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Angelica sinensis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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 is no scientific evidence that A. sinensis is effective for any medicinal purpose.[3]

Cultivation

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Angelica is hardy to 5 °C (41 °F)[4] 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.[4]

Traditional Chinese medicine

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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, although there is no evidence that it has any therapeutic effect.[3]

Use and adverse effects

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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] Women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should not use A. sinensis because it may affect the fetus.[3] Taking A. sinensis can cause skin to become extra sensitive to the sun, possibly increasing the risk of skin cancer.[3]

Anticoagulant effect

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A. sinensis may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug warfarin (as it contains coumarins), and consequently may increase the risk of bleeding.[3][5] Caution is needed when consumed with herbs (such as ginkgo, garlic or ginger), which may affect blood clotting.[3][6]

Phytochemicals

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Phytochemicals include phytosterols, polysaccharides, ligustilide, butylphthalide, cnidilide, isocnidilide, p-cymene, ferulate, and flavonoids.[7][8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Angelica sinensis". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2012-06-30.
  2. ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Dong Quai". MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Angelica sinensis". Angelica sinensis Dang Gui - Dong Quai - Chinese Angelica PFAF Plant Database. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  5. ^ Page, Robert Lee; Lawrence, Julie D. (July 1999). "Potentiation of Warfarin by Dong Quai". Pharmacotherapy. 19 (7): 870–876. doi:10.1592/phco.19.10.870.31558. PMID 10417036. S2CID 25661124.
  6. ^ Tsai, Hsin-Hui; Lin, Hsiang-Wen; Lu, Ying-Hung; Chen, Yi-Ling; Mahady, Gail B.; Cox, Dermot (9 May 2013). "A Review of Potential Harmful Interactions between Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Agents and Chinese Herbal Medicines". PLOS ONE. 8 (5): e64255. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...864255T. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0064255. PMC 3650066. PMID 23671711.
  7. ^ Ying, Li; Si-Wang, Wang; Hong-Hai, Tu; Wei, Cao (2013). "Simultaneous quantification of six main active constituents in Chinese Angelica by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector". Pharmacognosy Magazine. 9 (34): 114–119. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.111255. PMC 3680850. PMID 23772106.
  8. ^ Zhao, Kui J.; Dong, Tina T. X.; Tu, Peng F.; et al. (April 2003). "Molecular Genetic and Chemical Assessment of Radix Angelica (Danggui) in China". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 51 (9): 2576–2583. Bibcode:2003JAFC...51.2576Z. doi:10.1021/jf026178h. PMID 12696940.

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