Angelica sinensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Angelica sinensis?
Angelica sinensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Within this group, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae, which is characterized by its distinctive umbel-shaped inflorescences. Finally, the plant is identified by the genus Angelica and is specifically designated as the species sinensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Angelica |
| Species | sinensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Angelica sinensis has a thick, fleshy taproot that is typically dark brown or blackish on the outside and yellowish-white on the inside. The plant reaches heights of up to two meters and features large, compound leaves with serrated margins. These leaves are arranged alternately along a hollow, grooved stem that is often purplish in color. Small, white flowers are arranged in dense, umbrella-shaped umbels that bloom during the summer months. The plant produces small, oval-shaped fruits that contain several tiny seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the high-altitude mountainous regions of China, specifically within provinces such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Gansu. It thrives in cool, moist environments typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level. The species prefers well-drained soils located along mountain slopes and near forest edges where sunlight is partially filtered. Because of its specific preference for temperate, high-elevation climates, its natural range is quite restricted compared to more widespread botanical species. This localized distribution makes it a significant component of the traditional medicinal flora found in those specific Chinese highlands.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Angelica sinensis requires cool, moist climates and well-drained, fertile loamy soil to thrive during its two-year growth cycle.
Farmers typically sow the seeds in the autumn to allow for natural stratification during the winter months. During the first year, the plant focuses on developing a robust rosette of leaves and a strong root system. In the second year, the plant produces a flowering umbel before the roots reach their optimal medicinal potency.
Harvesting must occur in the late autumn of the second year when the plant's chemical constituents are most concentrated.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant is utilized medicinally through its radix, which refers to the dried root, as well as its flowers, fruits, leaves, and the entire root structure. The dried radix, commonly known as Dong Quai, is the most significant part used in traditional formulations to regulate blood circulation and hormonal balance. While the root is the primary component, the flowers and fruits are sometimes incorporated into specific herbal preparations for their unique aromatic and therapeutic properties. The leaves may also be processed for certain applications, though they are less frequently used than the primary root parts. Together, these various elements contribute to the extensive pharmacological profile of the species.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", the medicinal herb part of Angelica sinensis used is Radix angelicae sinensis. The study observed the effects of danggui at high and middle dosages on cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) obtained from rat. These high and middle dosages of danggui enhanced proliferation significantly with a P < 0.05. The research suggested that the herbs might increase the quantitation of vessels on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. These herbs may promote angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation of CMECs and increasing blood vessels.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- flower
- fruit
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as dong quai, serves as a fundamental blood tonic and gynecological regulator within Asian traditional medicine and the Japanese Kampo system. Practitioners have historically utilized its root to nourish the blood, alleviate menstrual irregularities, and treat various deficiency syndromes. In Chinese herbalism, it is frequently combined with other botanicals to harmonize the liver and spleen while promoting healthy circulation. Kampo practitioners specifically employ standardized formulas containing this species to address stagnation and restore physiological balance. Its long-standing reputation in these medical traditions relies on its perceived ability to warm the meridians and supplement vital essence.
According to a study published by "Progress in the chemistry of organic natural products", Angelica sinensis is a species used in traditional medicine. This plant is known by the Chinese name Danggui. It belongs to the Umbelliferae family, which is also known as Apiaceae. The bioactivities of compounds isolated from the Apiaceae correlate with the traditional medicinal uses of the natural sources. Some monomeric phthalides from these sources have shown an ability to attenuate certain neurological diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Asian traditional medicine
- Kampo
What are the pharmacological activities of Angelica sinensis?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including blood activating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, promoting blood circulation, and nourishing the blood. Its unique chemical constituents allow it to effectively mitigate oxidative stress and reduce systemic inflammation within the body. By enhancing the movement of blood through the vessels, it serves as a potent agent to promote blood circulation. Additionally, the plant is traditionally used to nourish the blood to support overall hematological health. These combined effects make it a significant subject in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacological research.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Angelica sinensis was identified as the most frequently used core herb among 11 herbs found in 98 collected postpartum lochia discharge formulations. These formulations used a total of 60 medicinal materials, and the 11 core herbs formed 136 drug combinations consisting of 2-7 herbs each. Angelica sinensis was positioned in the center of the network and jointly appeared with Ligusticum striatum in 92.8% of the analyzed formulations. The medicinal materials used, which include Angelica sinensis, predominantly focused on the traditional functions of qi tonifying and blood activating.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 1. blood circulation improving
- 2. nourishing the blood
- 3. anti-inflammatory
- 4. anti-oxidant
- 5. immunomodulatory
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including ligustilide, senkyunolide A, ferulic acid, n-butylidenephthalide, and Angelica sineensis polysaccharides. Ligustilide and n-butylidenephthalide are key phthalides responsible for many of the plant's cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects. Senkyunolide A serves as another important component that contributes to its diverse pharmacological activities. Ferulic acid provides significant antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Finally, Angelica sineensis polysaccharides play a crucial role in modulating immune responses within the body.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Ligustilide (LIG) is the main component of Angelica sinensis and is considered to be the most effective biologically active ingredient in this plant. This major bioactive component promotes bone formation via the GPR30/EGFR pathway. Ligustilide has been found to have multiple pharmacological activities, such as anti-atherosclerosis, neuroprotection, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The study showed that LIG significantly ameliorated inhibition of bone formation in zebrafish caused by prednisolone. Furthermore, LIG promoted osteoblast differentiation, including that of the pre-osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. LIG also greatly improved the viability of MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to H2O2 and attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ligustilide
- Ferulic acid
- Senkyunoide A
- n-butylidene phthalide
- Angelica sinensis polysaccharides
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for improving blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, treating various gynecological disorders, alleviating menopause symptoms, and nourishing the blood. By promoting the movement of blood, it helps to clear blockages and reduce pain associated with stagnation. Its ability to nourish the blood makes it particularly effective for addressing deficiencies that lead to weakness or fatigue. In women's health, it is frequently utilized to regulate menstrual cycles and ease the discomfort of reproductive issues. Furthermore, it serves as a natural support for managing the hormonal shifts and physical symptoms experienced during menopause.
