Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui)

Distribution Range

Domestic Distribution

Dong Gui is primarily produced in the southeastern part of Gansu Province, with Minxian being the major production area known for its high quality. It is also cultivated in Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hubei, and other provinces, with some regions introducing and cultivating it. The type specimen was collected from Wushan, Chongqing. [1]

International Distribution

Originally native to western Asia, Dong Gui is also cultivated in various countries across Europe and North America.

Propagation Methods

Seed Propagation

Dong Gui can be propagated by seed, either by direct seeding or by transplanting seedlings. [2] Generally, propagation methods include direct seeding and seedling transplanting, with seedling transplanting being more common in production. [10]

• Seed Propagation: When seeds have a good germination rate (over 70%), use approximately 7.5 kg of seeds per acre. Soak seeds for 24 hours in water at 30°C before sowing. There are two methods: row sowing and broadcast sowing. In broadcast sowing, seeds are evenly spread over a prepared seedbed and covered with a thin layer of fine soil (about 0.5 cm) to cover the seeds. In row sowing, furrows are made on the prepared bed at a spacing of 20 cm, 3-5 cm deep. Seeds are evenly sown into the furrows and covered with fine soil until the seeds are not visible. [3]
• Direct Sowing: Direct sowing can be categorized into spring sowing, autumn sowing, and winter sowing, depending on the sowing time.
  • Autumn Sowing: This is the most common method, offering a longer growing period compared to other seasons and maintaining the advantages of direct sowing, such as reduced bolting, simple cultivation, and low cost. In high-altitude, low-temperature areas, sowing is recommended from late July to early August; in lower altitude, slightly warmer areas, sowing is ideal from mid-August to early September. For direct sowing, row sowing and hole sowing are both used, with hole sowing being preferable. Holes are spaced 27 cm apart, dug in a triangular pattern, 3-5 cm deep, with 10 seeds per hole arranged radially. After pressing slightly, cover with a 1-2 cm thick layer of fine soil and add fallen leaves for moisture retention. In row sowing, furrows are made 5 cm deep and 30 cm apart. Seeds are scattered evenly in the furrows. Seedlings should be thinned when 10 cm tall, with hole-sown seedlings leaving 1-2 plants per hole and 5 cm spacing between plants; row-sown seedlings should be thinned to 20 cm spacing.
  • Spring Sowing: Sown in early spring and harvested before winter. Since it does not undergo winterization, it does not bolt early but has a shorter growing period, resulting in lower yield. However, with good cultivation conditions, relatively high yields can still be achieved.
  • Winter Sowing: Seeds are sown before winter and overwinter in the soil, with harvesting in late autumn the following year. Since seeds are dormant during winter and do not undergo the necessary cold stratification, they do not bolt early. Winter sowing leads to early sprouting in spring, longer growing periods, and generally higher yields compared to spring sowing. Cultivation techniques for spring and winter sowing are largely similar, except for the sowing time. [3]

Transplanting

In Dong Gui production, spring transplanting is generally preferred, ideally around the Qingming Festival. Transplanting too early can expose seedlings to late frost, while transplanting too late can damage sprouting seedlings and reduce survival rates.

• Hole Planting: On prepared and leveled land, dig triangular holes 33 cm × 27 cm × 27 cm apart, 15 cm deep. Plant one large, one medium, and one small seedling in each hole in a triangular arrangement. Press the soil while planting, gently lift seedlings to spread roots, and cover the hole with soil, adding a suitable amount of ash or mixed manure. Cover with fine soil to cover the root neck by 2-3 cm.
• Row Planting: On a prepared bed, create furrows 40 cm apart and 15 cm deep. Plant seedlings with a spacing of 3-5 cm within the furrows, ensuring roots are 2 cm below the bed surface, and cover with 2-3 cm of soil.

Main Value

Medicinal Value

Dong Gui (当归), known for its historical use in traditional Chinese medicine, is described in the earliest Chinese pharmacological text, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (神农本草经). It is renowned for its significant effects and is a key ingredient in many traditional Chinese herbal formulas, earning it the saying “nine out of ten formulas contain Dong Gui.” It is revered for its ability to nourish and invigorate the blood and is considered the premier herb for gynecological conditions, often referred to as the “Holy Medicine for the Blood” and even revered as the “King of Medicine.” [9]

Botanical Origin:

Dong Gui is the dried root of the perennial herb Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. The roots are harvested in late autumn, cleaned of fibrous roots and soil, and allowed to slightly dry. They are then bundled, placed on racks, and slowly dried over smoke. The root is generally cylindrical, with the upper part called the “Gui Head,” the main root referred to as “Gui Body” or “Inch Body,” and the lateral roots known as “Gui Tail” or “Gui Legs.” The whole root is used for its combined properties of both nourishing and invigorating the blood. The terms “Gui Body” refers to blood nourishment, while “Gui Tail” refers to blood activation.

Properties:

• Taste and Nature: Sweet, spicy, and warm. [4]
  • Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Sweet, warm.
  • Wu Pu Ben Cao: Describes it as sweet, non-toxic.
  • Bie Lu: Spicy, very warm, non-toxic.
  • Ben Cao Shu: Bitter, warm, non-toxic.
• Meridian Entry: Liver, heart, and spleen channels. [4]
  • Tang Ye Ben Cao: Enters the hand Shaoyin, foot Taiyin, and Jueyin channels.
  • Lei Gong Pao Zhi Yao Xing Jie: Enters the heart, liver, and lung channels.

Harvesting and Processing:

• Harvest in late autumn, clean the roots, allow them to slightly dry, then bundle and dry them over smoke.
• Processing:
  • Regular Dong Gui: Remove impurities, wash, moisten, slightly air-dry until appropriate moisture levels are reached, then slice and dry.
  • Wine-Processed Dong Gui: Sprinkle Dong Gui slices with yellow wine, let it sit for a while, then stir-fry on low heat. Cool before use (for every 100 kg of Dong Gui slices, use 10 kg of yellow wine).
  • Lei Gong Pao Zhi Lun: For use, remove dust and hard tips, soak in wine overnight.

