✵The article records the herb Dahurian Angelica Root—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources as defined in classical herbal texts. It describes two primary plant species: (1) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f., and (2) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f.var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan; as well as four other usable species: (3) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.Et Hook.f.ex Franch.Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’, (4) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.var.dahurica, (5) Angelica dahurica var.formosana ‘Chuanbaizhi’, and (6) Heracleum scabridum Franch. The text provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these six plants; the characteristics of the herb Dahurian Angelica Root; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Bái Zhǐ
English Name: Dahurian Angelica Root
Latin Name: Radix Angelicae Dahuricae
Properties and Flavor: Warm; pungent
Brief Introduction: Radix Angelicae Dahuricae is the dried root of Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. or Angelica dahurica var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan (family Apiaceae, formerly Umbelliferae). It is used (1) to release the exterior, dispel wind, and alleviate pain—especially in frontal headache and nasal congestion due to wind-cold invasion, rheumatic arthralgia, and toothache; (2) to eliminate dampness and relieve leukorrhea; and (3) to drain pus and reduce swelling—used for boils, sores, abscesses, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Commonly known as Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Dahurian Angelica Root, or Bái Zhǐ.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal texts define Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bái Zhǐ) as the dried root of two Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) species: (1) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. and (2) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan. Other renowned herbal classics also recognize several additional congeneric species from the same family: (3) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. Ex Hoffm.) Benth. Et Hook.f .ex Franch. Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’, (4) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook. var. dahurica, (5) Angelica dahurica var. formosana ‘Chuanbaizhi’, and (6) Heracleum scabridum Franch. These are members of the genus Angelica (or Heracleum) in the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae, parsley family), order Apiales. The two primary and four supplementary species are described below:
(1) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as Dahurian angelica or Bái Zhǐ. Growing 1–1.5 meters tall, it bears a cylindrical root with a nearly square upper portion; the surface is tawny-brown and marked by numerous prominent lenticel-like transverse protrusions arranged along several longitudinal grooves. Stems and leaf sheaths are predominantly olive-green (greenish-yellow).
Basal leaves are pinnate with long petioles and possess a tubular, amplexicaul (stem-clasping) sheath at the petiole base, bearing membranous margins. Upper stem leaves are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid; the leaf blade is oval to triangular in outline, measuring 15–30 cm in length and 10–25 cm in width. The lower petiole expands into a cystic, swollen, membranous sheath, glabrous or glabrate, often purplish. Terminal lobes are oblong, oval, or linear-lanceolate, mostly sessile, 2.5–6 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, acuminate, with irregularly cartilaginous, white, serrated margins and short, pointed apices; bases are often asymmetrical and decurrent into aliform wings along the leaf axis; Leaves immediately below the inflorescence are reduced to an aphyllous, markedly enlarged cystic sheath, externally glabrous.
Compound umbels are terminal or lateral, 10–30 cm in diameter; peduncles measure 5–20 cm and, together with the rays (umbel spokes) and pedicels, bear short, coarse hairs. There are 18–40 rays; 1–2 involucral bracts (usually absent); 5–10 bracteoles, linear-lanceolate and membranous; white flowers; petals obovate with apically incurved tips; styles twice as long as the short, conical stylopodium.
Fruits are oblong to ovoid, yellowish-brown (sometimes purplish), 4–7 mm long and 4–6 mm wide, glabrous. Dorsal ridges are oblong, thick, and obtuse—far wider than the intervening grooves; lateral wings are aliform and narrower than the fruit body. Each lateral groove contains one vitta (oil duct); two vittae occur on the commissure. Flowering occurs from July to August; fruiting from August to September.
Ecological Environment: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. grows in forests, along forest edges, beside streams, in thickets, and in valleys. It prefers a mild, humid climate and sunny environment, and is cold-tolerant.
The species (2) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan. and (3) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. Ex Hoffm.) Benth. Et Hook.f .ex Franch. Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’ are botanical varieties.
