Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Chinese medicine and natural products 2025; 05(04): e199-e205
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1814093
Review Article

Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, and Clinical Applications of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)

Authors

  • Jiao Wu

    1   School of Pharmacy, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
  • Jialong Zhang

    1   School of Pharmacy, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
  • Fangchao Tong

    1   School of Pharmacy, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
  • Haichuan Yu

    1   School of Pharmacy, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
    2   School of Medical Technology, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China

Funding Key Scientific Research Projects of Henan Higher Education Institutions (21A320018).
 

Abstract

As a traditional medicinal and edible herb, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) exhibits pharmacological activities closely associated with its characteristic chemical components, such as volatile oils (e.g., ligustilide), organic acids (e.g., ferulic acid), and polysaccharides. It demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, neuroprotective functions, blood glucose regulation, antitumor activity, and hematopoietic promotion. Clinically, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) is often combined with other Chinese herbs to treat immune-related disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, and cancer. Although existing studies have identified some active components, the mechanisms and pharmacological roles of many others remain underexplored. Future research should focus on systematically analyzing diverse active constituents such as flavonoids, coumarins, amino acids, bioactive peptides, trace elements, and vitamins. Integrating multiomics and molecular docking technologies will help elucidate key targets and molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, thereby facilitating the development of precise therapies based on multicomponent synergy. Additionally, in-depth investigation of herb-pairing effects and establishment of scientific quality control standards are essential to expand clinical applications and enhance the medicinal value of this traditional herb.


Introduction

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), the dried root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels is one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). First documented in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica), it is renowned as “the supreme herb for blood disorders” and appears in over 90% of TCM prescriptions involving blood regulation. Primarily distributed in southern Gansu, northeastern and northwestern China,[1] it is also found in Japan and Korea. Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) serves both as a vital herb for replenishing qi and activating blood circulation and as a typical medicinal food. Modern studies have revealed that its chemical components—polysaccharides, organic acids, and volatile oils—possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular-protective, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and antitumor activities. Recent advances have uncovered new chemical constituents and pharmacological mechanisms. To further exploit this valuable TCM resource and promote herb development and rational clinical use, this article systematically reviews the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), providing a scientific basis for its in-depth development and clinical application.


Chemical Composition

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) boasts a rich, diverse, and structurally complex chemical composition. The main active components isolated and identified to date include volatile oils represented by ligustilide (LIG); organic acids marked by ferulic acid; biologically active polysaccharides; as well as flavonoids, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, and other constituents.[2]

Volatile Oils

The volatile oil content in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) is approximately 1%, making it one of the primary components. It can be divided into neutral, phenolic, and acidic fractions. The neutral volatile oil predominates, accounting for approximately 88% of the total, followed by the phenolic oil at approximately 10%, while the acidic oil content is the lowest at only 2%. Using combined fluorescence imaging and mass spectrometry imaging, volatile oils have been specifically found distributed in the oil chambers of the phloem, oil cavities of the phellem, and oil ducts of the xylem in the root. Dynamic differences in volatile oil accumulation were observed between the head (xylem) and tail (phloem),[3] with significant variation in content among different medicinal parts. The volatile oil content, from highest to lowest, follows this order: Body section (Guishen), tail section (Guiwei), head section (Guitou), and whole root (Quangui). The volatile oil of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) is primarily composed of phthalides, terpenes, and small amounts of aliphatic and aromatic compounds.

Phthalides

Phthalide compounds are characteristic components of volatile oil in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and were among the first compounds isolated and identified from the herb. These include E-ligustilide, Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide, and senkyunolide A.[4]


Phthalide Dimers

Phthalide dimers represent a class of compounds identified early in research. They mainly include Z-3′,8′,3′a,7′a-tetrahydro-6,3′,7,7′a-diligustilide-8′-ketone,[5] levistolide A, angelbisabol A, angelbisabol B, and E,E′-3–3′,8–8′-diligustilide.[6]


Other Components

The volatile oil of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) also contains terpenoids dominated by α-pinene, β-phellandrene, p-cedrene, and caryophyllene oxide; phenolic compounds primarily including butenylphenol and eugenol; and alkane compounds represented by tetradecane, nonane, and n-undecane.[5] In addition, it contains various other chemical components such as alloocimene, cuparene, myrcene, and limonene.