According to a study published by "Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society", Angelica sinensis was selected for investigation due to its benefits for blood circulation. A purified low-molecular-weight fraction from the plant, named SBD.4A, demonstrated strong wound healing activity in the diabetic mouse wound-healing model and the human/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse chimera wound-healing model. In both of these models, SBD.4A compared favorably with the Food and Drug Administration-approved wound-healing drug becaplermin. A hydrophilic fraction of SBD.4A strongly stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, tridimensional endothelial cell network formation, human dermal fibroblast proliferation, and type I collagen secretion. These processes suggest that this botanical product could be a valuable treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- blood stasis
- blood circulation deficiency
- menopause symptoms
- gynecological disorders
- anaemia
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations including Angelica sinensis compound preparation, Dang Gui injection, and Dang-Gui decoction for enriching blood. Practitioners often utilize Danggui Buxue Tang to address specific deficiencies in the body's vital elements. Another significant formulation is a specialized mixture of P. quinquefolius, R. angelicae sinensis, R. astragali, and R. rehmanniae preparaata. These different combinations allow for targeted therapeutic effects ranging from blood nourishment to systemic tonification. Each preparation serves a unique role within traditional medicinal practices.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Angelica sinensis has garnered attention for its anti-fibrosis properties through various medicinal preparations. These preparations include angelica polysaccharide (ASP), angelica water extract, angelica injection, and angelica compound preparation. Recent investigations have extensively examined these constituents to demonstrate significant anti-fibrosis activity. The review summarizes progress made over the recent 20 years regarding the use of Angelica sinensis in treating fibrosis in organs such as the liver, lung, kidney, and heart. These effective components work by modulating relevant signaling pathways through multiple targets and channels.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Angelica sinensis compound preparation
- Dang Gui injection
- Dang-Gui decoction for enriching blood
- Danggui Buxue Tang
- mixture of P. quinquefolius/R. angelicae sinensis/R. astragali/R. rehmanniae preparata
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health complications including bleeding, arrhythmia, liver injury, solar dermatitis, and the stimulation of breast cancer growth. Due to its anticoagulant properties, it may increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding or interact dangerously with blood-thinning medications. Consuming excessive amounts has been linked to heart rhythm irregularities such as arrhythmia and potential damage to liver function. Some users may also experience skin sensitivity to sunlight resulting in solar dermatitis. Furthermore, certain compounds in the plant may act on hormonal pathways that lead to the stimulation of breast cancer growth.
According to a study published by "Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeuics", herbal supplements such as dong quai possess antiplatelet activity. When used in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs, particularly aspirin, this can enhance the risk of bleeding. The article notes that the use of herbal supplements in the US has increased dramatically in recent years. Most available interaction information is based on individual case reports, animal studies and in vitro data. Further research is needed to confirm and assess the clinical significance of these potential interactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- bleeding
- arrhythmia
- liver injury
- solar dermatitis
- stimulation of breast cancer growth
What herbs are paired with Angelica sinensis?
This plant is commonly paired with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia lactiflora, and Ligusticum chuanxiong to create synergistic formulas for treating blood stagnation and nourishing the blood.
These combinations are frequently utilized in traditional medicine to address gynecological issues and cardiovascular health by promoting circulation. When combined with warming herbs like cinnamon, it can specifically target cold-pattern deficiencies in the uterus. Practitioners also use it alongside tonifying agents to ensure that the invigoration of blood does not lead to depletion.
Such strategic pairings help balance the herb's potent moving properties with stabilizing ingredients.