Multiple species in the genus Angelica have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various ailments. Angelica sinensis (dong quai) is used in traditional Chinese medicine for female health-related conditions. Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) is used as a vegetable, medicinal plant, and flavoring agent.
Angelica species contain important compounds such as coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids (antioxidants), essential oils, and polysaccharides (long-chain carbohydrates, the most common carb in foods).
Angelica plays an important role in health and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cosmetic, and liver-protective properties, among others.
Health Benefits of Angelica Root
There are a variety of Angelica species. Each species is associated with various health benefits often rooted in traditional medicine practices. Additionally, ongoing research continues to clarify their potential therapeutic effects.
Angelica Archangelica (Angelica Root)
Another angelica species is Angelica archangelica, which grows in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greenland, and Iceland. It is a medicinal herb used in both the Indian system of medicine called Ayurveda and in traditional Chinese medicine.
A. archangelica has been studied for the following:
- Antimicrobial properties: The essential oil obtained from the root of A. archangelica showed antimicrobial activity against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) (an antibiotic-associated intestinal infection), Clostridium perfringens (foodborne illness bacterium), Enterococcus faecalis (hospital-acquired infection bacterium), Eubacterium limosum (gut microbe), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (anaerobic infection bacterium), and Candida albicans (fungal yeast pathogen). In another study, the essential oil of A. archangelica showed antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani. The essential oil’s antibacterial and antifungal effects may be partly attributed to the α-pinene and limonene components.
- Antianxiety effects: In a rat study, A. archangelica extract was shown to reduce anxiety. However, it is unclear if such results would also apply to humans. Further studies are needed to identify the components responsible for the anxiety-reducing activity.
- Nocturia: The extract of A. archangelica leaves has been marketed as useful against frequent urinating caused by an overactive bladder or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). A 2017 study suggested it reduced nocturia (frequent urination at night), possibly due to isoquercitrin, a type of flavonoid found in the plant extract. However, further study is needed.
Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quai)
One of the species is Angelica sinensis (A. sinensis), also known as dong quai. This medicinal herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is cultivated in China and Vietnam and is used to promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain.
A. sinensis has been studied for the following conditions:
- Arthritis relief: Lab studies have shown that the two main components in A. sinensis protect against cartilage breakdown during osteoarthritis. The first component, ferulic acid, decreased inflammation and the death of cartilage cells. The second component, called polysaccharide, provided a source of starting materials for the production of cartilage components.
- Anticancer effects: A. sinsensis has been studied in nonhuman subjects on whether it enhances the effects of the cancer drug oxaliplatin (brand name Eloxatin). Oxaliplatin treats colorectal cancer, but at high doses, it can have toxic side effects. A mouse study showed that tumor volume and growth rate were significantly lower with A. sinensis and OXA vs. OXA alone. Taking A. sinensis with oxaliplatin may reduce the need for high doses of oxaliplatin while obtaining similar results and lowering side effects. Human studies are needed to confirm A. sinensis‘s anticancer effects.
- Wound healing: In lab studies, an A. sinensis extract promoted cell growth and, therefore, aided wound healing. On the other hand, the active component ferulic acid in A. sinensis did not cause such wound-healing effects. These results suggest that a whole extract may have a greater therapeutic effect.
- Menopause symptom relief: In traditional Chinese medicine, the combination of Astragali radix and A. sinensis has been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Since herbs are typically used in combination to achieve a therapeutic purpose, the effect of A. sinensis alone on menopausal symptoms is unclear. Studies assessing the role of A. sinensis on its own are needed to clarify the result.
Angelica Root vs Dong Quai | ||
---|---|---|
Angelica | Dong Quai | |
Plant Part Used | Roots, leaves, seeds, whole plant | Roots |
Studied Uses | Antimicrobial, antianxiety, nocturia (frequent urination at night) | Arthritis relief, anticancer effects, wound healing, menopause symptom relief |
Latin Name(s) | Angelica archangelica | Angelica sinensis |
Other Names | Archangelica officinalis, garden angelica, holy ghost, wild celery, Norwegian angelica | Female ginseng |
Angelica Root Safety
Despite the various traditional medicinal uses of Angelica root, some safety concerns should be noted.
Allergies and Sensitivities
An allergic reaction or skin irritation may occur following the use of essential oils in A. archangelica. Avoid angelica-containing supplements if you are allergic to them or their parts. Furanocoumarins, one of the active compounds in A. archangelica, are known to cause serious skin reactions when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light.
The use of A. sinensis was associated with the following side effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions)
- Elevated bilirubin (a yellow substance that forms from the breakdown of red blood cells) levels
- Seizures
- Stomach bleeding
Precautions
Exercise caution if any of the following applies to you.
- Pregnancy: Since A. sinensis can increase the risk of congenital disabilities (problems in the fetus), do not use it if you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Due to the lack of safety information on the use of angelica herb in breastfeeding, avoid use if you are breastfeeding.
- Bleeding disorders: Angelica sinensis might slow the time it takes for your blood to clot, thereby increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding, especially if you have certain bleeding disorders.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: Because A. sinensis might act like the hormone estrogen, avoid it if you have medical conditions worsened by estrogen.
- Surgery: Due to the increased risk of bleeding during and after surgery, it is generally recommended to stop taking A. sinensis at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Angelica root supplements may interact with prescription drugs and other herbal supplements.
- Blood thinners: Taking A. sinensis along with blood thinners (also called anticoagulants, which are medications that slow blood clotting), like Jantoven (warfarin), might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Herbal supplements: Taking A. sinensis along with supplements such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng might slow blood clotting and further increase the risk of bleeding.
- Estrogens: Using A. sinensis with the hormone estrogen might increase the side effects of estrogen.
- Other medications: The furanocoumarin components found in A. archangelica are known to interfere with the enzymes in the liver that metabolize medications. Therefore, A. archangelica potentially interacts with medications.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription medications. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party-tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
How to Use Angelica Root
Angelica supplements come in various forms and have medicinal and culinary uses. Angelic root comes in tablets, capsules, tinctures, root powder, dried roots, and essential oils.
Studied Dosages
The recommended dosage for A. archangelica leaf extract is one 100 milligram (mg) tablet or two tablets (200 mg) by mouth daily to reduce frequent urination due to an overactive bladder. The dosages for arthritis relief, anticancer effects, wound healing, menopause symptom relief, and antianxiety effects are unclear due to the lack of human clinical studies.
Culinary Uses
Angelica has a rich history of traditional use. Angelica’s uses overlap within culinary medicine, with various recipes highlighting its versatility in both culinary and medicinal applications. Angelica’s diverse applications showcase its importance in regional cuisines and herbal remedies.
- Stems for weak stomach: Chewing angelica stems has been purported to relieve gas.
- Preserved angelica: Angelica can be preserved in the form of candy.
- Flavoring agent: Fully developed or old and tough stalks of angelica can be used for flavoring rhubarb jam.
- Hop bitters: A form of hop bitters is made by combining one ounce of dried angelica herb, one ounce of holy thistle, and one-half ounce of hops and infusing with 3 pints (6 cups) of boiling water. The mixture is subsequently strained when cooled.
- Liquor: One ounce of chopped angelica stem is steeped in 2 pints (4 cups) of brandy for five days, and 1 ounce of skinned bitter almond pulp is added. The liquid mixture is strained, and 1 pint (2 cups) of liquid sugar is added to it.
- Delicacy: In Finland, angelica stalks are eaten. The young stems are baked in hot ashes, and an infusion of the dried herb is drunk either hot or cold. Traditionally, fresh angelica herb was put into the pot where fish is boiled. The roots of angelica are used to make bread in Norway.
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as an RD or RDN, a pharmacist, or a healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Summary
Angelica root has been used in Chinese and Indian systems of medicine for various ailments. Angelica sinensis has been studied for arthritis relief, anticancer effects, wound healing, and menopause symptom relief. However, human clinical studies are lacking. Angelica archangelica has been studied for its antimicrobial properties, antianxiety effects, and frequent urination at night, but further rigorous studies are needed to confirm the results.
Due to the risk of drug-herb and herb-herb interactions, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting angelica supplements.
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