Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Umbelliferae): Systematic review of traditional Chinese medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis, including traditional usage, chemical components, active components, related inflammatory factors

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder, mainly characterized by multiple joint diseases. The exact etiology is unclear; however, heredity, infection, and the external environment are considered to be influencing factors. One of the important medicinal agents for treating arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (APR), the dried root of Angelica sinensis Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan, which belongs to the Umbelliferae family. Here, we reviewed the recent Chinese and global literature on APR in RA treatment to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism of APR in treating RA. Classic works and applications, chemical constituents, inflammatory factors, and related signaling pathways were summarized to consolidate the current status of research on the subject. This detailed account of APR mechanisms at the molecular and cellular level will serve as a theoretical basis for research into novel pharmaceuticals for treating RA. Treatment using TCM takes into account multiple pathways, links, and targets; therefore, integrative approaches involving different signaling pathways in RA should be considered in the future. In conclusion, this review summarizes the relevant mechanisms of APR involved in improving RA via regulation of inflammatory factors and signal pathways and provides guidance for its clinical application in RA treatment.