Angelica sinensis, commonly known as dong quai () 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.
Cultivation
Angelica is hardy to
and can be cultivated at elevations of . 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.
Traditional Chinese medicine
The dried root of
A. sinensis commonly known as Chinese angelica () 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.
[
]
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.
Phytochemicals
include , , ligustilide, butylphthalide, cnidilide, isocnidilide, p-Cymene, sodium ferulate, and .
See also
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Angelica
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Chinese herbology
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Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal skullcap)
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Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian ginseng