Functions and Indications:

• Functions: Nourishes blood, invigorates blood circulation, regulates menstruation and relieves pain, moistens dryness and promotes bowel movements.
• Indications: Blood deficiency, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses, hemorrhage, cold abdominal pain, atrophy, numb skin, constipation, post-dysentery complications, carbuncles, and trauma.

Dosage and Administration:

• Internal Use: Decoction (6-12 g), or in pills, powders, tinctures, or as a plaster.

Precautions:

• Use with caution if there is dampness obstructing the middle or diarrhea.
• Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu: Avoid use with calamus, seaweed, or mutong.
• Yao Dui: Avoid with ginger.
• Ben Cao Jing Shu: Not suitable for those with weak digestive systems, diarrhea, or all types of spleen and stomach diseases. Avoid use during pregnancy and postpartum.

Toxicity

Historically, Dong Gui (当归) is recorded as non-toxic in various medical texts. Experimental studies support its low toxicity. For instance:

• LD50 Values:
  • Root Decoction: For mice, the LD50 is 30-90 g/kg orally (po).
  • Dry Leaf Decoction: For mice, the LD50 is 100 g/kg orally.
  • Dong Gui Injection: The LD50 is 80 g/kg intravenously (iv). Mice may show symptoms like reduced mobility, respiratory depression, and convulsions before death.
  • Ferulic Acid Sodium: The LD50 is 1.71 g/kg intravenously.
• Side Effects:
  • Overuse or excessive consumption of Dong Gui tinctures and sedatives may lead to fatigue and drowsiness.
  • Rare side effects include mild skin itching and stomach discomfort, which are generally minor and may not require discontinuation of the herb unless abdominal pain intensifies.
  • Intravenous administration might occasionally cause mild infusion reactions, which can be managed with desensitization.
  • Intra-articular injection might cause local swelling and severe pain for several hours, which usually resolves within 1-3 days and can be managed symptomatically.
• Gastrointestinal Irritation:
  • Oral administration can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and high doses might lead to renal degeneration, mainly due to volatile oils.
• Acute Toxicity Studies:
  • Studies on Dong Gui’s methanol extracts show no toxicity at doses of 6 g/kg in mice and rats. Intraperitoneal administration (Ip) may be toxic but not fatal.
  • Biochemical evaluations have shown increases in serum free cholesterol and renal cytochrome P-450 levels, but general symptoms, voluntary movement, food intake, weight, and urinalysis remain negative.
• Toxicity of Different Preparations:
  • Stem and Leaf Preparations: These have lower toxicity compared to root preparations and are associated with volatile oil content.

Prescriptions and Remedies

1. Blood Deficiency with Fever:
   • Formula: 2 qian of Dong Gui body (washed with wine) and 1 liang of honey-fried Astragalus root.
   • Preparation: Decoction with water, taken twice daily.
2. Excessive Blood Loss:
   • Formula: 2 liang of Dong Gui and 1 liang of Chuan Xiong.
   • Preparation: Decoction with 7 parts water and 3 parts wine, reduce to 70% of original volume. Take twice daily.
3. Nosebleed:
   • Formula: Dried Dong Gui, finely powdered.
   • Preparation: Take 1 qian with rice soup.
4. Hematuria:
   • Formula: 4 liang of Dong Gui, crushed, with 3 liters of wine.
   • Preparation: Boil down to 1 liter, take once.
5. Severe Headache:
   • Formula: 2 liang of Dong Gui and 1 liter of wine.
   • Preparation: Boil to 6 parts, take twice daily.
6. Arm Pain:
   • Formula: 3 liang of Dong Gui, cut into small pieces.
   • Preparation: Soak in wine for 3 days, then drink.
7. Persistent Dysentery:
   • Formula: 2 liang of Dong Gui and 1 liang of Wu Zhu Yu.
   • Preparation: Fry together, remove Wu Zhu Yu, powder Dong Gui and make into pills.
8. Constipation:
   • Formula: Dong Gui and Bai Zhi in equal parts.
   • Preparation: Powdered, take 2 qian with rice soup.
9. Women’s Health Issues:
   • Formula: 4 liang of Dong Gui and 2 liang of Rehmannia root.
   • Preparation: Powdered, make into pills, take 15 pills before meals.
10. Menstrual Disorders:
    • Formula: Dong Gui Tail and Hong Hua, 3 qian each.
    • Preparation: Boil with 1.5 cups of water, take until effective.
11. Adolescent Amenorrhea:
    • Formula: Dong Gui Tail and Myrrh, 1 qian each.
    • Preparation: Powder and mix with wine, take once daily.
12. Abdominal Distention and Menstrual Irregularities:
    • Formula: 4 qian of Dong Gui and 2 qian of charred dry lacquer.
    • Preparation: Powdered, make into pills, take 15 pills.
13. Postpartum Bleeding:
    • Formula: 1 liang of Dong Gui and 1 bunch of green onion.
    • Preparation: Boil with wine, take until effective.
14. Miscarriage Symptoms:
    • Formula: 2 liang of Dong Gui and 1 liang of Chuan Xiong.
    • Preparation: Coarse powder, boil with water and wine, take as directed.
15. Postpartum Blood Congestion:
    • Formula: 2 qian of Dong Gui and 5 fen of dry ginger.
    • Preparation: Decoction with water, add salt and vinegar.
16. Postpartum Pain:
    • Formula: 5 qian of Dong Gui powder and 1 sheng of honey.
    • Preparation: Decoction with water, take in two doses.
17. Postpartum Sweating and Fever:
    • Formula: 3 qian of Dong Gui, 2 qian each of Astragalus and Bai Shao, and 5 slices of ginger.
    • Preparation: Decoction with water, take until improved.
18. Postpartum Stroke:
    • Formula: Dong Gui and Schizonepeta spike in equal parts.
    • Preparation: Powdered, take with water, wine, and children’s urine.
19. Infant Coldness and Crying:
    • Formula: A small pinch of Dong Gui powder.
    • Preparation: Administer with breast milk, several times a day.
20. Infant Umbilical Infection:
    • Formula: Dong Gui powder with musk.
    • Preparation: Apply to affected area.
21. Burns and Ulcers:
    • Formula: 4 liang of sesame oil and 1 liang of Dong Gui.
    • Preparation: Fry until charred, strain and mix with beeswax to make a paste. Apply to wounds. [5]

