Sedative and Tranquilizing Effects

Angelica root oil can regulate the functions of the central nervous system and achieve the effects of sedation and tranquility. Modern research has found that Angelica root oil may play this role by influencing neurotransmitters. For example, it may increase the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid and an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.

When GABA binds to the corresponding receptors on neurons, the excitability of neurons will be reduced, thus making people feel calm and relaxed, which helps to relieve anxiety and improve insomnia. Clinical studies have shown that after using preparations related to Angelica root oil, the time to fall asleep for some insomnia patients has been shortened, the quality of sleep has been improved, and the number of times they wake up at night has also decreased.

Protective Effect on Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

During the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral infarction, restoring blood perfusion is a key measure to save brain tissue. However, this process may lead to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Angelica root oil has a protective effect on this kind of injury.

The components in Angelica root oil possess antioxidant properties and can scavenge excessive free radicals in the brain. During cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, a large number of free radicals, such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and so on, are generated. These free radicals attack structures such as the biological membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids of brain cells, resulting in cell damage and death. The antioxidant components in Angelica root oil can prevent or alleviate this oxidative damage and protect the integrity of brain cells.

Meanwhile, Angelica root oil can also inhibit the inflammatory response. A cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury will trigger an inflammatory response and activate inflammatory cells to release inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and so on. Angelica root oil can inhibit the release of these inflammatory factors, reduce the damage of inflammatory cells to brain tissue, and thus promote the recovery of neurological functions.

Effect on Neural Plasticity

Neural plasticity refers to the modifiability of the nervous system in terms of morphological structure and functional activities, including changes in the connections between neurons, variations in the number and sensitivity of neurotransmitter receptors, and so on. Angelica root oil may have a positive impact on neural plasticity.

Studies have found that certain components in Angelica root oil can promote the growth and differentiation of neurons. For example, in in vitro cell experiments, Angelica root oil can stimulate neural stem cells to differentiate into neurons and increase the number of neurons. This may be of great significance for the repair and regeneration after nerve injury, such as helping to restore the functions of the nervous system in cases of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

In addition, Angelica root oil may also regulate the expression of neurotransmitter receptors. The number and functional state of neurotransmitter receptors play a crucial role in the transmission of nerve signals and the activities of the nervous system. Angelica root oil may enhance the transmission efficiency of nerve signals and improve the functional state of the nervous system by regulating the expression of neurotransmitter receptors.