Angelica sinensis

Species of flowering plant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Angelica sinensis, commonly known as dong quai (simplified Chinese: 当归; traditional Chinese: 當歸; pinyin: dāngguī; Jyutping: dong1 gwai1; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: tong-kui) or female ginseng, is a herb belonging to the family Apiaceae, indigenous to China. 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 in traditional Chinese medicine. There was previously no scientific evidence that A. 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]

Clade:Tracheophytes
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Asterids
Quick facts Scientific classification, Binomial name ...
Angelica sinensis
Scientific classification Edit this 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]
  • Angelica omeiensis C.Q.Yuan & R.H.Shan
  • Angelica wilsonii H.Wolff
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Cultivation

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]

Traditional Chinese medicine

The dried root of A. sinensis – commonly known as Chinese angelica (Chinese: 當歸; pinyin: dāngguī; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: tong-kui) – is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Use and adverse effects

Although A. sinensis has been used safely in doses up to 150 mg daily, there is evidence that it may affect the muscles of the uterus.[3]

Anticoagulant effect

A. sinensis may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug warfarin (as it contains coumarins), and consequently may increase the risk of bleeding.[3][6] Caution is needed when consumed with herbs (such as ginkgo or garlic), which may affect blood clotting.[3][7]

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals include phytosterols, polysaccharides, ligustilide, butylphthalide, cnidilide, isocnidilide, p-cymene, ferulate, and flavonoids.[8][9]

See also

References

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