Pharmacological Effects

1. Antithrombotic Effect
   The intravenous injection or oral administration of Angelica sinensis water extract significantly inhibits the formation of arterial and venous bypass thrombi in rats.
2. Improvement of Blood Circulation
   Butylphthalide in Angelica sinensis can increase the diameter and blood flow velocity of the pia mater microvessels after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), thereby improving the pia mater microcirculation. During brain ischemia, where neuronal apoptosis occurs, butylphthalide can also reduce or stop the apoptosis of neurons induced by hypoglycemia and hypoxia, preventing the expansion of brain infarction.
3. Effects on the Cardiovascular System
   • Heart Function: Angelica sinensis decoction or tincture has an inhibitory effect on isolated toad hearts, and at higher doses, it can cause cardiac arrest in diastole. It has protective effects against arrhythmias caused by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats, and a dosage of 0.6 g/kg of Angelica sinensis injection significantly reduces the incidence of premature beats and overall arrhythmia rates.
4. Improvement of Coronary Circulation
   Intravenous injection of Angelica sinensis decoction (2 g/kg) can significantly increase coronary blood flow, decrease coronary resistance and myocardial oxygen consumption, enhance cardiac output and stroke index, and reduce myocardial infarction area during coronary artery occlusion.
5. Effects on Smooth Muscle
   Angelica sinensis has a vasodilatory effect and a mild antagonistic effect on norepinephrine (NA)-induced vascular spasms. The essential oil of Angelica sinensis is the main active component responsible for its smooth muscle relaxation, with ligustilide being the most active. Angelica sinensis essential oil also strongly inhibits intestinal smooth muscle spasms.
6. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects
   Angelica sinensis significantly inhibits increased capillary permeability, tissue edema, and chronic damage caused by various inflammatory agents. It also suppresses granulation tissue proliferation in the later stages of inflammation without affecting the weight of the adrenal glands and thymus, indicating that its anti-inflammatory action is not dependent on the pituitary-adrenal system. The water extract of Angelica sinensis shows analgesic effects against acetic acid-induced writhing, with an analgesic strength 1.7 times that of acetylsalicylic acid.
7. Hypoglycemic Effect
   Studies show that Angelica sinensis powder (1.5 g/kg) administered orally has hypoglycemic effects in rats and rabbits with experimentally induced hyperglycemia, and this effect is not achieved by promoting insulin secretion.
8. Protective Effect on the Lungs
   Angelica sinensis can dilate the pulmonary arteries in rats and reduce acute hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension. It also has some antihypertensive effects on pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
9. Hepatoprotective and Choleretic Effects
   Angelica sinensis increases the solid content and bile acid excretion in bile. It protects the activity of cellular ATPase, glucose-6-phosphatease, and 5-nucleotidase, suggesting it has a protective effect on liver cells and helps restore certain liver functions.
10. Renal Protective Effect
    Angelica sinensis has a protective effect on the kidneys, improving glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption functions in rabbits after renal ischemia, reducing kidney damage, and promoting the recovery of tubular lesions.
11. Hematopoietic Effect
    Angelica sinensis polysaccharides can directly or indirectly activate macrophages and lymphocytes in the hematopoietic microenvironment, stimulate muscle tissue, promote the production of hematopoietic regulatory factors, and enhance the proliferation and differentiation of functional hematopoietic stem cells and colony-forming units (CFU-GM) in bone marrow.
12. Effects on Uterine Smooth Muscle
    • Isolated Uterus: In 1954, reports indicated that Angelica sinensis contains both excitatory and inhibitory components for uterine smooth muscle. The inhibitory component is mainly the essential oil, while the excitatory component is a non-volatile, water-soluble or alcohol-soluble substance. Angelica sinensis essential oil has a direct inhibitory effect on isolated uteri from various animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, dogs) during different reproductive stages, leading to a gradual reduction in rhythmic contractions to a relaxed state. It counteracts uterine contractions induced by oxytocin, histamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. Angelica sinensis tincture mainly has an excitatory effect, though high doses may sometimes show inhibitory effects.
    • In Vivo Uterus: Reports indicate that various preparations of Angelica sinensis (decoction, tincture, petroleum ether extract, water extract) primarily exhibit an excitatory effect on the in vivo uteri of anesthetized dogs, cats, and rabbits during different reproductive stages. However, slow intravenous administration of the decoction may occasionally show inhibitory effects. After removing the essential oil, slow intravenous administration still shows a significant excitatory effect. This suggests that the essential oil of Angelica sinensis has an inhibitory effect on the in vivo uterine muscle. Research also shows that ferulic acid from Angelica sinensis can suppress uterine spontaneous activity in rats at doses of 300-1000 mg/kg or 30-100 mg/kg. When the intrauterine pressure is high, Angelica sinensis enhances uterine contractions, but it has no such effect when the intrauterine pressure is low. Therefore, it is contraindicated for pregnant women. Studies by Ozaki Yukihiro and others confirm that ferulic acid and tetramethylpyrazine can enhance the inhibitory effect on in vivo uterine contractions in rats.

