Angelica archangelica L. (Umbelliferae) and Angelica atropurpurea L., grow in Europe and North America. Related species that grow in China, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, commonly called dang-qui, d...
* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Angelica archangelica L. (Umbelliferae) and Angelica atropurpurea L., grow in Europe and North America. Related species that grow in China, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, commonly called dang-qui, dong quai, Quingui, Yangui, and Danggui. In English the herb is simply known as Angelica; in French Angéline officinale; in German, Angelikakraut (herb), Angelikawurzel (root), Angelikafruchte (seed), and Englewurz, or Erz-Engelwurz.
Source
Oil is extracted from the roots of European, North American, and Chinese Angelica. All of the different species seem to contain essentially the same active ingredients, including coumarin and coumarin derivatives. The seeds and stems also contain a coumarin derivative (furanocoumarin) that makes users extremely sensitive to the sun. Only products made from the roots of angelica are approved for sale by the German government.
History
In China, the herb is called dong quai, meaning "proper order." It is mentioned in medical texts dating from the year 200 AD (Shen-nong Ben Gao Jing). Angelica still remains one of the most frequently used herbal medicines in China, where it is prescribed for menstrual irregularities, arthritis and joint pain, anemia, and ulcers. Even in ancient times, Chinese physicians used angelica extracts to treat anemia, especially when the anemia was due to blood loss from childbirth or trauma. Today, many Chinese physicians still give patients recovering from surgery a tea or broth made with angelica. In the United States, angelica is sold as a "ginseng for women," with claims that it can reduce premenstrual discomfort and promote normal reproductive function.
Traditional Claims
Antispasmodic (stomach upset), cholagogue (gallbladder pain), and stomachic. A mixture containing angelica, called Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang (Ten Significant Tonic Decoction), or SQT (Juzentaihoto, TJ-48) was first created by Song Dynasty administrators (Public Welfare Pharmacy Bureau) nearly 900 years ago! It is prepared by extracting a mixture of ten medicinal herbs (Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Liqusticum wallichii, Angelica sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus and Cinnamomum cassia). It was, and still is, used to treat anemia, anorexia, and extreme exhaustion.
Commission E Recommendations
Angelica is recommended for the treatment of abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, dyspepsia (upset stomach), flatulence, gastrointestinal spasm, and peptic discomfort.
Proven Effects
Laboratory studies with water-based extracts have shown that something in the herb increases coronary artery blood flow and stimulates red blood cell production. One constituent of the extract, called ferulic acid, prevents platelets from clumping, which means that its use may prevent the sort of blood clot formation that leads to heart attacks and strokes (technically, ferulic acid is a cyclooxygenase and thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor). Ferulic acid also plays a role in the body's defenses against some cancer causing agents, such as N-nitroso compounds. Recent studies of the old SQT formula, sponsored by the Chinese government, tend to confirm that something in the mixture does enhance immunity. But, except for one study showing positive effects in women with cervical inflammation, none of these benefits have ever been proven in a clinical trial with real patients. Moreover, benefits observed in laboratory studies were seen after animals were injected with angelica extracts. It appears that most of the active ingredients in the leaves are destroyed in the stomach, and never reach the bloodstream. Toxicity studies have been done in human volunteers. Forty stroke patients were given large doses of angelica intravenously for up to one month, and no ill effects were observed. The effects of long-term use, however, have not been studied.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for dried whole root is 4.5 grams per day, equivalent to 1.5 to 3.0 grams per day of the 1:1 fluid extract, or 1.5 grams of the 1:5 tincture. If essential oil is being used, the recommended dose is 10-20 drops of oil per day. Alternatively, a tea can be made by putting one teaspoon of crushed seeds in one-half cup of boiling water.
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Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Cautions
Concerns
Angelica contains coumarin, the same molecule found in sweet clover and in new-mown hay. Coumarin is what gives these plants their pleasant smell. Coumarin, itself, is harmless, but under some conditions, as when sweet clover is allowed to ferment, coumarin can be converted to dicoumarol, a compound similar to the anticoagulants given to heart patients. The conversion is unlikely to occur in the case of angelica flowers, but seeds and stems do contain another coumarin derivative called furanocoumarin, also known as psoralen (the same molecule can also be found in limes, lemons, figs, and parsnips). Psoralen-containing drugs sensitize the skin to ultraviolet light, which is why they are used, under controlled conditions, to treat skin conditions such as vitiuigo and psoriasis. Severe sunburns can occur if a person takes psoralen and then is exposed to the sun.
Warning
Patients taking coumadin or other blood thinners should not be taking angelica. There is laboratory evidence that the coumarin present in the herb, even though it is not an anticoagulant, will decrease the ability of the body to metabolize prescribed blood thinners, and may result in dangerous bleeding tendencies.
Drug Testing
There is no evidence that any of the components found in angelica flowers have an effect on standard workplace urine screening tests.
Additional Information
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
