Angelica sinensis

Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox

Angelica sinensis, commonly known as dong quai (Template:Zh) 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.<ref name="Medline">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

CultivationEdit

Angelica is hardy to Template:Cvt<ref name="pfaf">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and can be cultivated at elevations of Template:Convert. 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.<ref name="pfaf" />

Traditional Chinese medicineEdit

The dried root of A. sinensis Template:Ndash commonly known as Chinese angelica (Template:Zh) Template:Ndash is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Use and adverse effectsEdit

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.<ref name=Medline/>

Anticoagulant effectEdit

A. sinensis may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug warfarin (as it contains coumarins), and consequently may increase the risk of bleeding.<ref name=Medline/><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Caution is needed when consumed with herbs (such as ginkgo or garlic), which may affect blood clotting.<ref name=Medline /><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

PhytochemicalsEdit

Phytochemicals include phytosterols, polysaccharides, ligustilide, butylphthalide, cnidilide, isocnidilide, p-cymene, ferulate, and flavonoids.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist Template:Commons category-inline Template:Taxonbar