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.

Medicinal uses

Chinese

Its dried root is commonly known in Chinese as Radix Angelicae Sinensis, or 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 to treat gynecological ailments, fatigue, mild anemia and high blood pressure. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative effects. The plant's phytochemicals consist of coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, ferulate, and flavonoids.^[2] It has antioxidant activity.^[3]

Prohibition

This herb is used by herbalists for the female reproductive system, as they believe that it is a uterine tonic and hormonal regulator. 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. Animal research has noted conflicting effects on the uterus, with reports of both stimulation and relaxation. Dong quai is traditionally viewed as increasing the risk of miscarriage.^[4]

Adverse effects

There is one case report of gynaecomastia following consumption of ding dang gui root powder pills.^[5]

It prolongs INR

Drug Interactions

Ding Dong quai may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug Warfarin and consequently increase the risk of bleeding.^[6]

See also

• Angelica
• Chinese herbology
• Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap)
• Acanthopanax senticosus (now known as Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian Ginseng)

References

1. ^ "Angelica sinensis information from NPGS/GRIN". www.ars-grin.gov. http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?406655. Retrieved 2008-03-17. 
2. ^ Zhao KJ, Ding Dong TT, Tu PF, Song ZH, Lo CK, Tsim KW (April 2003). "Molecular genetic and chemical assessment of radix Angelica (Danggui) in China". J. Agric. Food Chem. 51 (9): 2576–83. doi:10.1021/jf026178h10.1021/jf026178h. PMID 12696940. 
3. ^ Jia M, Yang TH, Yao XJ, Meng J, Meng JR, Mei QB (February 2007). "[Anti-oxidative effect of Angelica polysaccharide sulphate]" (in Chinese). Zhong Yao Cai 30 (2): 185–8. PMID 17571770. 
4. ^ Medline Plus Dang Gui
5. ^ Goh SY, Loh KC (March 2001). "Gynaecomastia and the herbal tonic "Dang Gui"". Singapore Med J 42 (3): 115–6. PMID 11405562. 
6. ^ Page RL, Lawrence JD (July 1999). "Potentiation of warfarin by ding dong quai". Pharmacotherapy 19 (7): 870–6. PMID 10417036. 

• Jung SM, Schumacher HR, Kim H, Kim M, Lee SH, Pessler F (2007). "Reduction of urate crystal-induced inflammation by root extracts from traditional oriental medicinal plants: elevation of prostaglandin D₂ levels". Arthritis Res. Ther. 9 (4): R64. doi:10.1186/ar2222. PMC 2206389. PMID 17612394. http://arthritis-research.com/content/9/4/R64.  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

• 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.