Effects on the Uterus

Effect on Uterine Contractions: Lü Fuhua and others reported that oral administration of Angelica sinensis decoction in awake, non-pregnant adult rabbits showed inhibitory effects on uterine contractions when there was no intrauterine pressure. When intrauterine pressure was applied, contractions changed from irregular, weak, and short-interval to regular, strong, and longer-interval contractions. However, intravenous administration of Angelica tincture had only a minimal excitatory effect. The biphasic response of Angelica on uterine smooth muscle suggests that its effects are closely related to the functional state of the uterus, indicating its role in regulating uterine contractions and relieving spasms, which helps in menstrual regulation and pain relief.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Effect on the Heart: Luan Dahe and others reported that perfusion experiments with isolated toad hearts indicated that Angelica decoction or volatile oils from its roots and leaves significantly inhibited myocardial contraction frequency. Zhang Shufang and others found that intraperitoneal administration in toads led to complete atrioventricular block and a significant reduction in atrial contraction strength, which gradually recovered with a slower frequency, while ventricular contraction strength increased. Wei Lianji reported that Angelica fluid extract could prolong the refractory period of isolated rabbit atria and had therapeutic effects on atrial fibrillation induced by acetylcholine or electrical stimulation in anesthetized cats and dogs. The effective components with quinidine-like effects are mainly found in ether extracts. Additionally, reports from the Jiangsu Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute indicated that Angelica fluid extract and ether extracts could reduce myocardial excitability and significantly prolong the refractory period. In 1981, Peng Renxiu and others used isotope tracing to show that Angelica fluid extract (30 g/kg) increased myocardial uptake of 86Rb and had some alleviating effects on myocardial ischemia induced by posterior pituitary extract. Zhou Yuanpeng and others found that intravenous Angelica injection in anesthetized dogs could reduce the extent of experimental myocardial ischemia and heart rate after repeated transient coronary artery blockage, but it aggravated myocardial ischemia and increased heart rate in awake dogs.

Antiarrhythmic Effects: Angelica aqueous and ethanol extracts exhibit significant antiarrhythmic effects against various types of arrhythmias induced by adrenaline, cardiac glycosides, and barium chloride. Experiments with isolated guinea pig ventricular muscles showed that Angelica ethanol extract and ferulic acid sodium injection could counteract arrhythmias caused by digoxin and wabain, restoring normal rhythm. Angelica also slowed down the tachycardia induced by datura. Intravenous ethanol extract provided significant preventive effects against arrhythmias induced by aconitine in anesthetized rats (P ≤ 0.001).

Effects on Lipids and Atherosclerosis: Research from Jiangsu New Medical College indicates that Angelica powder (1.5 g/kg) lowers blood lipid levels in rats and rabbits with experimental hyperlipidemia, though this effect is not due to interference with cholesterol absorption. Food containing 5% Angelica powder and corresponding amounts of Angelica oil and other extracts provided certain protection against aortic lesions in experimental atherosclerotic rats. The Shenyang Military Region General Hospital reported that compound Angelica injection (Angelica, Chuanxiong, and Honghua) enhanced coronary flow in anesthetized dogs and isolated rabbits, prevented T-wave elevation induced by posterior pituitary extract, counteracted bradycardia, and reduced triglycerides in experimental hyperlipidemic rabbits. It also significantly increased fibrinolytic activity in patients with coronary heart disease and cerebral arteriosclerosis.

Effects on the Blood System:

Angelica has traditionally been considered a key blood tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, used for treating anemia. Some believe that its blood-boosting effects might be related to vitamin B12 content. However, studies suggest that Angelica alone does not significantly promote recovery of red blood cells and hemoglobin in animals with hemorrhagic anemia.

Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation: In 1980, Yin Zhongmo and others reported that Angelica and its component ferulic acid affected platelet aggregation and 5-HT release in rats. Results showed that Angelica aqueous extract at concentrations of 200-500 mg/ml and ferulic acid at 0.4-0.6 mg/ml inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in rats, with inhibition rates of 38-88%, stronger than aspirin (36%). In 1992, Song Zhijuan and others further reported that Angelica inhibited platelet aggregation through mechanisms involving inhibition of PI kinase activity, reducing conversion of PI to PIP, thereby decreasing PIP2 and second messengers such as IPDG, and ultimately inhibiting platelet aggregation. Terasawa Katsutoshi and others found that oral administration of Angelica extract (containing ligustilide) reduced blood viscosity, with a longer duration of effect compared to Dong Angelica (Angelica acutiloba) extract. Therefore, Angelica’s antithrombotic effects may be related to its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood viscosity, with ligustilide being a key effective component.

Antithrombotic Effects: Xu Linna and others reported significant antithrombotic effects of Angelica and its sodium ferulate. Experiments with rats showed that Angelica reduced thrombus weight and slowed thrombus growth compared to controls. Xu Junjie reported that treatment with Angelica in acute ischemic stroke patients reduced blood viscosity, plasma fibrinogen, and prothrombin time, while shortening erythrocyte and platelet electrophoresis times. Hemorheological studies suggested that Angelica might promote cell disaggregation and reduce blood viscosity by lowering plasma fibrinogen concentration and increasing cell surface charge.

Effects on Hematopoietic System

Early reports indicated that Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) water extracts could significantly promote the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells in mice. Its anti-anemia effect might be related to the vitamins B1, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and other components it contains. More recent studies show that sodium ferulate can counteract oxidative damage to red blood cells caused by O2 and H2O2, reduce malondialdehyde (MDA), and significantly decrease hemolysis induced by MDA. The presence of sodium ferulate leads to a reduction in red blood cell lipid peroxidation in sickle cell anemia patients as the concentration of sodium ferulate increases. It also significantly reduces complement-mediated hemolysis and inhibits the binding of complement component C3b to the red blood cell membrane, although it does not affect complement activation or red blood cell degeneration. Angelica sinensis is a major herb in traditional Chinese medicine for blood tonification and blood circulation. Experimental studies have demonstrated that Angelica polysaccharides can increase peripheral blood red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and nucleated cells in the bone marrow. This effect is particularly pronounced in conditions of peripheral blood cell reduction and bone marrow suppression. Angelica polysaccharides may be one of the effective components in Angelica sinensis for promoting hematopoiesis. One mechanism of Angelica’s blood-boosting effect might involve stimulation of CFU-S and hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation by Angelica polysaccharides. In 1985, Zhou Jingzi and colleagues observed the blood-boosting effects of 20% and 40% (g/ml) water extracts of Angelica sinensis, prepared after removing the volatile oils, on mice with acute blood loss-induced anemia. The results showed that Angelica sinensis water extracts significantly increased hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) values in anemic mice, indicating a highly significant blood-forming effect of Angelica.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