Organic Acids

Through isolation and identification, the main organic acids in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) have been determined to include ferulic acid, succinic acid, and vanillic acid. Ferulic acid, the representative organic acid, was the first efficacious component isolated from the herb.[7] The distribution of ferulic acid in different medicinal parts of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) shows significant site specificity, with the content trend being tail section (Guiwei) > body section (Guishen) > head section (Guitou).[8] Succinic acid and vanillic acid are enriched in the main root of the body section (Guishen); trace components such as nicotinic acid are mostly found in the fibrous roots, while palmitic acid and n-tetracosanoic acid are uniformly distributed or enriched in the epidermis, respectively.


Polysaccharides

Danggui polysaccharide (Angelica sinensis polysaccharide, ASP) is one of the main active components of the herb. ASP is a water-soluble polysaccharide primarily composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, trehalose, xylose, and galacturonic acid, with a molecular weight ranging from 0.2 to 2,252 kDa.[9] The content of ASP in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) is 15%,[10] with fructose content at 1.8% to 4.3%, glucose content at 0.3% to 1.4%, and sucrose content at 28.0% to 36.4%.[11] ASP can form more structurally complex heteropolysaccharides through polymerization, thereby exerting complement-activating activity.[12] A low-temperature environment of 15 °C inhibits ASP synthesis, leading to reduced polysaccharide content.[13]


Flavonoids

The flavonoids isolated from Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) mainly include three categories: Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and chalcone derivatives.[4] They also include components such as hyperoside, baicalin, and 2″-O-(2″-methylbutyryl) isoswertisin.[7]


Others

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) contains various amino acids such as arginine and glutamic acid, as well as trace elements including copper, iron, and manganese.[2] Additionally, it contains components such as folic acid, choline, uracil, and metabolites from Penicillium species. Specific chemical components are listed in [Table 1].

Table 1

Other chemical components of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)

Number

Category

Main components

1

Amino acids

Arginine, glutamic acid, proline, alanine, aspartic acid, threonine, leucine, serine, tryptophan, histidine, isoleucine, etc.

2

Vitamins

Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, etc.

3

Trace elements

Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, K, Ca, Ni, Sr, Rb, Na, etc.

4

Other components

Folic acid, folinic acid, choline, phospholipids, stearic acid, palmitic acid, uracil, adenine, metabolites from Penicillium spp., coumarins, etc.



Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Applications

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and its compound preparations exhibit multitarget and multipathway characteristics in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Chinese herbal compound, unprocessed, Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)–Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)–Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) demonstrates multidimensional regulatory effects in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Studies show that this combination significantly alleviates subchondral bone sclerosis, cartilage matrix degradation, and joint swelling in a destabilized medial meniscus model. The mechanism is associated with promoting chondrocyte proliferation and upregulating the gene expression of collagen type II α 1 chain (COL2A1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and aggrecan (ACAN). Further research revealed that unprocessed Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)–Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)–Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) inhibits interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β)-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhances the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, and effectively maintains chondrocyte homeostasis.[14] Active components of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) alone have also demonstrated multitarget therapeutic potential. ASP induces autophagy by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting sodium nitroprusside-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in chondrocytes. The protective effect was completely blocked by the ERK1/2-specific inhibitor U0126, indicating that ERK1/2-dependent autophagy activation is its core mechanism against OA.[15] ASP also alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in bovine hoof dermal cells by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, reducing the release of proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6.[16] In a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model, ASP simultaneously improved anemia, manifested by significantly restored serum iron levels, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration, while suppressing the overproduction of IL-6 and TNF-α, highlighting its dual “anti-inflammatory hematopoietic” regulatory property.[17]

