ANGELICA ROOT

Chinese Angelica, also called Dong Quai or Angelica Root, is used mainly to treat menstrual cramps, regulate menstrual periods, and lessen menopausal symptoms. Although it has been used for centuries in oriental medicine to treat a variety of disorders, there isn't any empirical evidence to substantiate its medicinal uses.

Chinese Angelica Root / Dong Quai

Dong quai (angelica root) contains subtances that, in clinical tests, have exhibited activities that may reduce pain, dilate blood vessels, and stimulate the relaxation of uterine muscles. The main use of Chinese Angelic Root (also called Dong Quai) as a medicinal herb is for treating female reproductive disorders, specifically for relieving mentrual cramps, regulating cycles and lessening the symptoms of menopause. However, there is no conclusive proof that angelica is effective in treating these conditions.

In oriental medicine, chinese angelica root is frequently combined with other herbal products and used to treat a large variety of conditions including allergies, arthritis, asthma, or high blood pressure. Some studies have shown it has some ability to increase immune system function slightly, so it may in deed aid in relieving the symptoms associated with allergies.It has also been shown to exhibit mild anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in treating arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions. One of the chemical substance present in angelic root has shown to promote relaxation of blood vessels, which might possibly help lower high blood pressure.

More research is need to substantiate the medicinal uses of angelica root.

Constituents and Ingredients

Chinese angelica contains:

  • Volatile Oil
  • Bitter iridoids
  • Resin
  • Coumarins
  • Valerianic acid
  • Tannins
  • Bergapten
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B
Dosage Recommendations

As a poweder angelica root can be taken in capsules, tablets, tinctures, or as a tea. Many women take 3-4 grams per day.

Side Effects

Chinese angelic root is generally considered to be of extremely low toxicity. Individuals taking it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Angelica root is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Supporting Literature

Chen SG, Li CC, Zhuang XX. Protective effects of Angeical sinensis injection on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits. Zhonggou Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995;15(8):486-488.
Dai L, Hou J, Cai H. Using ligustrazini and angelica sinensis treat the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats [in Chinese]. Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi. 1996;19(1):26-28.
DerMarderosian A, ed. Dong Quai. In: Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co.: 1997.
Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 65–72.
Cho CH, Mei QB, Shang P, et al. Study of the gastrointestinal protective effects of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis in rats. Planta Med. 2000;66(4):348-351.
Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril 1997;68:981–986.
Qi-bing M, Jing-yi T, Bo C. Advance in the pharmacological studies of radix Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels (Chinese danggui). Chin Med J 1991;104:776–781.



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