• Effects on Xylene-induced Mouse Ear Edema: Angelica sinensis can significantly inhibit the swelling of the mouse ear induced by xylene.
• Effects on Acetic Acid-induced Increased Permeability of Mouse Peritoneal Capillaries: Mice were randomly divided into groups of nine. One hour after the last dose, using the method described in the literature (Whittle BA, 1964), Evans blue dye (0.5%, 5 ml/kg) was injected intravenously, followed immediately by acetic acid (0.7%, 10 ml/kg) intraperitoneally. Mice were sacrificed 30 minutes later, and the peritoneal cavity was opened, washed with saline, and the washing fluid was collected and adjusted to 10 ml. After centrifugation, the supernatant was measured at 610 nm using a spectrophotometer. Results indicated that Angelica sinensis at 10 g/kg could significantly inhibit the increase in capillary permeability in the peritoneal cavity.
• Effects on Inflammation Induced by Various Agents in Rat Paw Edema: Rats were randomly divided into groups of seven. One hour after the last dose, different inflammatory agents (1% carrageenan, 2.5% formaldehyde, and fresh egg white, each 0.1 ml) were injected subcutaneously into the rat hind paw. Swelling was measured hourly (for formaldehyde, measurements were taken 2 hours after daily dosing, for a total of 5 times). Results showed that Angelica sinensis significantly inhibited swelling induced by all three inflammatory agents.
• Effects on Edema in Adrenalectomized Rats Induced by Carrageenan: Adrenalectomy was performed on rats using conventional methods under ether anesthesia, with the side adrenal gland removed. Post-surgery, rats received 250 mg/kg intramuscular penicillin for infection prevention and were fed with 1% NaCl instead of tap water. On the second day, rats were randomly divided into groups and treated. One hour after the last dose, carrageenan (1%, 0.1 ml) was injected subcutaneously into the right hind paw. Swelling was measured as before. Results indicated that Angelica sinensis still exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in adrenalectomized rats.
• Effects on Histamine-induced Increased Permeability of Rat Skin Capillaries: Rats were randomly divided into groups of seven. One hour after the last dose, the back of the rat was shaved, and histamine (0.01 mg/0.05 ml) was injected intradermally on both sides of the midline. Immediately afterward, Evans blue solution (0.5%, 10 ml/kg) was injected intravenously, and 20 minutes later, the blue-stained skin was removed and the amount of dye leakage was measured. Results showed that Angelica sinensis did not significantly affect the increase in capillary permeability induced by histamine.
• Effects on PGE2 Content in Inflammatory Tissue in Rats: Rats were randomly divided into groups of seven. Thirty minutes after the last dose, carrageenan (1%, 0.1 ml) was injected subcutaneously into the right hind paw, and the rats were sacrificed three hours later. Inflammatory tissue from the paw was cut, weighed, and soaked in 5 ml saline for one hour. The supernatant was centrifuged and analyzed for PGE2 content using a spectrophotometer at 278 nm. Results showed that Angelica sinensis significantly reduced PGE2 content in the inflammatory tissue.
• Effects on Granulation Tissue Proliferation Induced by Cotton Balls in Rats: Female SD rats were randomly divided into groups of nine. Under ether anesthesia, sterilized cotton balls (20±1 mg) were implanted under the skin of the axilla on both forelimbs. Treatment started on the day of surgery and continued for seven days. On the eighth day, rats were bled and sacrificed, and granulation tissue was removed. Hydrocortisone (0.01 g/kg) was used as a positive control. Granulation tissue was weighed after drying at 80°C for three hours. Results indicated that Angelica sinensis at 8 g/kg significantly inhibited the proliferation of granulation tissue but did not affect the weight of the thymus and adrenal glands.
• Effects on Complement Hemolytic Activity in Guinea Pig Serum: Guinea pigs were randomly divided into groups of seven. One hour after the last dose, sterile blood was collected from the heart, serum was prepared, and complement classical pathway hemolytic activity was measured using the modified Mayer’s method. The half-hemolytic dose (ACH50) was calculated. The complement alternative pathway hemolytic activity was also measured. Results showed that Angelica sinensis significantly inhibited complement alternative pathway hemolytic activity but did not affect complement classical pathway hemolytic activity.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism

The research suggests that the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Angelica sinensis mainly involve:

• Reducing capillary permeability.
• Inhibiting the synthesis or release of PGE2.

Additionally, the reduction of complement alternative pathway hemolytic activity in guinea pigs may also be one of its anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Central Nervous System Inhibition

The inhibitory effects of Angelica sinensis on the central nervous system have been reported. Japanese researchers have found that the volatile oils from Angelica acutiloba Kitagami exhibit sedative, hypnotic, analgesic, and anesthetic properties.

• Effect of Ligustilide on Spontaneous Activity in Mice: A 2.8% Tween-80 solution was prepared. One mouse was placed in an activity box, and activity counts were recorded 10 minutes before and 10-20 minutes after administration using the YSD-4 pharmacological and physiological experiment apparatus. Compared with known drugs like Diazepam and amphetamine, 1% ligustilide (98 mg/kg) significantly reduced spontaneous activity in mice, and the reduction was highly significant. Mice showed extreme quietness but did not sleep and still responded to slight stimuli, similar to the effects of Diazepam. Angelica also contains succinic acid and ferulic acid; while succinic acid has sedative effects, sodium ferulate can reduce mouse activity, but not significantly compared to the control.
• Effect of Ligustilide on Ketamine-induced Excitement: The same experimental setup was used. Activity counts were recorded 0-10 minutes and 10-20 minutes before and after administration. Results showed that 0.5% ketamine (40 mg/kg) caused mice to exhibit agitation and continuous movement, significantly increasing activity counts compared to before administration. Ligustilide (98 mg/kg and 196 mg/kg) significantly alleviated these reactions induced by ketamine in a dose-dependent manner, but did not exacerbate central nervous system suppression.
• Effect of Ligustilide on Electrical Stimulation-induced Aggression in Mice: Mice of both sexes were paired by gender. Electrical stimulation (1 pulse per second, 1/8-second duration, 98 volts) was applied. The time until aggression (e.g., rearing, lifting front limbs, fighting) was recorded before and after administration. Administration of 3% ligustilide (294 mg/kg) significantly extended the time to aggression compared to the control, similar to the effects of Chlorpromazine.
• Synergistic Effect of Ligustilide with Sodium Barbiturate: At an ambient temperature of 25-28°C, ligustilide (98 mg/kg and 196 mg/kg) significantly shortened the sleep onset time induced by sodium pentobarbital (35 mg/kg) and extended the duration of sleep. Sleep was indicated by the loss of righting reflex, and awakening was marked by the ability to move two steps.

