Women’s Ginseng (Angelica sinensis): An Ethnopharmacological Dossier

Angelica sinensis is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant which has been widely used for various ailments as tonic, hematopoietic and anti-inflammatory including gynaecological disorders. The root is the part preferentially used for medicinal purpose. Modern phytochemistry and pharmacological experiments revealed several bioactive phytoconstituents in Angelica sinensis and also indicated polysaccharides as major active ingredients in the plant. The plant possessed various important biological activities, such as haematopoiesis, immunomodulation, antitumor, antioxidant, radioprotection, etc. The aim of the present review is to summarize previous and current studies regarding the ethnopharmacology of the plant including phytoconstituents and other related issues.