Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Radix Angelica sinensis

The roots of Angelica sinensis(RAS),are a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used in prescriptions for replenishing blood,treating abnormal menstruation,and other women's diseases.It has also been widely marketed as health food for women's care in Asia,and as a dietary supplement in Europe and America.RAS is well-known for its hematopoietic,antioxidant,and immunoregulatory activities.RAS also possesses anti-cancer,memory,radioprotective,and neuroprotective effects.Phytochemical investigations on this plant led to organic acids,phthalides,polysaccharides,and other metabiolites.Based on recent animal studies and clinical trials,RAS has been used in the treatment of gynecologic diseases,cardio-cerebrovascular disease,nervous system diseases,and nephrotic syndrome.In this review,the recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies,drug-drug interactions,clinical applications,and toxicity of RAS are summarized.