Antimicrobial Effects

Angelica sinensis has antimicrobial activity against various pathogens including dysentery, typhoid, paratyphoid, E. coli, diphtheria bacillus, Vibrio cholerae, and hemolytic streptococci. It reduces capillary permeability in mice and accelerates wound healing in rabbit ears, promoting local blood circulation and tissue regeneration. It demonstrates antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and is used clinically for conditions like purulent maxillary sinusitis, acute nephritis, saphenous vein inflammation, scleroderma, and psoriasis. Hot water extracts of Angelica have shown significant inhibition of acute exacerbations in chronic rheumatic disease models in experimental animals.

Other Effects

• Antiasthmatic Effects: Traditional Chinese medicine considers Angelica sinensis to treat cough and respiratory distress. It has been shown that its components, such as butylidenephthalide and ligustilide, relax tracheal smooth muscle and counteract histamine-acetylcholine-induced bronchial asthma.
• Protective Effect on Renal Ischemia in Rabbits: Angelica improves glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption functions in rabbits after 60 minutes of renal ischemia, reduces kidney damage, promotes recovery of tubular lesions, and offers protective effects on the kidneys.
• Effects on Metabolism: Advanced techniques such as convection immunoelectrophoresis, isotope tracing, and electron microscopy have demonstrated that Angelica enhances protein synthesis in cultured liver cells and promotes DNA and RNA synthesis. Clinically, Angelica lowers serum muscarinic turbidity. In mice fed with Angelica, hepatic endogenous respiration and oxidative glutamic acid capacity are significantly increased. It also protects against liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride and prevents glycogen reduction. Both experimental and clinical studies confirm that Angelica lowers blood lipid levels and has similar effects to drugs like Anshuangming. It also promotes the formation of 3-phosphoglyceric acid in cells, reduces the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, and enhances the release of oxygen from oxyhemoglobin in tissues, thereby improving red blood cell oxygen transport.
• Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Effects: Angelica inhibits lipid peroxidation in brain tissues after hypoxia and ischemia-reperfusion. Ferulic acid, a component of Angelica, directly reduces H2O2 levels, binds with membrane phosphatidylethanolamine, and eliminates free radicals to inhibit oxidative and free radical-induced damage to tissues.

Clinical Applications

• Treatment of Muscle, Joint Pain, and Neuralgia: Angelica liquid injection at acupoints is used for treating lumbar muscle strain, muscle rheumatism, limb joint sprains, arthritis, and various neuralgias (e.g., sciatica, intercostal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia). It has shown good efficacy. In a study of 1,000 cases of muscle, joint, neural, and vascular tissue disorders, the effective rate was 89.1%, with 381 cured and 510 improved. In 50 cases of occipital neuralgia, 33 were cured after 1-15 treatments, and others showed varying degrees of improvement. Most cases experienced significant pain relief within 1-3 minutes after the first injection, with the effect lasting 2-8 hours. Angelica injection not only has a significant analgesic effect but also relaxes muscles, reduces inflammatory responses in soft tissues, and improves peripheral nerve and vascular functions. Usage: Use a 5-10% Angelica liquid for acupoint or sensitive point injections. Inject 1-5 ml per point, selecting 1-4 points each time. Inject into the muscle layer until an acidic, distended sensation is felt, and withdraw without blood before pushing in the drug solution. Generally, there are no side effects, but when injected into tendons, localized swelling and severe pain may occur for several hours, affecting function but subsiding within 1-3 days. It is not recommended for patients with tuberculosis, tumors, localized trauma, purulent lesions, skin diseases, or severe acute trauma. Use with caution in pregnant women.

Treatments Using Angelica (Dong Quai)

Treatment of Chronic Tracheitis

Inject 5% Angelica liquid into the “Shanzhong” (CV17), “Feishu” (BL13), “Dingchuan” (EX-B1), and “Kongzui” (LU6) acupoints. Inject 0.5-1 ml per acupoint each time. After inserting the needle (approximately 1.5 cm deep), use a gentle twisting and lifting motion to create a sensation of soreness and distension, then slowly inject the medication. In a study of 93 patients over the age of 50, 5 were cured, 26 had significant improvement, 52 showed improvement, and 10 had no effect. The total effective rate was 89.3%.

Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Inflammation

Use Angelica tissue liquid for acupoint injection. In a study of 5 patients, symptoms and signs significantly improved or disappeared after 1-2 courses of treatment, with reduced abdominal pain, normal menstruation, and conception within 6 months after treatment. Points and methods: There are two groups of acupoints. The first group includes “Weixue” (BL23, bilateral), “Sanyinjiao” (SP6, left), and “Zusanli” (ST36, right); the second group includes “Guanyuan” (CV4), “Zhongji” (CV3), “Sanyinjiao” (SP6, right), and “Zusanli” (ST36, left). Alternate between the two groups of acupoints for injection, once daily or every other day, or twice a week, with each session targeting one group. Inject 2-6 ml of the medication per acupoint, with 6-10 sessions per course. Rotate the needle before injecting to ensure it’s properly positioned, then inject the medication. Treatment should stop during menstruation. After injection, a local sensation of soreness and radiating downward may occur. Three patients experienced palpitation and chills after injection, which lasted for 5 minutes and resolved spontaneously without treatment.