Growth Characteristics: Angelica dahurica thrives in a warm, humid climate and is cold-resistant. It grows best in fields with abundant sunlight, deep soil layers, loose and fertile sandy loam, and good drainage.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is long-conical, 10–25 cm in length and 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter. The surface is tawny-brown (grayish-brown) or yellowish-brown; the root head is bluntly quadrangular or subrotund, bearing numerous wrinkles, rootlet scars, and lenticel-like lateral protrusions—some arranged in four longitudinal rows. Sunken stem scars are present at the apex. The texture is hard and firm; the fracture surface is white or off-white, mealy (powdery), forming brown layers, nearly square or subrotund, with brown oil spots scattered throughout the cortex; the cambium ring is brown and nearly square. It has a fragrant, pungent aroma and a slightly bitter taste.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects; (2) Increases blood pressure, slows pulse rate, deepens respiration, induces salivation and vomiting; high doses may cause convulsions and paralysis; (3) Furocoumarin compounds exhibit photosensitizing activity and spasmolytic effects on smooth muscle; (4) Antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Medicinal Efficacy: Expels wind and dispels cold; opens the orifices and relieves pain; reduces swelling and drains pus; dries dampness; and relieves leukorrhea.
Administration of Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bái Zhǐ):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bái Zhǐ)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 3–9 grams; (2) Water decoction: 0.8–2 qián (2.4–6 grams); or prepared as pills or powders. External use: apply finely powdered herb topically. (3) Water Decoction: 3–10 grams; or prepared as pills or powders. External use: apply finely powdered herb topically.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as Angelica dahurica cv. Hangbaizhi C. Q. Yuan et Shan., Angelica dahurica (Fisch.et Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f.ex Franch.et Sav.cv.Hangbaizhi Hort., or Hang Bái Zhǐ. Growing 1–1.5 m tall, it has a cylindrical root that is nearly square in the upper portion; the surface is tawny-brown (grayish-brown) and strongly aromatic. The stem is cylindrical, 2–5 cm in diameter, usually purplish, hollow, and marked by longitudinal grooves. Basal leaves are bipinnate, with long petioles and a tubular, amplexicaul sheath bearing membranous margins at the petiole base. Cauline leaves are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid; leaf blades are ovate to triangular, 15–30 cm long and 10–25 cm wide; petioles reach up to 15 cm; the lower petiole expands into a cystic, swollen, membranous sheath—glabrous or sparsely pilose, usually purplish. Terminal lobes are ovoid or linear-lanceolate, 2.5–7 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, acute, with irregularly cartilaginous, coarsely serrated margins; the rachis is decurrent and aliform (winged).
Leaves immediately below the inflorescence are reduced to a markedly enlarged, cystic sheath. The glabrous compound umbel is terminal or lateral, 10–30 cm in diameter, 5–20 cm in length; peduncles (flower stalks) are umbelliform (umbellated), and pedicles are all short-strigose. There are 18–40 rays (umbrella stalks); 1–2 involucral bracts, dilated into an ovoid sheath; and 5–10 bracteoles, linear-lanceolate.
Flowers are white. Fruits are ovoid, yellowish-brown, 4–7 mm long and 4–6 mm wide, glabrous, with aliform lateral wings; each lateral groove contains one vitta (oil duct); the commissure bears two vittae. Flowering occurs from May to June; fruiting, from July to September.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is conical, 10–20 cm long and 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter; the upper portion is nearly square; the surface is tawny-brown (grayish-brown), bearing prominent transverse lenticel ridges (0.5–1 cm long), arranged longitudinally—often forming four approximate rows and four ridges. The apex bears sunken stem scars. The texture is hard and heavy; the cross-section is white, mealy, and nearly square; the upper root section reveals a distinct brown cambium ring; the cortex is densely brown and fragrant; the taste is slightly bitter.
Ecological Environment: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan grows in forests, along forest edges, beside streams, in thickets, and in valleys.
