Pharmacological action and Toxicity of Angelica sinensis

Objectives : Angelica sinensis has been used extensively in Korean traditional medicine. Although thorough clinical trials are lacking, Various pharmacological actions for Angelica sinensis has been identified newly using animal models. In addition, it was reported that reactive intermediates, potentially causing toxic effects, was isolated from components in Angelica sinensis. In this article, it was purposed for explanation and introduction of new studies for Angelica sinensis. in terms of Pharmacological action and Toxicity. Methods : New studies for Angelica sinensis were reviewed and summarized in terms of pharmacological action and toxicity. Results and Conclusions : Angelica sinensis and its components including phthalide, phthalide dimers, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, ligustilide와 butylidenephthalide as well as organic acid showed a variety of pharmacological actions on uterine, cardiovascular system and immune system. In addition, it was identified that three components of such as ligustilide, caffeic acid and safrole was biotransformed to reactive intermediates causing possibly toxicity.