Angelica sinensis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Angelica sinensis | ||||||||||||||
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| 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. Its drying root is commonly known in Chinese as Radix Angelicae Sinensis, or Chinese angelica (traditional Chinese: 當歸; simplified Chinese: 当归; pinyin: dāngguī) and is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat gynecological ailments, fatigue, mild anemia and high blood pressure. Chinese angelica possesses the distinction of being one of the few good non-animal sources of Vitamin B12, along with some varieties of yeast and microalgae like spirulina.[1][2]. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative effects. The plant's phytochemicals consist of coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, ferulate, and flavonoids.
It is also used as an aphrodisiac.
A. sinensis is also used in traditional Korean medicine, where it is called danggwi (당귀).
Being a uterine tonic and hormonal regulator this herb is an effective herb for female reproductive system. It is often used in premenstrual syndrome formulas as well as menopausal formulas.
[edit] See also
- Angelica
- Chinese herbology
- Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap)
- Acanthopanax senticosus (now known as Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian Ginseng)
[edit] References
- ^ Angelica sinensis information from NPGS/GRIN. www.ars-grin.gov. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
- Sung Mun Jung et al, "Reduction of urate crystal-induced inflammation by root extracts from traditional oriental medicinal plants: elevation of prostaglandin D2 levels", Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:R64 doi:10.1186/ar2222. 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).
[edit] 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.
