Angelica Sinesis Extract
Also known as: Dong Quai, Chinese Angelica, Danggui, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Angelica sinensis
Overview
Angelica sinensis, commonly known as Dong Quai or Chinese Angelica, is a perennial herb native to China, widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The extract, derived from the plant's root, is primarily valued for its applications in gynecological and circulatory health. It is frequently employed for conditions such as menstrual disorders, anemia, and to aid recovery from ischemic stroke. Emerging research also explores its potential as an adjunct in cancer therapies and for renal protection. Key bioactive compounds include Z-ligustilide, ferulic acid, and N-butylidenephthalide. Research on Angelica sinensis is maturing, with a growing body of preclinical and clinical studies, including meta-analyses and systematic reviews, particularly in oncology, ischemic stroke, and renal protection.
Benefits
Angelica sinensis offers several evidence-based benefits. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest that Angelica sinensis-based formulas can improve quality of life and reduce recurrence rates in endometrial cancer patients, partly through immunomodulatory effects like increased NK and CD4+ T cells and decreased immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA). In vitro and animal studies indicate its ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and sensitize tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells to treatment. Network pharmacology further supports its multi-target anti-tumor activity across various cancers, including liver, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancers. For ischemic stroke, systematic reviews report that Angelica sinensis extracts and its active compounds (Z-ligustilide, ferulic acid) exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, angiogenic, neurogenic, and vascular protective effects, contributing to improved neurological function post-stroke. Animal studies demonstrate dose-dependent renoprotective effects in models of diabetic nephropathy and renal injury, mediated by anti-inflammatory (NF-kB inhibition) and anti-fibrotic (TGF-β1 modulation) pathways, alongside enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. While traditionally used for menstrual regulation and anemia, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically quantifying these gynecological effects are currently limited in recent literature.
How it works
Angelica sinensis exerts its therapeutic effects through diverse biological pathways. It can induce apoptosis in cancer cells via caspase-mediated mechanisms and epigenetic modulation. The herb modulates immune function by altering immunoglobulin levels and enhancing the activity of NK and T cells. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties stem from the inhibition of NF-kB signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Angelica sinensis promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and neurogenesis (formation of new neurons), which are crucial for tissue repair, particularly after ischemic events. Network pharmacology studies suggest its multi-target, multi-component interaction with various tumor-related signaling pathways, including microRNAs, proteoglycans, and transcriptional regulation. The absorption and bioavailability of key compounds like ferulic acid and ligustilide are critical for its efficacy, varying based on extraction methods and formulation, with supercritical CO2 extracts showing promise in animal models.
Side effects
Angelica sinensis is generally considered safe when used appropriately within traditional dosages. Common side effects are typically mild and infrequent, including gastrointestinal discomfort and occasional allergic reactions. There is no strong evidence to suggest an increased risk of breast cancer; in fact, recent studies indicate potential benefits even in breast cancer contexts, such as sensitizing resistant cells to treatment. However, caution is advised regarding potential interactions with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs due to its mild blood-thinning effects. Contraindications include pregnancy, owing to its potential for uterine stimulation, and individuals with bleeding disorders. Special populations, particularly cancer patients, should consult healthcare providers before use due to the complex potential interactions with conventional chemotherapy agents. Comprehensive medical supervision is recommended when considering its use alongside other medications or for specific health conditions.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Angelica sinensis vary significantly depending on the preparation method and the specific health indication. Clinical studies often utilize Angelica-based formulas rather than isolated extracts, making precise single-ingredient dosing recommendations challenging. For conditions like ischemic stroke and renal protection, animal studies suggest dose-dependent effects, but human equivalent doses require further clarification through clinical trials. Traditional use typically involves decoctions of 3-15 grams of dried root daily. However, standardized extracts can vary considerably in their active compound content, necessitating careful attention to product labeling. Timing considerations include concurrent use with chemotherapy or anticoagulants, which should always be under strict medical supervision. Absorption of active compounds may be enhanced by co-administration with other herbs or through specific extraction methods, such as supercritical CO2 extraction, which can improve bioavailability.
FAQs
Is Angelica sinensis safe for breast cancer patients?
Recent systematic reviews and RCTs suggest it does not increase breast cancer growth risk and may even enhance the efficacy of conventional treatments by sensitizing resistant cells.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Clinical improvements, such as enhanced quality of life and positive immune marker changes, have been observed within weeks to months in cancer patients, though individual responses vary.
Can it be taken with conventional cancer treatments?
Evidence supports potential synergistic effects, but due to possible interactions with chemotherapy agents, medical supervision is essential when combining with conventional cancer treatments.
Does it have blood-thinning effects?
Yes, Angelica sinensis possesses mild anticoagulant properties. Therefore, caution is advised, and medical consultation is recommended if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00002 – This systematic review, incorporating RCTs and in vitro studies, concluded that Angelica sinensis does not increase breast cancer risk and may sensitize resistant cells to apoptosis. It highlighted positive clinical effects in breast cancer patients, though noted some studies were in vitro only, indicating a growing but still limited clinical data set.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12103411/ – This meta-analysis of nine studies on endometrial cancer patients found that Angelica-based formulas significantly improved quality of life and reduced recurrence rates. The study also identified immunomodulatory effects, such as changes in immune cell populations, supporting its therapeutic role in cancer management.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X241309226 – This literature review, combined with network pharmacology analysis, explored the multi-target anti-tumor effects of Angelica sinensis across various cancer types. It identified key active compounds and their interaction with tumor-related signaling pathways, providing strong mechanistic insights into its broad anti-cancer potential.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34362631/ – This systematic review focused on preclinical and clinical studies related to ischemic stroke. It reported that Angelica sinensis exhibits anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and angiogenic effects, contributing to improved neurological function post-stroke. The review highlighted the need for more extensive clinical trials despite promising preclinical data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1153583/full – This systematic review, including animal RCTs, demonstrated the dose-dependent renoprotective effects of Angelica sinensis in rodent models of renal injury. It elucidated the mechanisms involved, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, providing strong evidence for its potential in kidney health, though human data remains limited.