(3) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. Ex Hoffm.) Benth. Et Hook.f .ex Franch. Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch. Ex Hoffm.) Benth. Et Hook.f. ex Franch. Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’ is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as ‘Qibaizhi’ or Qí Bái Zhǐ. Its vegetative morphology closely resembles that of (2) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is conical; the surface is yellowish to yellowish-brown; lenticels appear as transverse, grayish-white protrusions; the fracture surface is oily.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows in forests, along forest edges, beside streams, in thickets, and in valleys.
(4) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook. var. dahurica.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook. var. dahurica is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as ‘Xing’an Baizhi’ or Xīng’ān Bái Zhǐ. Growing up to 2.5 m tall, it bears thick, straight, often branched roots. Stems are robust and nearly cylindrical, ~5–9 cm thick at the base, hollow, typically purplish-red, glabrous at the base but pubescent near the inflorescence. Lower stem leaves are large; petioles are long with enlarged, sheath-like, amplexicaul bases. Leaf blades are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid; terminal lobes are ovate to ovate-oblong, 2–6 cm long and 1–3 cm wide, acute, with sharply biserrate margins and decurrent, petiolate bases. Upper stem cauline leaves are smaller; their petioles expand into ovate sheaths; both leaf surfaces are glabrous except for strigose veins.
Compound umbels are terminal or axillary; pedicels measure 10–30 cm; involucral bracts are absent or 1–2 present, dilated into sheath-like structures; involucels (involucret, secondary bracts) number 14–16, narrowly lanceolate, equal to or longer than the pedicels; calyx absent; 5 white petals, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate and incurved at the apex; 5 stamens with slender, exserted filaments; ovary inferior, bilocular, with 2 short styles—yellowish-white or white at the base.
Fruits (cremocarps) are flattened-ovoid to subrotund; the schizocarp bears 5 prominent ribs, and lateral ribs are aliform (winged). Flowering occurs from June to July; fruiting, from July to September.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is thinner than typical Bái Zhǐ and conical. The surface is tan (chocolate brown); the upper portion bears numerous transverse furrows; the lower portion shows longitudinal striations and scars from detached lateral roots. It has a sallow appearance and a celery-like aroma.
Ecological Environment: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. grows predominantly on riverbanks, stream sides, and coastal jungle conglomerates.
(5) Angelica dahurica var. formosana ‘Chuanbaizhi’
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica var. formosana ‘Chuanbaizhi’ is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as ‘Chuanbaizhi’, Chuān Bái Zhǐ, or Yìxīng Dāngguī ("anomalous Angelica"). Growing 1–2 m tall, it bears straight primary roots with several lateral branches. The stem is upright, cylindrical, hollow, and finely ribbed. Leaves are alternate; lower cauline leaves are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid, with ovate-oblong to lanceolate terminal lobes. Petioles are sheath-like and amplexicaul. Upper stem leaves gradually reduce to broadly expanded leaf sheath; leaf margins are irregularly serrate; the upper surface is green, the lower surface is grayish to pale green; both surfaces are glabrous except for strigose veins.
Compound umbels are terminal; pedicels measure 15–20 cm; involucral bracts are absent; involucels (involucellum, secondary bracts) are several, narrowly lanceolate to linear, longer than the small pedicels; calyx inconspicuous; 5 white petals, broadly ovate to subrotund, with slightly concave apices and a centrally recurved ligulate lobe; 5 stamens with oval anthers; ovary inferior, bilocular, with 2 styles.
Fruit (cremocarp) is long-elliptic; the schizocarp exhibits five conspicuous, angular ridges; lateral ribs bear lignified, wing-like expansions. Flowering occurs from May to June; fruiting, from June to August.
Ecological environment: The plant Angelica dahurica var.formosana cv.Chuanbaizhi grows in mountain, along forest edges.
(6) Heracleum scabridum Franch.
