Angelica Dahurica
Also known as: Dahurian angelica, Chinese angelica root, Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav., Angelica dahurica
Overview
Angelica dahurica is a perennial herb widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), primarily for its root, which possesses both edible and medicinal properties. It is a botanical supplement rich in over 300 identified chemical constituents, with coumarins and volatile oils being the most significant active compounds. Traditionally, it has been employed for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects, as well as for treating skin diseases and supporting cardiovascular and neuroprotective functions. While extensive phytochemical analyses and pharmacological studies exist, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on its clinical efficacy are limited, with most evidence stemming from preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies and pharmacological reviews.
Benefits
Angelica dahurica exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its strong antioxidant activity is attributed to coumarins, identified as quality markers (Q-Markers), which show good binding to biological targets related to oxidative stress. Significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties have been observed in preclinical studies, also linked to coumarins and volatile oils. The herb demonstrates antimicrobial and antiviral effects against various pathogens in vitro. Furthermore, animal models suggest potential neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. While anti-tumor activity has been reported in vitro, clinical evidence is currently lacking. Traditional uses include applications for skin diseases and cardiovascular health, but large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and establish quantitative clinical effect sizes.
How it works
The biological activity of Angelica dahurica is primarily mediated by its key active compounds: coumarins (such as imperatorin) and volatile oils. These compounds exert their effects through several mechanisms. They act as potent antioxidants by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress within the body. Additionally, they modulate inflammatory pathways and influence cytokine production, contributing to the herb's anti-inflammatory properties. Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies predict that these compounds bind to specific molecular targets involved in inflammation and oxidative damage. While absorption and bioavailability data are limited, coumarins generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability, allowing for systemic effects.
Side effects
Angelica dahurica is generally considered safe when used traditionally; however, comprehensive safety data from rigorous clinical trials are currently unavailable. Common side effects are not well-documented but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been clearly identified in the existing literature. Specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant women or children, are lacking, and caution is advised in these groups. Due to the limited clinical research, the full spectrum of potential adverse effects, their severity, and frequency, as well as specific risk factors, remain to be thoroughly established. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications.
Dosage
Standardized dosing for Angelica dahurica has not been established through clinical trials, and traditional dosing practices vary widely. Consequently, optimal dosage ranges and timing considerations for specific purposes are not well-defined. Recommendations for different forms (e.g., root extract, powder) typically depend on traditional formulations rather than evidence-based clinical guidelines. Factors influencing absorption, such as formulation and co-administered substances, are not thoroughly identified. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds based on modern clinical research, highlighting the need for further studies to determine safe and effective dosages for various applications.
FAQs
Is it safe for long-term use?
Traditional use suggests safety, but rigorous clinical safety data for long-term use are absent, so caution is advised.
How quickly do benefits appear?
The onset of benefits is unknown due to a lack of clinical trials specifically investigating the time course of its effects.
Are there any known interactions?
No well-documented drug interactions have been identified, but due to limited data, caution is advised when combining with other medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10343566/ – This preclinical study, 'The Prediction of Antioxidant Q-Markers for Angelica dahurica' (2023), utilized GC-MS and network pharmacology to identify coumarins as key antioxidant compounds in Angelica dahurica. It demonstrated their strong molecular docking affinity to biological targets, providing robust analytical evidence for the herb's potential antioxidant bioactivity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9283917/ – The review 'The Angelica dahurica: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology' (2022) systematically summarized over 300 compounds and various pharmacological activities of Angelica dahurica, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. It highlighted that most evidence is preclinical and emphasized the critical need for future clinical trials to validate these findings.
