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An evaluation of the therapeutic activity of A. sinensis on focal ischemic injury in rats showed reduced volume of cerebral infarction, reduced Bax protein expression, and significant decreases in the number of neuronal apoptosis cells (Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc. 2005;32:209-15). Improvement in microcirculation, with obvious implications for various organs, was achieved by the intravenous injection of A. sinensis in a study examining the mechanism of microcirculation disorder in the tongue in the common oral disease glossodynia (Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2000;18:101-2, 108).
Aqueous extract of A. sinensis has been shown in a rabbit model to impart myocardial protective effects caused by ischemia reperfusion (Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1995;15:486-8).
A study of the effects of two herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats revealed that ligustrazini and, to a lesser extent, A. sinensis, lessened the severity of alveolitis symptomatic of pulmonary fibrosis (Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi 1996;19:26-8).
Similarly, a traditional Chinese medicinal decoction containing A. sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus, which is used for stimulating production of red blood cells and bolstering cardiovascular function, was shown in a rat model to confer myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury (Phytother. Res. 2000;14:195-9).
Injection of Qi-Xue, another Chinese herb combination containing A. sinensis, Panax ginseng, and Astragalus monogholicus, is thought to prevent severe hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by enhancing heart function (Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 1990;12:51-5).
In high doses, A. sinensis may increase susceptibility to photosensitivity reactions, so sun exposure should be curtailed. It also is contraindicated for patients taking warfarin (Lancet 2000; 355:134-8; J. Am. Med. Womens Assoc. 1999;54:191-2, 195).
Conclusions
A. sinensis is one of the oldest and most popular herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. While there is an expanding body of research on the broad medical applications of this botanical product, and it is being used in multibotanical formulations, there is minimal evidence as yet to warrant its use for dermatologic purposes.
Recent studies, however, do seem to indicate that A. sinensis has antioxidant and antitumorigenic activity and that it warrants further investigation, including for its potential benefit to the skin. Research associating angelica with melanocytic, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic properties also deserves attention and further study.
Although little dermatologic research has been done, the Angelica sinensis plant, also known as dong quai, appears to have antioxidant and antitumorigenic activity.
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