| Angelica sinensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Angelica |
| Species: | A. sinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Angelica sinensis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Angelica sinensis, commonly known asdong quai (simplified Chinese:当归;traditional Chinese:當歸;pinyin:dāngguī;Jyutping:dong1 gwai1;Pe̍h-ōe-jī:tong-kui) orfemale ginseng, is a herb belonging to the familyApiaceae, indigenous toChina.A. sinensis grows in cool high altitude mountains in East Asia. The yellowish brown root of the plant is harvested in the fall and used intraditional Chinese medicine. There was previously no scientific evidence thatA. sinensis is effective for any medicinal purpose.[3] More recently, there have been further studies, with multiple showing that ASP (Angelica sinensis polysaccharides) has important pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, anemia-improving, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, hypoglycemic, antiradiation, and antiviral effects, the mechanisms of which appear to involve the regulation of inflammation,oxidative stress, and profibrotic signaling pathways.[4]
Angelica is hardy to 5 °C (41 °F)[5] and can be cultivated at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 metres (5,000–10,000 ft). Seedlings need to be kept out of direct sunlight, but the mature plant can withstand it. Angelica requires deep moist fertile soil and is perennial if prevented from going to seed.[5]
The dried root ofA. sinensis – commonly known as Chinese angelica (Chinese:當歸;pinyin:dāngguī;Pe̍h-ōe-jī:tong-kui) – is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.
AlthoughA. sinensis has been used safely in doses up to 150 mg daily, there is evidence that it may affect the muscles of theuterus.[3]
A. sinensis may increase theanticoagulant effects of the drugwarfarin (as it contains coumarins), and consequently may increase the risk of bleeding.[3][6] Caution is needed when consumed with herbs (such asginkgo orgarlic), which may affect blood clotting.[3][7]
Phytochemicals includephytosterols,polysaccharides,ligustilide,butylphthalide, cnidilide, isocnidilide,p-cymene,ferulate, andflavonoids.[8][9]
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