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 is no scientific evidence that A. sinensis is effective for any medicinal purpose.[1]
Angelica is hardy to [2] and can be cultivated at elevations of 1500mto(-)3000mm (4,900feetto(-)10,000feetm). 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.
The dried root of A. sinensis commonly known as Chinese angelica is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, although there is no evidence that it has any therapeutic effect.[1]
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.[1] Women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should not use A. sinensis because it may affect the fetus. Taking A. sinensis can cause skin to become extra sensitive to the sun, possibly increasing the risk of skin cancer.[1]
A. sinensis may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug warfarin (as it contains coumarins), and consequently may increase the risk of bleeding.[1] [3] Caution is needed when consumed with herbs (such as ginkgo, garlic or ginger), which may affect blood clotting.[4]
Phytochemicals include phytosterols, polysaccharides, ligustilide, butylphthalide, cnidilide, isocnidilide, p-cymene, ferulate, and flavonoids.[5] [6]