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Last verified: 17 days ago

Angelica Root

Also known as: Angelica sinensis, Danggui, Dong Quai, Japanese Angelica Root, Pubescent Angelica Root, Dang Gui

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Traditional herb used in Chinese medicine. Limited solo evidence; mostly studied in multi-herb blends.

  • What it does

    Angelica root is a flowering plant root used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), most commonly under the name Danggui or Dong Quai. It is typically used in combination with other...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    No established dose

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Angelica root is a flowering plant root used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), most commonly under the name Danggui or Dong Quai. It is typically used in combination with other herbs to support blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and address women's reproductive health concerns. Lab studies suggest it may promote nitric oxide production in blood vessels and support gut barrier function, but most human evidence comes from multi-herb formulas where isolating angelica root's specific contribution is not possible.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to work as a standalone treatment for menopause or hormonal symptoms in Western-style clinical trials. No solid evidence it treats anemia on its own — iron supplementation did the heavy lifting in the one relevant trial. Not shown to build muscle, boost testosterone, or detox the body. Don't expect results equivalent to TCM use when taking a Western supplement capsule — preparation, dosing tradition, and combination herbs all matter.

Evidence-Based Benefits

May reduce cancer-related fatigue when combined with iron therapy in women with preoperative anemia.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 7.5 g/day as part of Ninjin'yoeito formula

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 35701778

May lower preoperative anxiety in women when taken as part of a multi-herb Kampo formula.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 7.5 g/day as part of Ninjin'yoeito formula

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 35701778

Angelica root extract may help restore intestinal barrier function in lab cell studies.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 80 µg/mL in vitro (no human dose established)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 30353576

A compound in angelica root (isoapiole) promotes nitric oxide release and blood vessel relaxation in lab studies.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 0.75–5 µg/mL in vitro (no human dose established)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 27178631

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data from provided studies for standalone angelica root in humans. One rat study suggests co-administration with clopidogrel/aspirin may alter drug metabolism via CYP enzyme inhibition.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • May interact with blood-thinning medications like aspirin and clopidogrel — rat study showed altered drug metabolism when combined
  • Liver dysfunction reported in one patient taking a multi-herb formula containing angelica root (Ninjin'yoeito)
  • Most human studies use multi-herb blends, making it impossible to attribute effects to angelica root alone
  • Photosensitizing compounds (psoralens/furanocoumarins) are present in angelica species — may increase sun sensitivity
  • Quality and preparation vary widely between products; traditional smoke-drying and processing methods are rarely replicated in Western supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Angelica Root do?

Traditional herb used in Chinese medicine. Limited solo evidence; mostly studied in multi-herb blends.

What is the effective dose of Angelica Root?

No established dose

Is Angelica Root safe?

May interact with blood-thinning medications like aspirin and clopidogrel — rat study showed altered drug metabolism when combined

What doesn't Angelica Root do?

Not proven to work as a standalone treatment for menopause or hormonal symptoms in Western-style clinical trials.

Research Sources

  • PubMed
  • NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25