Treatment of Menstrual Disorders

Soak 20 grams of Angelica and 10 grams of Safflower separately in 50 ml of 50% alcohol for 48 hours, then filter and mix, adding alcohol to make 100 ml. Take 3 ml of the solution three times daily after meals, and stop during menstruation. This method was used to treat 54 cases of menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and uterine underdevelopment. Out of the cases, 7 showed no improvement, while the rest were effective. Among 11 patients with dysmenorrhea reviewed later, 7 became pregnant; 8 out of 16 patients with uterine underdevelopment also became pregnant (most with concurrent hormonal treatment); and 6 out of 26 with menstrual abnormalities became pregnant.

Treatment of Hypertension

Prepare a 20% compound Angelica injection (equal parts Angelica, Safflower, and Ligusticum) and mix 2 ml with 2 ml of 10% glucose solution, or use a 75% compound Angelica injection (1 ml) mixed with 3 ml of 10% glucose solution. Inject alternately into “Quchi” (LI11) and “Zusanli” (ST36) on both sides, with 2 ml per acupoint, for 10 sessions per course. Typically, 4 courses are used: the first course daily, the second every other day, the third twice a week, and the fourth every other day. Use a size 5 needle; after insertion, wait for a sensation of soreness and numbness before slowly injecting the solution. In preliminary observations of 7 cases, all showed varying degrees of blood pressure reduction, with systolic pressure dropping 16-56 mmHg and diastolic pressure dropping 2-30 mmHg. Symptoms like dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, and insomnia also improved or disappeared, and some cases showed a reduction in heart rate.

Treatment of Shingles

Grind Angelica into powder and administer 0.5 or 1 gram based on age every 4-6 hours. In a study of 54 children with shingles, 22 experienced pain relief within 1 day and 32 within 2 days. Shingles typically showed partial drying by the third day of medication, with no new rash formation and scab formation by the fourth day. Additionally, 0.5 grams of Angelica paste was used in 2-4 pieces every 4 hours for 23 adult patients, achieving similar results.

Treatment of Rhinitis

Use 5% Angelica liquid for acupoint injections at “Yingxiang” (LI20, bilateral) and “Yintang” (EX-HN3) with 0.3-0.5 ml per acupoint. Administer once daily for 5 days per course. Generally, one course is sufficient, often requiring 2 courses. After injection, there may be slight pain and a sensation of soreness and numbness locally, with no other adverse effects. In a study of 120 cases of chronic simple, hypertrophic, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis, 73 were cured (60.8%), 45 showed improvement (37.5%), and 2 were ineffective (1.7%). The practice confirmed that Angelica liquid acupoint injection has anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling, analgesic, anti-allergic, hemostatic effects, and regulates nasal autonomic nervous function, with special efficacy in relieving nasal headaches. Shorter disease duration leads to better efficacy.

Edible Value

Recipe: Angelica Blood-Enriching Soup

• Ingredients: 2 red crabs (about 750g), 10g angelica, 50g astragalus, 50g goji berries, 50g eucommia, 100g black dates, 250ml rice wine, adequate water.
• Instructions:
  1. Clean the red crabs, remove the shells and gills, and cut them into pieces.
  2. Place the crab pieces into a pot with angelica, astragalus, goji berries, eucommia, black dates, and enough water. Add the rice wine.
  3. Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
• Benefits: Astragalus and angelica help to replenish qi and blood; eucommia strengthens the liver and kidneys, strengthens bones, and stabilizes the fetus; goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys, benefit essence, and improve vision; black dates have similar properties to red dates but with better blood-replenishing effects. Together, these ingredients enhance qi and blood.

Recipe: Free-Range Chicken Soup

• Ingredients: Free-range chicken, angelica, peanuts, red dates, black fungus, ginger slices.
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the chicken into pieces and rinse with water.
  2. Boil water in a pot, add chicken pieces to blanch them, then remove and rinse.
  3. Place the blanched chicken pieces into a pressure cooker, add water (about 1 cm above the chicken), ginger slices, angelica, peanuts, and black fungus, and simmer.
  4. After the pressure cooker valve sounds for about 40 minutes, turn off the heat. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken essence to taste before serving.

Recipe: Pigeon Soup

• Ingredients: 1 pigeon.
• Seasonings: Ginger slices, green onion segments, cooking wine, red dates, goji berries, small ginseng, angelica root, prepared rehmannia, mulberries, poria cocos, lotus seeds, ganoderma.
• Instructions:
  1. Clean the pigeon and blanch it in boiling water with some cooking wine to remove blood. Rinse clean.
  2. Place the pigeon in a pot with ginger slices, green onion segments, goji berries, and red dates. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours.
  3. Puncture the pigeon with chopsticks to ensure it is tender. It is better to cut it if it is not whole.
  4. Simmer on low heat for an additional 20 minutes, then add goji berries last. Season with salt and chicken essence before serving.

Recipe: Angelica, Astragalus, and Windproof Pork Soup

• Ingredients: 150g lean pork, 20g astragalus, 20g ginger, 10g angelica, 10g windproof, 4 jujubes, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Clean and rinse the angelica, windproof, and astragalus. Rinse the jujubes and remove the pits. Clean and crush the ginger.
  2. Cut the pork into chunks and place all ingredients into a pot.
  3. Add sufficient water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Add salt to taste before serving.

Recipe: Beef Tendon Soup

• Ingredients: 100g beef tendon, 50g angelica, ginger, green onion, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Clean the angelica, ginger, and green onion. Slice the ginger and cut the green onion into segments.
  2. Clean the beef tendon and place it in a pot with the angelica, ginger slices, and green onion segments.
  3. Add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Season with salt to taste before serving.