Low-molecular-weight active components in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) also show significant pharmacological activity. The coumarin derivative glabralactone reduces the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated macrophages by targeting the interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3)/NF-κB pathway. In animal models, doses of 5 to 10 mg·kg−1 significantly alleviated acute inflammation.[18] A purified polysaccharide fraction F (composed of galactose, arabinose, and glucose) enhanced cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells by activating the NF-κB/MAPK pathway and complement receptor 3 (CR3)-dependent killing in macrophages, suggesting immunomodulatory potential.[19] Due to its high LIG content, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) essential oil exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory activity than Angelica dahurica or Foeniculum vulgare essential oils in inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) / Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway and modulating NF-κB/MAPK signaling, significantly reducing LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 release from macrophages.[20] LIG also alleviates doxorubicin-induced acute thymic senescence and improves immune function by antagonizing the binding of thymosin β15 to G-actin, thereby maintaining the cytoskeletal stability of thymic epithelial cells.[21]

In summary, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and its compound formulations can, through multicomponent synergistic effects, target the regulation of autophagy–apoptosis balance, oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and the immune microenvironment. This provides an integrated “multipathway, multitarget” intervention strategy for the treatment of OA and other inflammation-related diseases.


Cardio–Cerebrovascular Protection

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and its active components play significant roles in preventing and treating cardio–cerebrovascular diseases through multitarget synergistic mechanisms. Studies confirm that its organic acids (e.g., ferulic acid), volatile oils (e.g., Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide, and senkyunolides), and polysaccharides can regulate vasomotor function, inhibit oxidative stress-inflammatory cascades, and modulate the balance between autophagy and apoptosis, thereby ameliorating pathological processes such as atherosclerosis, myocardial fibrosis, and ischemic injury.[22] Ferulic acid alleviates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced mitochondrial damage and inhibits NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses by activating autophagic flux in endothelial cells, significantly delaying the progression of atherosclerosis.[23] Volatile oil components (e.g., Z-ligustilide) in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) granules induce endothelium-dependent vasodilation by modulating the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) / Myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) calcium channel and NO/cGMP pathways, protecting vascular endothelial barrier function.[24] ASP reduces H9C2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis by suppressing the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins and improves cardiac function while reducing infarct size in acute myocardial infarction models, mechanisms closely associated with ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition.[25] Compound studies further reveal synergistic effects: The Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)–Huangqi (Astragali Radix) ultrafiltration extract significantly alleviates radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis by dually inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling axis and the reactive oxygen species – toll-like receptor 4 (ROS-TLR)/NF-κB pathway, downregulating α-smooth muscle actin and type I/III collagen expression, and blocking epithelial–mesenchymal transition.[26] Huangqi (Astragali Radix)-Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) nanoparticles, based on the self-assembly properties of Z-ligustilide and astragaloside IV, target the TGF-β1/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) pathway, reduce myocardial collagen deposition in isoproterenol-model mice, and reverse ventricular remodeling.[27]


Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and its active components demonstrate potential for multitarget synergistic intervention in neurological diseases. Studies found that imperatorin from Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) roots alleviates neuronal apoptosis and cerebral infarct size in a forebrain ischemia gerbil model by inhibiting hippocampal glial cell activation and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, while mitigating astrocyte injury, confirming its dual anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.[28] β-sitosterol and stigmasterol from Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) delay the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease through multiple pathways, including regulating acetylcholine metabolism, modulating vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and interfering with T-cell immune responses.[29] Compound studies further elucidate synergistic mechanisms: The Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)–Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) herbal pair, with LIG and terpenoids as core components, promotes neuronal survival by activating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) / tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) pathway[30]; an optimized Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) formulation significantly improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease model rats by inhibiting hippocampal NLRP3 inflammasome activation, upregulating choline acetyltransferase expression, and reducing β-amyloid deposition, involving dual regulation of oxidative stress (including increased SOD activity and reduced malondialdehyde levels) and the cholinergic system.[31]


