Natural Herb Library

Root of Chinese Angelica

Chinese
当归
Pinyin
Dang Gui
Latin
Radix Angelicae Sinensis

Known in TCM as Dang Gui (当归), this sweet and acrid, warm herb enters the Liver, Heart, and Spleen. Traditionally, it nourishes Blood, most often applied for anemia, menstrual irregularities, and dysmenorrhea. Modern research has identified Z-Ligustilide among its active constituents.

Part used: Root

Also Known As

Angelica

Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis | Pinyin: Dang Gui | Chinese: 当归

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet, acrid
Temperature
warm
Channels
Liver, Heart, Spleen

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Nourishes Blood
  • Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis
  • Regulates menstruation
  • Alleviates pain
  • Moistens intestines and unblocks bowels

Secondary Actions

  • Supplements when combined with tonifying herbs; moves Blood when paired with dispersing agents
  • Addresses both Blood deficiency and Blood stasis simultaneously

Classic Formulas

  • Si Wu Tang … foundational Blood-nourishing formula for Blood deficiency patterns
  • Sheng Hua Tang … primary postpartum recovery formula for lochia retention and Blood stasis
  • Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang … combines with Huang Qi in 1:5 ratio to tonify Qi and generate Blood

Classical References

  • Classical literature refers to Dang Gui as 'female ginseng' for its supreme Blood-nourishing and menstrual-regulating properties

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Z-Ligustilide
  • Ferulic acid
  • Butylidenephthalide
  • Angelica polysaccharides
  • Vanillic acid

Studied Effects

  • Comprehensive review identifies phthalides and organic acids as primary constituents with blood tonification and analgesic mechanisms (PMID 27211015)
  • Ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and E-ligustilide demonstrate nephroprotective effects against cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in vitro (PMID 25561245)
  • Ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide synergistically modulate cold-sensing proteins TRPM8 and TRPA1, with potential for pain and cold sensitivity applications (PMID 27413384)

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy … increases risk of miscarriage; blood-activating properties may stimulate uterine contractions
  • Breastfeeding … avoid due to insufficient safety data
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding or active hemorrhage … blood-invigorating properties worsen bleeding
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate) … estrogenic activity may worsen condition

Cautions

  • Photosensitivity and photodermatitis reported; limit sun exposure during use
  • GI effects: bloating, diarrhea, appetite loss
  • Use cautiously in Yin deficiency with vigorous Fire or diarrhea/loose stools

Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) … Additive anticoagulant effect; may increase bleeding risk and elevate PT/INR (Moderate) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
  • CYP3A4 substrate drugs … Prolonged use induces CYP3A4 via pregnane X receptor activation, potentially reducing concentrations of substrate medications (Unknown) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
  • ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) … Concurrent use exacerbated anemia in animal models; clinical relevance unknown (Unknown) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
  • Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel) … Significantly alters pharmacokinetics with increased systemic exposure; clinical relevance unknown (Unknown) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
  • Clozapine … Moderate-to-strong inducer of clozapine metabolism; may significantly reduce clozapine blood levels (High) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Root of Chinese Angelica used for?

Root of Chinese Angelica is traditionally used to Nourishes Blood, Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, Regulates menstruation, Alleviates pain. Research has investigated its effects on: Comprehensive review identifies phthalides and organic acids as primary constituents with blood tonification and analgesic mechanisms (PMID 27211015); Ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and E-ligustilide demonstrate nephroprotective effects against cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in vitro (PMID 25561245).

What are other names for Root of Chinese Angelica?

Root of Chinese Angelica is also known as Angelica. In TCM: 当归 (Dang Gui); Radix Angelicae Sinensis.

Is Root of Chinese Angelica safe during pregnancy?

Root of Chinese Angelica is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Root of Chinese Angelica?

Root of Chinese Angelica should not be used in: Pregnancy … increases risk of miscarriage; blood-activating properties may stimulate uterine contractions; Breastfeeding … avoid due to insufficient safety data; Excessive menstrual bleeding or active hemorrhage … blood-invigorating properties worsen bleeding; Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate) … estrogenic activity may worsen condition. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Root of Chinese Angelica interact with any medications?

Root of Chinese Angelica may interact with: Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) - Additive anticoagulant effect; may increase bleeding risk and elevate PT/INR - (Moderate severity); CYP3A4 substrate drugs - Prolonged use induces CYP3A4 via pregnane X receptor activation, potentially reducing concentrations of substrate medications - (Unknown severity); ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) - Concurrent use exacerbated anemia in animal models; clinical relevance unknown - (Unknown severity); Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel) - Significantly alters pharmacokinetics with increased systemic exposure; clinical relevance unknown - (Unknown severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.