Recipe: Longan Chrysanthemum Lamb Hoof Soup

• Ingredients: 750g lamb hoof, 15g goji berries, 10g longan meat, 5g angelica, 3g dried tangerine peel, 5g white chrysanthemum.
• Seasonings: Cooking wine, ginger slices, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Clean and cut the lamb hoof into pieces. Blanch and remove.
  2. Clean the goji berries, longan meat, angelica, dried tangerine peel, and white chrysanthemum.
  3. Place the lamb hoof, goji berries, longan meat, angelica, and dried tangerine peel into a bowl. Add cooking wine and ginger slices, and sufficient water.
  4. Cover and simmer in a pot with boiling water for 2 hours until the lamb hoof is tender.
  5. Remove the lid, discard the ginger slices and tangerine peel, add the white chrysanthemum and salt. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving. Frying the lamb hoof in hot oil before making the soup can reduce the fat and improve texture.

Recipe: Angelica and Jujube Congee

• Ingredients: Angelica, 600ml warm water, 10 red dates, glutinous rice.
• Instructions:
  1. Wash the angelica and soak it in 600ml warm water for 10 minutes. Boil twice, simmer for 20 to 30 minutes each time, and collect 150ml of liquid.
  2. Soak and clean the red dates.
  3. Wash the glutinous rice.
  4. Combine the glutinous rice, red dates, and sugar with the collected herbal liquid and enough water. Cook into congee.

Recipe: Fritillaria and Sophora Pill

• Ingredients: 15g angelica, 3g fritillaria powder (separated), 15g sophora, 15g roasted stemona, 12g prepared atractylodes, 10g white peony, 10g apricot kernel, 10g peach kernel, 30g coix seed, 10g mulberry root bark.
• Instructions: (Instructions for preparation not included in the original text.)

Recipe: Ginger Angelica Lamb Congee

• Ingredients: 20g ginger, 15g angelica, 100g lamb, 250g glutinous rice.
• Seasonings: 2 tsp Shaoxing wine, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/3 tsp MSG, 1 tbsp chicken fat, 10g green onion, 3/5 tsp pepper powder.
• Instructions:
  1. Place glutinous rice, ginger, green onion, Shaoxing wine, lamb, and angelica into a pot. Add 800g water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce to a low simmer for 35 minutes. Season with salt, MSG, pepper powder, and chicken fat before serving.

Cultural Insights

Angelica (Dang Gui) has several legends regarding its name. According to the “Pharmacology Dictionary,” the name comes from its ability to regulate qi and nourish blood, hence “Dang Gui,” meaning “return to the proper place.” Li Shizhen in “Compendium of Materia Medica” suggests that the name reflects its use for women, as “Dang Gui” conveys a sense of longing for a return, paralleling the theme of longing for a husband.

In the “Records of the Three Kingdoms,” there are stories related to Angelica:

1. In “Records of the Three Kingdoms: Book of Wu: Biography of Taishi Ci,” Cao Cao, knowing Taishi Ci’s talent, sent him a letter with Angelica, inviting him to return to Wei.
2. In “Records of the Three Kingdoms: Book of Shu: Biography of Jiang Wei,” Jiang Wei was pressured by Wei to return. They sent Angelica to his mother, trying to convince him to switch allegiances.

Jiang Wei, valuing loyalty and his current position in Shu, chose to stay loyal and considered reuniting with his mother only after fulfilling his duty. His mother understood his intentions and was supportive. Even after Jiang Wei’s death, Shu honored him by building a temple in Jianmen Pass. The temple features a couplet expressing his commitment and enduring ideals, highlighting his loyalty and sense of duty.

Identification of Herbal Materials

Morphological Identification:

• Root Characteristics: The root head and main root are short and slightly cylindrical, 1.5-3.5 cm long and 1.5-3 cm in diameter. The lower part has 3-5 or more lateral roots, which are often curved, vary in length, and have a diameter of 0.4-1 cm. The surface is yellow-brown or brownish with irregular longitudinal wrinkles and oval skin pores. The root head has transverse lines, and the tip retains several layers of scale-like leaf bases.
• Texture: Hard and can become soft when absorbing moisture. The cross-section is yellowish-white or light brownish-yellow with concentric rings that are yellow-brown. The skin has numerous brown oil spots and cracks, while the wood part has dense rays. It has a strong aroma and a sweet, spicy, slightly bitter taste. The best quality is characterized by a thick, long, oily root, uniform brown outer skin color, full flesh, yellowish-white cross-section, and strong fragrance.

Microscopic Identification:

• Cross-Section of Lateral Root: The cork layer consists of several rows of cork cells. The cortex contains several rows of tangentially elongated cells. The phloem is wide with many fissures and numerous secretory cavities (mainly oil cells, but also oil ducts), which are roughly circular, 60-220 μm in diameter, surrounded by 2 to 10 or more secretory cells. Near the cambium, the secretory cavities are smaller. The xylem contains scattered or radially arranged single or multiple vessels. The xylem rays are up to 10 cell rows wide, and the xylem parenchyma cells are smaller than the rays.
• Powder Characteristics: Light yellow.
• Sclerenchyma Cells: Spindle-shaped, 18-34 μm in diameter, with slightly thick walls, non-lignified, and with a fine, diagonal, crossed reticulate texture on the surface. Thin partitions may sometimes be observed.
• Oil Cells and Ducts: Fragments may be observed with oil cells having an internal diameter of 25-160 μm containing volatile oil droplets.
• Tracheids and Vessels: Tracheids and vessels with diameter 13-80 μm, and some with bordered pits and spiral vessels. Additionally, there are woody cells, starch grains, and occasionally woody fibers.

Physicochemical Identification:

• Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC):
  • Sample Solution: Take 100 g of powdered raw material (sieved through 20 mesh) and extract the volatile oil using an oil extractor. Absorb a certain amount and dilute it to a 10% solution with ethyl acetate.
  • Reference Solution: Prepare a solution of butylidenephthalide in ethyl acetate as a reference.
  • Development: Use a silica gel G thin-layer plate. Develop with ethyl acetate-petroleum ether (15:85) to a distance of 15 cm.
  • Detection: Observe under ultraviolet light (254 nm) for fluorescence or spray with ferric chloride reagent. The chromatogram of the test sample should show spots in the same position as those of the reference sample, indicating similar fluorescence or color.