية | Wikidata |
| fr | Angélique de Chine | Wikidata |
| pl | dzięgiel chiński | Wikidata |
| sv | Kinakvanne | Wikidata |
| th | ตังกุย | Wikidata |
| zh | 当归 | Wikidata |
| ja | カラトウキ | Wikidata |
| lzh | 當歸 | Wikidata |
| fi | kiinankarhunputki | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it is widely found throughout the South-Central provinces. Its range also extends northward into the regions of Inner Mongolia and North-Central China. Beyond the Chinese borders, the species can be found within the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, it is known to grow in the country of Vietnam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Angelica sinensis, is highly valued in traditional medicine, primarily for the therapeutic properties found within its roots. The most significant part used in pharmacology is the radix, which is harvested and prepared as dried roots to ensure stability and potency for long-term storage. These roots contain a complex profile of bioactive compounds, including a volatile essential oil that contributes to its distinct aromatic profile and medicinal efficacy.- Total parts
- 23
- Scientific sources
- 58
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| root | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| radix | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| essential oil | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Radix | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| volatile oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| underground rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| underground parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Angelica sinensis has 188 reported phytochemicals identified across 306 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, ligustilide, senkyunolide A, coniferyl ferulate.
- Total chemicals
- 188
- Scientific sources
- 306
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ferulic acid | 20 | ★★★★★ |
| Z-ligustilide | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| ligustilide | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| senkyunolide A | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| coniferyl ferulate | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| butylidenephthalide | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| senkyunolide I | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| volatile oil | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ferulic acid | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Angelica sinensis has 21 reported activities identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, Analgesic, Anticancer, Hematopoietic.
- Total activities
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 34
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hematopoietic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Serotonergic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antianemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Angelica sinensis has 71 reported medicinal uses identified across 91 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress, antioxidant, apoptosis.
- Total uses
- 71
- Scientific sources
- 91
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apoptosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| blood circulation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constipation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hot flashes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |