Angelic is a genus of plants and herbs often used in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian countries. The roots of many species of Angelic are used to make medicinal plants. However, angelica root generally refers to the species angelica archangelica (archangelica). It can also refer to angelica sinensis (sinensis).

The roots and other parts of these two plants have a long history of use in traditional and herbal medicine, although sinensis has been the subject of more in-depth research.

sinensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of purposes, including hormonal balance, digestive support, and liver detoxification.

On the other hand, archangelica is traditionally used in European countries for digestive problems, circulation problems and anxiety.

Yet there is little scientific evidence to support many of these uses for either type.

This article reviews what angelica root is, the differences between archangelica et sinensis, how they are used, their advantages and disadvantages, and typical dosage.

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What is angelica root?

Plants in the Angelic The genus grows up to 3 meters tall and has clusters of globe-shaped green or yellow flowers that blossom into small yellow fruits.

They also tend to have a strong, unique smell due to the aromatic compounds they contain. The scent is often described as musky, earthy, or herbaceous ().

sinensis is known by a variety of names, including dong quai and female ginseng. It is native to China and other East Asian countries, where it is primarily used in traditional medicine to treat female hormonal problems.

On the other hand, archangelica is commonly called wild celery or Norwegian angelica. This type grows mainly in European countries, where it is used in certain culinary applications or as herbal medicine.

Although the name angelica root implies that only the root is used, most archangelica Supplements and herbal products contain the root, seeds, fruits and/or flowers of the plant. sinensis products are usually made only with the root of the plant.

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sinensis et archangelica are related, but usually only the root of the sinensis the plant is used in herbal medicine, while the whole archangelica the plant is used.

How they are used

Angelica root, especially archangelica, has some culinary uses. It is sometimes used in the production of, and the leaves can be candied for use as a garnish or decoration.

However, it is mainly used as an herbal remedy. It has a long history of use as a traditional medicine in Europe and Russia, where it grows wild.

Similarly, sinensis the root is used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for women's health purposes ().

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sinensis is used for women's health problems in traditional Chinese medicine, while archangelica is used in parts of Europe as an herbal remedy and to make spirits.

Benefits

Overall, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the benefits of angelica root – neither sinensis ni archangelica.

Benefits of A. sinensis

It is believed that most of the potential benefits of sinensis come from ligustilide, a potent compound that comprises about 1% of the plant and provides much of its strong scent (, , ).

Anticancer properties

In animal and test tube studies, sinensis the extract kills glioblastoma cells, which is a form of aggressive brain cancer (, ).

However, this does not mean that taking an angelica root supplement can kill people. In fact, this is unlikely, and much more research in humans is needed before sinensis can be considered as a potential treatment for cancer.

Although these findings are a promising starting point for future research, you should follow the advice of your healthcare team if you have cancer.

Wound healing

sinensis can promote by encouraging angiogenesis or the creation of new blood vessels (, ).

There is also preliminary evidence that it may specifically promote healing in diabetic foot wounds. These can be more serious and slower to heal than other wounds due to damage to blood vessels and tissues caused by high blood sugar ().

Relief from menopausal hot flashes

One of the most common uses of sinensis, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, is the management and other female hormonal problems ().

Complementary therapies are also growing in popularity as more people seek natural options for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats ().

Some evidence suggests that decreased levels of serotonin in the body may contribute to menopausal hot flashes, and angelica root may help maintain or increase circulating levels of serotonin – thereby reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes. heat ().

Yet there is very little high-quality evidence to support the use of sinensis for menopausal symptoms, nor any long-term evidence of its safety in postmenopausal women (, ).

Arthritis relief

sinensis may provide protection against both, or joint “wear and tear,” as well as against rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the joints.

Complete with sinensis may decrease inflammation, prevent further joint damage, and promote cartilage repair in osteoarthritis ().

Regarding AR, sinensis may decrease the inflammatory response, reduce pain, and improve some of its other symptoms ().

However, these studies were conducted in test tubes and animal models, so further research is needed.

Advantages of A. Archangelica

archangelica may also provide some benefits, but little research has been done on this herb. Additionally, most existing research has been conducted in test tube and animal studies, which can only serve as promising starting points for future human studies.

Anticancer properties

In test tube and animal studies, archangelica - as sinensis – exhibits promising anticancer and antitumor effects.

For example, it has been found to kill breast cancer cells in test tubes and inhibit tumor growth in mice. It may have similar effects on laryngeal cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma cells (, , ).

These effects are thought to come from angelicin and imperatorin, two powerful phytochemicals found in archangelica (, , ).

However, this research is insufficient to prove that archangelica may provide anticancer or antitumor benefits in humans. Further studies are needed. You should follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team if you have cancer.

Antimicrobial effects

archangelica can also kill harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.

In test tube studies, archangelica essential oil can kill pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus et Escherichia coli ().

archangelica extract and certain compounds isolated from it, including imperatorin, also exhibit antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (cold sore) and coxsackie virus, which causes digestive diseases ().

archangelica The essential oil also shows promise as a potential food-safe preservative to inhibit mold growth, as it can kill mold growing on nuts ().

Anti-anxiety effects

Finally, there is compelling evidence from animal studies that archangelica can .

Three rat studies noted that archangelica extract the induced relaxation and reduction of anxious behaviors in animals (, , ).

However, these studies have not been replicated in humans, so it is unclear whether it would have the same effects in humans. Human studies are needed.

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sinensis offers potential benefits for wound healing, menopause and arthritis. archangelica may provide anti-anxiety and antimicrobial benefits. Both types can kill some cancer cells in test-tube studies, but more research in humans is needed.

Drawbacks

Angelica root, especially sinensis, has known side effects and may cause some drug interactions. While archangelica may also have potential side effects, it has not been studied as much as sinensis.

There have been suspected cases of high doses sinensis supplements causing heart problems. sinensis can also increase your blood pressure (, ).

sinensis may also interact with drugs such as warfarin, possibly causing dangerous and potentially fatal bleeding in some cases. If you are taking a blood thinner, you should not use sinensis without first obtaining it from your healthcare professional (, , ).

In addition, members of the Angelic The genus contains furanocoumarins, which are the same compounds in grapefruit that can interact with many medications, including some cholesterol-lowering and anti-seizure medications ().

Talk to your healthcare provider before supplementing with any type of Angelic if you are taking prescription medications that carry a grapefruit warning.

Additionally, be aware that photodermatitis, which is an abnormal skin response to ultraviolet (UV) rays, and contact dermatitis are also a concern when handling the angelica plant ().

Finally, due to a lack of evidence regarding their safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women, you should avoid taking archangelica et sinensis if you are pregnant, try to become pregnant or are breastfeeding ().

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sinensis may increase your blood pressure, cause heart problems, and interact with blood thinners. In addition, the plants of Angelic genus may interact with drugs carrying a grapefruit warning.

Dosage and precautions

Angelica root supplements are sold as capsules and liquid extracts, as well as dried as tea.

A standard dosage has not been established, and it is not clear what a safe dose would be to avoid potential complications and side effects. Most angelica root supplements contain 500 to 2 mg of angelica root extract powder or angelica root per serving.

If you are taking a blood thinner or have pre-existing or heart problems, you should avoid sinensis unless your healthcare professional has recommended it.

Additionally, avoid self-treating a medical condition with a Angelicsupplement, as this can delay professional care and have serious consequences.

Be sure to consult your healthcare professional before considering it for health purposes.

Purchasing angelica root

Make sure the product you are purchasing contains the type of Angelic that you are looking for and aligns with the desired effects of supplementation.

Many supplements called angelica root or angelica do not specify the type they are made with.

Typically, dong quai supplements are made with sinensis, and angelica root supplements are made with archangelica.

However, some sinensis supplements are also called angelica root. To avoid confusion, only purchase a product that reveals which species of Angelic it contains.

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A standard dosage has not been established. Most angelica root supplements contain 500 to 2 mg of angelica root extract powder or angelica root per serving. Also check that the species of Angelic used in the supplement is indicated on the label.

The bottom line

Angelica root is a popular medicinal herb that has been historically used in parts of Europe and East Asia. Angelica root can refer to either archangelica ou sinensis.

Although each has a multitude of reported uses, there is very little evidence to support any of them, and most of the existing evidence comes from animal and test tube studies.

If you are interested in taking angelica root, make sure the supplement you purchase is the species of angelica root you are looking for.