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Chinese Angelica

Q: Is Angelica sinensis safe for breast cancer patients?

Current systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials suggest no increased risk of breast cancer and indicate potential benefits when used adjunctively with conventional therapies.

Q: How soon can benefits be expected?

Clinical improvements typically manifest within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use, though this can vary depending on the specific condition being addressed.

Q: Can it be used with chemotherapy?

Evidence supports the combined use of Angelica sinensis with chemotherapy, particularly in endometrial cancer, to improve quality of life and immune function.

Q: Are there any major drug interactions?

No major interactions have been consistently reported in high-quality trials, but caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants and hormone therapies due to theoretical interactions.

Also known as: Chinese Angelica, Danggui, Dong quai, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Angelica sinensis

Overview

Angelica sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Angelica or Dong quai, is a perennial herb native to China, widely recognized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is primarily utilized for its purported benefits in gynecological health, blood circulation, and as an adaptogen. The root of the plant is the main source of its medicinal properties. Key applications include addressing menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, anemia, and serving as an adjunct in cancer therapy. Its complex phytochemical profile, featuring compounds like ferulic acid, ligustilide, and polysaccharides, contributes to its diverse therapeutic effects. Research on Angelica sinensis is ongoing, with a growing body of clinical trials and systematic reviews, particularly in the fields of gynecology and oncology, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.

Benefits

Angelica sinensis offers several evidence-based benefits. For gynecological health, meta-analyses suggest that compounds containing Angelica sinensis can improve symptoms in patients with amenorrhea and endometrial carcinoma, enhancing quality of life and immune function when used alongside chemotherapy. In pulmonary health, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 RCTs found that a combination of Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Astragali significantly improved pulmonary function indices, exercise tolerance, and reduced adverse reactions in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The herb also exhibits anti-cancer potential, with network pharmacology and experimental studies indicating multi-target anti-tumor effects across various cancers, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. Specific compounds like Z-ligustilide have been shown to sensitize resistant breast cancer cells to apoptosis. Furthermore, animal studies suggest hormonal modulation, with supplementation increasing serum levels of progesterone, prolactin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1, which may be relevant to reproductive health. While effect sizes vary, clinical improvements in symptom scores and functional measures have been statistically significant in several meta-analyses, with benefits typically observed over weeks to months of consistent use.

How it works

Angelica sinensis exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-faceted mechanism of action, engaging various biological pathways. It is known to modulate hormone levels, enhance immune function, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of cancer, it can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. At a molecular level, its active compounds interact with caspase pathways, epigenetic regulators, and signaling pathways involved in inflammation and cancer progression. Bioactive compounds such as ligustilide and ferulic acid possess moderate oral bioavailability, with their systemic effects influenced by metabolic processes. The herb's complex, multi-component nature allows for multi-target and multi-level pharmacological actions, aligning with the holistic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Side effects

Angelica sinensis is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, though common side effects are not extensively documented. Uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence) can include allergic reactions or photosensitivity. Rare side effects (<1%) are not well-characterized, but caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants due to a theoretical potential for blood-thinning effects. While no significant drug interactions have been consistently reported in high-quality studies, theoretical interactions with hormone therapies and anticoagulants warrant careful consideration. Angelica sinensis is contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases of hormone-sensitive cancers unless under strict medical supervision. However, recent evidence suggests that Angelica sinensis use does not increase breast cancer risk. Special populations, such as pregnant women and breast cancer patients, should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before use.

Dosage

Effective dosages of Angelica sinensis vary depending on the specific preparation and the intended therapeutic purpose. Typically, oral doses range from 3 to 15 grams of dried root daily, often divided into multiple doses. For optimal efficacy and consistency, standardized extracts containing defined amounts of active compounds like ligustilide or ferulic acid are preferred. The maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, and doses exceeding traditional ranges should be used with caution and under professional guidance. Timing of administration may be aligned with menstrual cycles for gynecological applications, while continuous dosing is often employed for chronic conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis. Absorption of fat-soluble components may be enhanced when consumed with dietary fat or co-administered with other herbs. While cofactors like vitamin B6 may support metabolic pathways, they are not routinely required for the herb's efficacy.

FAQs

Is Angelica sinensis safe for breast cancer patients?

Current systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials suggest no increased risk of breast cancer and indicate potential benefits when used adjunctively with conventional therapies.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Clinical improvements typically manifest within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use, though this can vary depending on the specific condition being addressed.

Can it be used with chemotherapy?

Evidence supports the combined use of Angelica sinensis with chemotherapy, particularly in endometrial cancer, to improve quality of life and immune function.

Are there any major drug interactions?

No major interactions have been consistently reported in high-quality trials, but caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants and hormone therapies due to theoretical interactions.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1524258/pdf – This animal study investigated the effects of Angelica sinensis extract, finding that it increased serum levels of progesterone, prolactin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1. The findings provide mechanistic insight into the herb's potential endocrine effects, though direct human translation requires further research.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12103411/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the effects of Angelica sinensis-containing compounds in endometrial carcinoma patients. It concluded that these compounds improved quality of life, immune function, and reduced recurrence rates when combined with chemotherapy, demonstrating significant clinical benefits.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7203419/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 RCTs evaluated the combination of Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Astragali in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. The study found significant improvements in pulmonary function indices, exercise tolerance, and a reduction in adverse events, supporting its use for this condition.
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00002 – This systematic review examined the relationship between Angelica sinensis and breast cancer risk. It found no evidence of increased breast cancer risk and suggested potential benefits, such as sensitizing cancer cells to therapy, indicating its safety and potential adjunctive role.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2022/6887988 – This research, likely a network pharmacology and experimental study, explored the multi-target anti-tumor effects of Angelica sinensis. It identified multiple active ingredients and targets across various cancers, providing a mechanistic understanding of its broad anti-cancer potential.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/dong-quai – This resource from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides a comprehensive overview of Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), including its uses, potential benefits, side effects, and interactions, offering a reliable summary for patients and healthcare providers.