Blood Glucose Regulation

In the treatment of diabetes and its complications, coumarin compounds abundant in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, regulate pancreatic β-cell function, increase insulin secretion, and improve glucose metabolism disorders with low toxicity and side effects.[32] The specific component 6-fluorouracil simultaneously inhibits α-glucosidase and human recombinant aldose reductase, promotes glucose uptake in insulin-resistant C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through competitive inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase, and significantly inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products, demonstrating potential against diabetes and its complications.[33] The Huangqi (Astragali Radix)–Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) herbal pair exerts therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy and delays its progression by influencing key cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby regulating processes including apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and glucose and lipid metabolism.[34] In a type 2 diabetes model, ASP reduces fasting blood glucose and the insulin resistance index, improves bone metabolism markers, and promotes the repair of diabetic bone injury.[35] In advanced delivery strategies, baicalin–aluminum trichloride self-assembled nanoparticles significantly enhance oral bioavailability by protecting the gastrointestinal stability of insulin, providing a new technical approach for oral diabetes treatment.[36]


Antitumor Effects

ASP and other active components demonstrate multidimensional antitumor potential in cancer treatment, with mechanisms involving targeted delivery, epigenetic regulation, and signaling pathway intervention. Nanodelivery systems co-constructed by ASP and chemotherapeutic herbs enhance antitumor efficacy: ASP–doxorubicin nanoparticles based on matrix metalloproteinase-2 responsiveness achieve precise intratumoral herb release, significantly inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation.[37] A pH-responsive nanocarrier formed by copolymerization of ASP and deoxycholic acid enhances the targeted delivery efficiency of oridonin through efficient uptake by hepatocytes and a lysosomal escape mechanism.[38] ASP can influence the development of various cancers by regulating miRNA expression. ASP inhibits the malignant biological behavior of breast cancer by suppressing miR-3187-3P to upregulate PDCD10 expression, inhibiting β-catenin and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β protein expression,[39] and combined with cisplatin, it downregulates glutathione peroxidase (GPx) expression in herb-resistant ovarian cancer cells, reversing resistance to ferroptosis.[40] Ethanol extracts of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and its coumarin component decursin inhibit pancreatic cancer cell viability by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and Caspase-3-dependent apoptosis, while reducing tumor invasiveness by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/MMP-2/9 axis,[41] and also suppress tumor growth in a prostate cancer model.[42] LIG blocks the proliferation and migration of cholangiocarcinoma cells by upregulating NDRG1 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.[43] Flavonoid components can modulate the secretion of inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment and enhance chemosensitivity.[44] Through these multimechanistic synergies, active components of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) provide an integrated strategy of “precision delivery–epigenetic regulation–pathway inhibition” for malignant tumor therapy.


Effects on the Hematologic System

ASP finds broader application in treating hematologic diseases, regulating hematopoietic function through multipathway synergistic mechanisms. Its activities encompass immunomodulation, antioxidant defense, and microenvironment homeostasis maintenance.[9] Specific actions include activating the PI3K/AKT signaling axis, inhibiting Caspase-3-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis, stabilizing platelet membrane potential, and promoting peripheral blood erythrocyte and platelet production[45]; activating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, inhibiting ROS accumulation in the hematopoietic microenvironment, maintaining bone marrow stromal cell function, upregulating antioxidant enzyme expression such as SOD and catalase, and reversing hematopoietic failure induced by aging or the chemotherapeutic herb 5-fluorouracil[46]; regulating the thrombin–protein C system to inhibit thrombosis, while targeting and inhibiting leukemia stem cell proliferation and inducing their senescence[35]; inhibiting hepcidin expression and upregulating ferroportin 1 activity, blocking the BMP6/SMAD4 signaling axis and suppressing IL-6/STAT3 pathway-mediated aberrant hepcidin synthesis in hepatocytes, regulating iron metabolism homeostasis in pregnant rats, significantly improving iron deficiency anemia, and providing an iron homeostasis-targeted intervention strategy for anemia during pregnancy.[47]


