Dahurian angelica / bai zhi (白芷)

Angelica dahurica

Chinese

Photo credit: Alicia-C

Safety information

Toxicity: Low orally at traditional doses; furanocoumarins are phototoxic (photosensitization, esp. with topical use + UV).

Contraindications: Yin-deficiency heat (TCM); photosensitivity caution.

Interactions: Furanocoumarins inhibit CYP3A4 (grapefruit-like) -> can raise levels of co-administered drugs; additive photosensitizers.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

powder (topical for sores) · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

in formula · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: releases the exterior, expels wind, opens the nose, dries dampness, relieves pain, expresses pus; frontal/supraorbital headache, sinus congestion, toothache, sores

Proposed mechanism: coumarins/furanocoumarins (imperatorin, isoimperatorin, byakangelicin), volatile oil — anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Toothache sinus congestion Headache sores

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (1)

[E24] Angelica dahurica traditional uses/phytochemistry/pharmacology review

All sources →