Botanical description: Heracleum scabridum Franch is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and the genus Heracleum. It is commonly known as Heracleum scabridum Franch., Dian Bai Zhi, or Niu Fang Feng. The whole plant is covered with coarse bristles. The taproot is fusiform. Basal and lower stem leaves are petiolate; petioles are 2–4 cm long and bear a broad leaf sheath; the leaf blade is bipinnatifid, 5–20 cm long and 5–7 cm wide; lobes are broadly ovate to long-elliptic, 2.5–5 cm long; the upper surface is dark green with rough, fine wrinkles; the lower surface is light green; the margin is unequally serrated. Cauline leaves on the upper stem are similar to those on the lower stem.
Compound umbels are terminal and lateral; peduncles number 13–20; involucral bracts are absent or 1–3, linear-lanceolate; involucel (involucret) bracts number 4–5, linear; flowers are dimorphic: marginal flowers are larger and irregular, central flowers are nearly regular; calyx teeth are 5, linear-triangular; petals are 5, white, with a 2-lobed apex; stamens are 5; the ovary is glabrescent.
Cremocarps are obovate or oval (egg-shaped), 7–8 mm long; each schizocarp has 5 fine primary ridges. Flowering occurs from May to July; fruiting occurs from August to October.
Ecological environment: The plant grows in mountain forests and meadows at altitudes above 2,000 meters.
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References:
1. Introduction of Bai Zhi: Dahurian Angelica Root
✵The article records the herb Dahurian Angelica Root—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources as defined in classical herbal texts. It describes two primary plant species: (1) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f., and (2) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f.var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan; as well as four other usable species: (3) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.Et Hook.f.ex Franch.Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’, (4) Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.var.dahurica, (5) Angelica dahurica var.formosana ‘Chuanbaizhi’, and (6) Heracleum scabridum Franch. The text provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these six plants; the characteristics of the herb Dahurian Angelica Root; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Bái Zhǐ
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as Dahurian angelica or Bái Zhǐ. Growing 1–1.5 meters tall, it bears a cylindrical root with a nearly square upper portion; the surface is tawny-brown and marked by numerous prominent lenticel-like transverse protrusions arranged along several longitudinal grooves. Stems and leaf sheaths are predominantly olive-green (greenish-yellow).
Basal leaves are pinnate with long petioles and possess a tubular, amplexicaul (stem-clasping) sheath at the petiole base, bearing membranous margins. Upper stem leaves are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid; the leaf blade is oval to triangular in outline, measuring 15–30 cm in length and 10–25 cm in width. The lower petiole expands into a cystic, swollen, membranous sheath, glabrous or glabrate, often purplish. Terminal lobes are oblong, oval, or linear-lanceolate, mostly sessile, 2.5–6 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, acuminate, with irregularly cartilaginous, white, serrated margins and short, pointed apices; bases are often asymmetrical and decurrent into aliform wings along the leaf axis; Leaves immediately below the inflorescence are reduced to an aphyllous, markedly enlarged cystic sheath, externally glabrous.
Compound umbels are terminal or lateral, 10–30 cm in diameter; peduncles measure 5–20 cm and, together with the rays (umbel spokes) and pedicels, bear short, coarse hairs. There are 18–40 rays; 1–2 involucral bracts (usually absent); 5–10 bracteoles, linear-lanceolate and membranous; white flowers; petals obovate with apically incurved tips; styles twice as long as the short, conical stylopodium.
Ecological Environment: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f. grows in forests, along forest edges, beside streams, in thickets, and in valleys. It prefers a mild, humid climate and sunny environment, and is cold-tolerant.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as Angelica dahurica cv. Hangbaizhi C. Q. Yuan et Shan., Angelica dahurica (Fisch.et Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f.ex Franch.et Sav.cv.Hangbaizhi Hort., or Hang Bái Zhǐ. Growing 1–1.5 m tall, it has a cylindrical root that is nearly square in the upper portion; the surface is tawny-brown (grayish-brown) and strongly aromatic. The stem is cylindrical, 2–5 cm in diameter, usually purplish, hollow, and marked by longitudinal grooves. Basal leaves are bipinnate, with long petioles and a tubular, amplexicaul sheath bearing membranous margins at the petiole base. Cauline leaves are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid; leaf blades are ovate to triangular, 15–30 cm long and 10–25 cm wide; petioles reach up to 15 cm; the lower petiole expands into a cystic, swollen, membranous sheath—glabrous or sparsely pilose, usually purplish. Terminal lobes are ovoid or linear-lanceolate, 2.5–7 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, acute, with irregularly cartilaginous, coarsely serrated margins; the rachis is decurrent and aliform (winged).
Leaves immediately below the inflorescence are reduced to a markedly enlarged, cystic sheath. The glabrous compound umbel is terminal or lateral, 10–30 cm in diameter, 5–20 cm in length; peduncles (flower stalks) are umbelliform (umbellated), and pedicles are all short-strigose. There are 18–40 rays (umbrella stalks); 1–2 involucral bracts, dilated into an ovoid sheath; and 5–10 bracteoles, linear-lanceolate.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch. Ex Hoffm.) Benth. Et Hook.f. ex Franch. Et Sav. ‘Qibaizhi’ is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as ‘Qibaizhi’ or Qí Bái Zhǐ. Its vegetative morphology closely resembles that of (2) Angelica dahurica (Fisch.ex Hoffm.) Benth.et Hook.f. var.formosana (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook. var. dahurica is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as ‘Xing’an Baizhi’ or Xīng’ān Bái Zhǐ. Growing up to 2.5 m tall, it bears thick, straight, often branched roots. Stems are robust and nearly cylindrical, ~5–9 cm thick at the base, hollow, typically purplish-red, glabrous at the base but pubescent near the inflorescence. Lower stem leaves are large; petioles are long with enlarged, sheath-like, amplexicaul bases. Leaf blades are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid; terminal lobes are ovate to ovate-oblong, 2–6 cm long and 1–3 cm wide, acute, with sharply biserrate margins and decurrent, petiolate bases. Upper stem cauline leaves are smaller; their petioles expand into ovate sheaths; both leaf surfaces are glabrous except for strigose veins.
Fruits (cremocarps) are flattened-ovoid to subrotund; the schizocarp bears 5 prominent ribs, and lateral ribs are aliform (winged). Flowering occurs from June to July; fruiting, from July to September.
Botanical Description: Angelica dahurica var. formosana ‘Chuanbaizhi’ is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family and genus Angelica. It is commonly known as ‘Chuanbaizhi’, Chuān Bái Zhǐ, or Yìxīng Dāngguī ("anomalous Angelica"). Growing 1–2 m tall, it bears straight primary roots with several lateral branches. The stem is upright, cylindrical, hollow, and finely ribbed. Leaves are alternate; lower cauline leaves are bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid, with ovate-oblong to lanceolate terminal lobes. Petioles are sheath-like and amplexicaul. Upper stem leaves gradually reduce to broadly expanded leaf sheath; leaf margins are irregularly serrate; the upper surface is green, the lower surface is grayish to pale green; both surfaces are glabrous except for strigose veins.
Botanical description: Heracleum scabridum Franch is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and the genus Heracleum. It is commonly known as Heracleum scabridum Franch., Dian Bai Zhi, or Niu Fang Feng. The whole plant is covered with coarse bristles. The taproot is fusiform. Basal and lower stem leaves are petiolate; petioles are 2–4 cm long and bear a broad leaf sheath; the leaf blade is bipinnatifid, 5–20 cm long and 5–7 cm wide; lobes are broadly ovate to long-elliptic, 2.5–5 cm long; the upper surface is dark green with rough, fine wrinkles; the lower surface is light green; the margin is unequally serrated. Cauline leaves on the upper stem are similar to those on the lower stem.
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