Hepatoprotective Effects

Multiple active components in Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) exhibit significant hepatoprotective effects.[48] ASP can inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, reduce serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,[49] alleviate liver injury induced by diabetes or the chemical toxin CCl4, and significantly lower plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels to improve liver function.[50] Its antioxidant effects manifest as upregulating SOD, GPx, and catalase activity, while inhibiting malondialdehyde accumulation and abnormal phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 in the MAPK signaling pathway, blocking the oxidative stress-inflammatory cascade.[51] ASP synergizes with Huangqi (Astragali Radix) polysaccharides to activate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis, promoting hepatocyte proliferation by upregulating hexokinase 2-mediated glycolytic flux and accelerating regeneration after partial hepatectomy; this effect is completely blocked by the JAK2 inhibitor AG490, confirming the critical role of glycolytic reprogramming.[52] In ASP-modified selenium nanoparticles, synergistic activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway and inhibition of the ROS/TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory cascade reduce serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)/Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) levels, decrease liver tissue necrotic area, and enhance SOD/GSH activity, significantly alleviating acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. This targeted delivery system enhances the bioavailability of selenium nanoparticles through the liver affinity of ASP.[53]


Other Effects

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and its active components demonstrate multidimensional regulatory potential in skin diseases and cross-domain applications. In skin disease treatment, its compound preparations intervene in key pathological pathways through synergistic mechanisms: Danggui decoction combined with tacrolimus and boric acid lotion significantly improves symptoms of chronic perianal eczema by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling cascade[54]; baicalin–humic acid-Eu2+ nanoparticles enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of hyaluronic acid patches, prolong herb retention at psoriatic lesions, and regulate T helper 17 cell (Th17) /regulatory T cell (Treg) immune balance.[55] Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) extract alleviates oxidative damage in aquatic organisms induced by high-density farming and chemical toxins (CuSO4, trichlorfon) by clearing ROS, enhancing SOD and GPx activity, while improving energy metabolism enzyme activity to maintain muscle function homeostasis.[56] In reproductive medicine, LIG enhances endometrial receptivity and improves embryo implantation rates by promoting endometrial angiogenesis and regulating the integrin–osteopontin signaling pathway.[57] Nanotechnology expands its application to other dimensions like baicalin–berberine self-assembled nanoparticles form a three-dimensional network structure based on electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds, significantly enhancing antibacterial activity and inhibiting biofilm formation, providing a novel intervention strategy for herb-resistant bacterial infections[58]; Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) essential oil extends food shelf life while maintaining sensory quality by disrupting Penicillium roqueforti cell membrane integrity, inhibiting ergosterol synthesis, and inducing ROS accumulation, highlighting its potential in the natural preservative field.[59]



Conclusion

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), with its rich chemical composition and broad pharmacological effects, plays a crucial role in the treatment of various diseases. In practice, it is often combined with other Chinese herbs to treat immune-related disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, cancer, etc. Although some active components of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) have been studied in detail, the mechanisms and pharmacological roles of many constituents remain underexplored. Future research should focus on the systematic analysis of its diverse active components, such as flavonoids, coumarins, amino acids, bioactive peptides, trace elements, vitamins, liposoluble constituents, phenolic acids, sterols, and triterpenoids. By integrating multiomics and molecular docking technologies, key targets in biological pathways related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects can be elucidated, and molecular mechanisms for direct intervention in disease progression can be explored. This will provide a theoretical basis for developing precise therapeutic strategies leveraging the synergistic effects of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) multicomponents. Notably, future efforts should prioritize the development and optimization of self-assembly nanotechnology for ASP and Angelica sinensis flavonoids. In-depth studies on their formation mechanisms, physicochemical properties, and bioactivity, as well as exploration of their potential in treating cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, and oncological diseases, will help enhance herb bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This approach will provide innovative solutions for the modernization of TCM and precision medicine. Furthermore, research on the compatibility of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) with other herbs should be advanced to explore synergistic effects that enhance efficacy or mitigate potential adverse reactions. Continued investigation into the active components and pharmacological mechanisms of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) will facilitate the development and refinement of quality control standards, expand its clinical applications, and fully realize its medicinal value.



Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Secondary Publication Statement

The original version of this Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, and Clinical Applications of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) appeared in Chinese from School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Medicine, Xinxiang, Henan,China, published Acta Chinese Medicine, Vol.40 No.9,2025.



Address for correspondence

Haichuan Yu, Professor
School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Medicine
Xinxiang, Henan 453000
China   

Publication History

Received: 10 July 2025

Accepted: 20 August 2025

Article published online:
30 December 2025

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