Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Angelica sinensis root

Also known as: Dong quai, Chinese angelica, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Angelica sinensis

Overview

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, commonly known as Dong quai or Chinese angelica, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried root of the Angelica sinensis plant, native to China. It is widely recognized for its applications in gynecological health, promoting blood circulation, and acting as an adaptogen. Traditionally, it has been used to address conditions such as menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, and anemia. More recently, scientific research has expanded its potential applications to include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), adjunctive cancer therapy, and renal protection. The research maturity for Angelica sinensis is moderate, with a growing body of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, particularly within Chinese medical literature. While the quality of evidence varies, several well-conducted meta-analyses support its efficacy in specific areas. It is typically consumed as a decoction or as part of multi-herb formulas.

Benefits

Angelica sinensis has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by systematic reviews and meta-analyses: - **Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF):** Strong evidence from a meta-analysis of 17 RCTs indicates that Angelica sinensis, when combined with Astragalus mongholicus, significantly improves pulmonary function indices and exercise tolerance (e.g., 6-minute walk distance) in IPF patients. This combination also reduced adverse reactions compared to control groups, suggesting a robust benefit for this condition. - **Cancer Adjunct Therapy:** Meta-analyses suggest that Angelica sinensis-containing formulas can improve the quality of life, immune function, and reduce pain in endometrial cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Furthermore, network pharmacology and experimental studies indicate multi-target anti-tumor effects across various cancer types (e.g., breast, liver, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, lung), suggesting its potential as an adjunctive therapy to enhance conventional treatments. - **Renal Protection:** Observational cohort data, adjusted for confounding factors, showed a significant association between Angelica sinensis use and a 23% reduction in the risk of end-stage renal disease, along with a 45% reduction in overall mortality. This suggests a protective effect on kidney health and overall survival. - **Breast Cancer Safety:** A systematic review of recent studies indicates that Angelica sinensis does not increase breast cancer risk and does not interfere with tamoxifen treatment. Some components may even sensitize resistant cancer cells to apoptosis, suggesting it may be safe and potentially beneficial for breast cancer patients.

How it works

Angelica sinensis exerts its therapeutic effects through a complex interplay of bioactive compounds, including Z-ligustilide and N-butylidenephthalide. These compounds modulate various biological pathways, influencing apoptosis, epigenetic regulation, and immune responses. In conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it acts on pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. For cancer, it targets multiple cancer-related signaling pathways, including microRNAs and transcriptional regulation, contributing to its anti-tumor effects. The absorption and bioavailability of its active components depend on the formulation, with traditional decoctions and extracts being common forms of administration, though detailed pharmacokinetic data remain somewhat limited.

Side effects

Angelica sinensis is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare but possible side effect. There are no significant drug interactions reported with standard chemotherapy or tamoxifen, and current evidence suggests it does not increase breast cancer risk or interfere with tamoxifen treatment. However, caution is advised due to limited comprehensive data on drug interactions. Contraindications include a known allergy to plants in the Apiaceae family. Due to insufficient safety data, Angelica sinensis should be avoided by pregnant women. While generally well-tolerated, individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, as some traditional uses suggest effects on blood circulation, though direct evidence of significant interaction with anticoagulants is limited in modern studies.

Dosage

Dosage guidelines for Angelica sinensis vary, as clinical trials often utilize standardized extracts or multi-herb formulas rather than isolated root extracts. Effective doses observed in studies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer adjunct therapy are not strictly standardized but generally align with traditional medicinal practices. This typically corresponds to 6–12 grams of dried root equivalent per day when prepared as a decoction. There is no established maximum safe dose, and dosing should ideally follow protocols from clinical trials or established traditional use guidelines. It is most commonly used as part of a broader herbal formula rather than as a standalone supplement, which may influence its overall efficacy and safety profile. Due to the variability in preparations and combinations, consulting a qualified healthcare professional familiar with traditional Chinese medicine is recommended for personalized dosing.

FAQs

Is Angelica sinensis safe for breast cancer patients?

Current evidence suggests Angelica sinensis does not increase breast cancer risk and may even have beneficial effects, potentially sensitizing resistant cancer cells to apoptosis, especially when used in conjunction with conventional therapies like tamoxifen.

How soon do benefits appear?

Improvements in pulmonary function for IPF patients have been reported after weeks to months of consistent treatment. Benefits as an adjunct in cancer therapy are typically observed over the course of chemotherapy cycles.

Can it be used alone?

While isolated root extracts exist, most of the robust evidence supporting the benefits of Angelica sinensis comes from studies where it was used as part of multi-herb formulas, suggesting its efficacy may be enhanced in combination.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7203419/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that Angelica sinensis combined with Astragalus mongholicus significantly improved pulmonary function indices and exercise tolerance in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study, which assessed quality using the Jadad scale, concluded that this herbal combination was effective with fewer adverse events.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1153583/full – This observational cohort study, utilizing multivariate adjustment, demonstrated that Angelica sinensis use was associated with a 23% reduction in the risk of end-stage renal disease and a 45% reduction in overall mortality. The large sample size and robust statistical methods support a significant protective effect on renal health and overall survival.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12103411/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on Angelica sinensis-containing formulas in endometrial cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The findings indicated improvements in quality of life, immune function, and pain reduction, suggesting its utility as an adjunctive therapy. The study's inclusion criteria ensured adequate controls and sample sizes for reliable results.
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00002 – This systematic review synthesized cohort studies, RCTs, and in vitro data concerning Angelica sinensis and breast cancer safety. It concluded that Angelica sinensis does not increase breast cancer risk and may even sensitize tamoxifen-resistant cells to apoptosis, suggesting potential safety and benefit for breast cancer patients.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X241309226 – This research, combining network pharmacology and experimental studies, identified multiple active compounds and pathways through which Angelica sinensis exerts multi-target anti-cancer effects. The findings provide mechanistic insights into its potential as an anti-tumor agent across various cancer types.