angelica

" Animal studies of Chinese Angelica（Scientific Name: Dong Quai）have shown it has a slight ability to increase immune system function by activating certain immune cells and deactivating others. Therefore, it may help to relieve allergy symptoms. In addition, laboratory studies have shown that angelica has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in treating arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions. One of the chemicals in a related plant has been shown to promote relaxation of blood vessels, which may help to reduce blood pressure. However, no clinical evidence supports the use of angelica for blood pressure control. More research is necessary before angelica can be recommended for any of its traditional uses. According to the market survey, although angelica market has many problems, its price soaring up by deficit production and expansion of export demand. From 2002, angelica’s low price damaged the enthusiasm of farmers. The planting areas for angelica rapidly declined. In the end of 2004, China domestic stock hit an all-time low. International market price raised to 10~14 yuan per kilo from 6~8 yuan per kilo. International buyers had to go directly in Mian'xian City and Dangchang County to purchase angelica. Most Chinese pharmaceutical factories are in lack of current funds after having GMP certification, besides long-term harvest of angelica, so the factories used to stock by demands. In 2004, the total stock was less than 1,000,000 kilos all China and most were sold in domestic market and seldom were sold in international market. China had about 1,100 hectares of angelica (output about 13,200,000 kilos) in 2004, so there were 2,800,000 kilos of deficit in 2005."