Taiwanese Angelica (Angelica acutiloba): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Taiwanese Angelica work as a blood tonic?

Taiwanese Angelica contains active compounds including ligustilide, senkyunolide, ferulic acid, and polysaccharides that contribute to its blood-tonifying effects. These compounds demonstrate antispasmodic activity and may support circulation through smooth muscle relaxation. Ferulic acid provides antioxidant properties, while ligustilide has been studied for potential blood-regulating mechanisms. In Kampo medicine, it is classified as a blood and qi tonic that nourishes deficient blood states. Evidence level: C (preliminary pharmacological data).

Can I take Taiwanese Angelica with blood thinners or anticoagulants?

No, Taiwanese Angelica should not be combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. The herb possesses blood-activating properties that may potentiate the effects of warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and similar blood-thinning drugs, increasing bleeding risk. This interaction represents a significant contraindication. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should avoid this herb entirely and consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any traditional blood tonic remedies.

What is the recommended dosage for Taiwanese Angelica root?

The standard adult dosage for Taiwanese Angelica is 6-15 grams of dried root prepared as a decoction, or approximately 400mg as a standardized extract. In Kampo practice, it is typically combined with other herbs in formulated preparations rather than used alone. Dosage may vary based on individual constitution and specific condition. Consult a qualified Kampo practitioner for personalized dosing guidance. Evidence level: C (traditional use with limited clinical data).

Is Taiwanese Angelica safe during pregnancy?

Taiwanese Angelica is unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. The herb has emmenagogue properties that stimulate uterine contractions and promote menstrual flow, creating a risk of miscarriage. Women who are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or breastfeeding should avoid this herb entirely. This contraindication is well-established in traditional medicine systems. Evidence level: Traditional use contraindication.

What is Taiwanese Angelica used for in Kampo medicine?

In Kampo medicine, Taiwanese Angelica is primarily used as a blood tonic for women, addressing menstrual irregularities and pain associated with blood deficiency patterns. It functions as an antispasmodic agent and is prescribed for conditions involving poor circulation, anemia-like symptoms, and gynecological complaints. The root is considered similar to Chinese dang gui (Angelica sinensis) and is valued for nourishing both blood and qi in traditional practice. Evidence level: C (traditional use with limited clinical validation).

What side effects does Taiwanese Angelica cause?

Taiwanese Angelica may cause photosensitivity, increasing skin sensitivity to sunlight and potential sunburn risk. Gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and stomach discomfort, has been reported. Due to its blood-activating properties, some individuals may experience increased bleeding tendency. Those with bleeding disorders or scheduled for surgery should avoid this herb. Discontinue use at least two weeks before any planned surgical procedure. Evidence level: Traditional use and case reports.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Angelica acutiloba, also known as Yamato-Toki or Japanese Dong Quai, is a medicinal plant endemic to Japan and cultivated in Taiwan, primarily used for treating gynecological disorders [PMID: 20527290, 21308821, 38427209].

Background

Angelica acutiloba is a member of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family [PMID: 37907950, 38427209]. It is a source of the crude drug Angelicae acutilobae radix, which is listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia [PMID: 34622386, 38427209].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used in Japanese Kampo medicine and Chinese formulations, primarily for the treatment of gynecological disorders [PMID: 20527290, 26463105, 38427209, 42156617]. It is also used for a variety of psychological and neurodegenerative disorders [PMID: 29269276].

Active compounds

Key compounds include (Z)-ligustilide [PMID: 34622386, 40887268, 38183407], (Z)-butylidenephthalide [PMID: 40887268], (E)-ferulic acid [PMID: 29464510], kaempferol-3-O-α-L-(4''-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnoside (KAE) [PMID: 37907950, 41759792], platanoside (PLA) [PMID: 37907950], tokiaerialide, falcarindiol, and bergaptol [PMID: 26463105], as well as immunostimulating polysaccharides (AIP) and arabinogalactans [PMID: 6981588, 3735056, 4000133].

Mechanism of action

KAE induces A549 cell pyroptosis via the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway [PMID: 37907950] and alleviates acute lung injury by targeting Keap1 Arg415 to activate the Nrf2 pathway and suppress ferroptosis [PMID: 41759792], as well as inhibiting the intracellular DNA-cGAS-STING axis [PMID: 39840115]. Ligustilide selectively eliminates senescent cells [PMID: 38183407].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DInsulin resistance

Oral administration of A. acutiloba root extract (300 mg/kg/day) in rats fed a high-fructose diet reduced HOMA-IR and elevated ISIcomp, showing effects similar to pioglitazone [PMID: 21308821]

Evidence DCerebrovascular ischemia/Memory impairment

Oral administration of Angelica root in rats increased hippocampal acetylcholine levels, prevented apoptosis, and improved memory in a radial maze task [PMID: 29269276]

Evidence DUlcerative colitis

Oral administration of AAK extract (500 mg/kg/day) in DSS-induced murine colitis significantly alleviated weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools, and colon shortening [PMID: 27293323]

Evidence DBlood flow regulation

Oral administration of an ethanol extract of Yamato Toki (200 mg) significantly increased blood flow in the hind paw of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats [PMID: 30549606]

Evidence DSpatial cognition impairment

Fractions of Angelica acutiloba (specifically the butanol layer containing N-methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide and amines) increased correct choices in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats [PMID: 15351791]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based on in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal models (rats and mice), indicating potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic benefits. There are no human clinical trials provided in the source abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37581741 (2023) — Population genetic structure of wild Angelica acutiloba, A. acutiloba var. iwatensis, and their hybrids by atpF-atpA intergenic spacer in chloroplast DNA and genome-wide SNP analysis using MIG-seq. · Journal of natural medicines
2.PMID: 34622386 (2022) — Efficient fertilization in the cultivation of Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag. in Hokkaido: Effect of amount of supplied nitrogen on growth, yield, and quality of A. acutiloba. · Journal of natural medicines
3.PMID: 33686489 (2021) — Studies on cultivation of Angelica acutiloba using paper pot (Part 2): effect of difference in taproot base diameter of seedlings on growth after planting and quality of toki produced from paper pot seedlings. · Journal of natural medicines
4.PMID: 20527290 (2009) — [History and the present of cultivation and production of Angelica root, Yamato-Toki, in Japan]. · Yakushigaku zasshi
5.PMID: 37907950

Taiwanese Angelica

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Taiwanese Angelica

Saussurea Obvallata

Ligusticum Chuanxiong Herb

Wild Yam

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Taiwanese Angelica

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Taiwanese Angelica

Related Herbs

Saussurea Obvallata

Ligusticum Chuanxiong Herb

Wild Yam

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources