RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the appearance differences of Gansu cultivated Angelica sinensis, and explore the relevance between the appearance differences and quality. METHODS: The macroscopic feature of 22 batches of Angelica sinensis from different habitats was measured as index. The content of ferulic acid, volatile oil and extract were determined by the method recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The data were analyzed by SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The habitat was positively correlated with the index. Indexes of nine groups had direct correlation with each other. The habitat was significantly correlated with other indexes except the length of the head. The extract and ferulic acid were positively correlated with habitat and index. Extract had significant correlation with macroscopic feature. Ferulic acid only had significant correlation with head length. The volatile oil only had significant correlation with habitat and no significant correlation with index. Root weight and number of lateral roots had obvious difference in different habitat which coefficient of variation was 44.1% and 28.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are significant individual differences in Angelica sinensis. The chemical composition has a certain correlation with macroscopic feature. Angelica sinensis cultivation needs to consider the choice of habitat.