Angelica sinensis
| Angelica sinensis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Angelica |
| Species: | A. sinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels[1] |
|
Angelica sinensis, commonly known as "dong quai" or "female ginseng" is a herb from the family Apiaceae, indigenous to China.
Contents |
Pharmacology [edit]
Use in traditional Chinese medicine [edit]
The dried root of Angelica sinensis is commonly known as Chinese angelica (simplified Chinese: 当归; traditional Chinese: 當歸; pinyin: dāngguī; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: tong-kui) and is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine for gynecological ailments, fatigue, mild anemia and high blood pressure.[citation needed] The plant's phytochemicals consist of coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, ferulate, and flavonoids.[2] It has antioxidant activity.[3]
Effects [edit]
 |
This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2011) |
It is often used in premenstrual syndrome formulas as well as menopausal formulas. However, this herb is not recommended during pregnancy due to possible hormonal, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet properties.[citation needed] Animal research has noted conflicting effects on the uterus, with reports of both stimulation and relaxation.[citation needed] Dong quai is traditionally viewed as increasing the risk of miscarriage.[4]
Adverse effects [edit]
A. sinensis contains chemicals that are carcinogens.[4] It can cause skin to become extra-sensitive to the sun leading to a greater risk for skin cancer.[4] There is one case report of gynaecomastia following consumption of Dong Quai root powder pills.[5]
It prolongs INR.[clarification needed]
Drug interactions [edit]
Angelica sinensis may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug warfarin and consequently increase the risk of bleeding.[6]
See also [edit]
- Angelica
- Chinese herbology
- Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap)
- Acanthopanax senticosus (now known as Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian Ginseng)
References [edit]
- ^ "Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels". NPGS / GRIN. Retrieved 2012-06-30.
- ^ Zhao, K. J.; Dong, T. T.; Tu, P. F.; Song, Z. H.; Lo, C. K.; Tsim, K. W. (2003). "Molecular Genetic and Chemical Assessment of Radix Angelica (Danggui) in China". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 51 (9): 2576–2583. doi:10.1021/jf026178h. PMID 12696940.
- ^ Jia, M.; Yang, T. H.; Yao, X. J.; Meng, J.; Meng, J. R.; Mei, Q. B. (2007). "当归多聚糖硫酸盐的抗氧化作用" [Anti-oxidative effect of Angelica polysaccharide sulphate]. Zhong Yao Cai (in Chinese) 30 (2): 185–188. PMID 17571770.
- ^ a b c "Dong Quai". Medline Plus. NIH.
- ^ Goh, S. Y.; Loh, K. C. (2001). "Gynaecomastia and the Herbal Tonic Dong Quai". Singapore Medical Journal 42 (3): 115–116. PMID 11405562.
- ^ Page, R. L.; Lawrence, J. D. (1999). "Potentiation of Warfarin by Dong Quai". Pharmacotherapy 19 (7): 870–876. PMID 10417036.
Further reading [edit]
- Jung, S. M.; Schumacher, H. R.; Kim, H.; Kim, M.; Lee, S. H.; Pessler, F. (2007). "Reduction of Urate Crystal-Induced Inflammation by Root Extracts from Traditional Oriental Medicinal Plants: Elevation of Prostaglandin D2 Levels". Arthritis Research and Therapy 9 (4): R64. doi:10.1186/ar2222. PMC 2206389. PMID 17612394.
Considers anti-inflammatory properties of dried roots from the species Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai), Acanthopanax senticosus (now known as Eleutherococcus senticosus, or Siberian Ginseng), and Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap).
External links [edit]
- Angelica sinensis List of Chemicals (Dr. Duke's Databases)
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
- MedlinePlus article on Dong quai says that high-quality research is lacking on Dong Quai's purported therapeutic effects, and that positive research results reported are at best preliminary.
- Angelica Sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. Medicinal Plant Images Database (School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University) (traditional Chinese)(English)
- 當歸, Dang Gui, Chinese Angelica Chinese Medicine Specimen Database (School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University) (traditional Chinese)(English)
