Angelica sinensis root; Chinese Angelica ;Radix Angelicae Sinensis

Part

Chinese Angelica is the dried root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv). Diels (Fam. Umbelliferae).

Character

Somewhat cylindrical, 3~5 or more branched at the lower part, 15~25 cm long. Externally yellowish-brown to brown, longitudinally wrinkled and transversely lenticellate. Root stocks (Guitou) 1.5~4 cm in diameter, annulated, apex obtuse and rounded, showing purple or yellowish-green remains of stems and leaf sheaths; main roots (Guishen) lumpy on the surface; branching roots (Guiwei) 0.3~1 cm in diameter, the upper portion thick and the lower portion thin, mostly twisted and exhibiting a few rootlet scars. Texture flexible, fracture yellowish-white or yellowish-brown dotted secretory cavities, wood paler in colour, cambium ring yellowish-brown. Odour, strongly aromatic; taste, sweet, pungent and slightly bitter.

It is not used medicinally if the roots become woody, withered and not oily, or greenish-brown on the fracture.

Water

≤7.0%

Acid-insoluble Ash

≤2.0%

Assay

It contains not less than 0.050 % of Ferulic acid(C₁₀H₁₀O₄)on the dried basis.

Action and Indication

To activate blood circulation and stimulate menstrual discharge.For anemia with dizziness and palpitation; menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea; constipation; rheumatic arthralgia; traumatic injuries; carbuncles, boils and sores.

Storage

Preserve in a cool and dry place, protected from heat, moisture and moth.