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• Diverse Bioactive Components: The primary bioactive components in Angelica sinensis include polysaccharides, volatile oils, organic acids, and flavonoids, which play significant roles in promoting blood circulation, modulating immunity, and alleviating pain.
• Biosynthesis Pathways and Influencing Factors: The article explores the biosynthesis pathways of these bioactive components, particularly focusing on key enzymes and transcription factors, and reveals the genetic and environmental factors that influence their synthesis and accumulation.
• Bioactive Properties and Mechanisms: Research on the bioactive properties of this herb indicates that it possesses multiple health benefits, including hepatoprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, immune modulation, anti-tumor activity, circulatory enhancement, and neuroprotection, thereby supporting its potential applications as a functional food and nutraceutical product.
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Abstract
Angelica sinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb with the unique property of being both a medicine and an edible plant, has been widely used for promoting blood circulation, modulating immunity, and relieving pain. This review comprehensively investigates the extraction methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of its primary bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, volatile oils, organic acids, and flavonoids. The biosynthesis pathways of these compounds, along with the key enzymes and transcription factors involved, are investigated to understand the factors influencing their synthesis and accumulation. Additionally, the biological activities of A. sinensis, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, anti-tumor, circulatory benefits, and neuroprotection, along with their underlying mechanisms are introduced. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of A. sinensis as a valuable resource in functional foods and pharmaceutical products.