Angelica Archangelica
Also known as: Angelica archangelica L., Garden angelica, Wild celery, Norwegian angelica, Angelica archangelica
Overview
Angelica archangelica is a biennial plant native to temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, traditionally used in herbal medicine. The root extract contains bioactive compounds such as coumarins, ferulic acid, and other phenolics. It is primarily investigated for its potential in cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and digestive health. While traditional uses are broad, modern research is emerging, with some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and preclinical studies supporting its effects. It is often found in herbal supplements, sometimes combined with other ingredients. Its use for cognitive benefits, particularly in mild cognitive impairment, is a key area of current research, though comprehensive systematic reviews specifically on Angelica archangelica are still limited.
Benefits
Angelica archangelica offers several potential benefits, with varying strengths of evidence: - **Cognitive Function:** A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that a supplement containing Angelica archangelica extract (Feru-guard®) combined with ferulic acid significantly improved cognitive scores in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores improved significantly at 24 and 48 weeks, and ADAS-Jcog scores also showed significant improvement. This is a strong piece of evidence for its potential in cognitive support, particularly in MCI patients. - **Neuroprotective Effects:** The extract is believed to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity, which may contribute to its observed cognitive benefits by enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. This mechanism supports its role in neuroprotection. - **Antitumor Potential:** In vitro studies have indicated cytotoxic effects of Angelica archangelica root extract against breast cancer cells, suggesting potential antitumor properties. However, this evidence is preclinical and lacks clinical validation in humans, so it should not be considered a treatment for cancer. - **Digestive Health:** While not exclusively studied for Angelica archangelica, related Angelica species and herbal mixtures containing it have been traditionally used for functional dyspepsia. Some meta-analyses support the benefits of phytotherapy for digestive disorders, suggesting a potential role for Angelica archangelica in gastrointestinal symptom management, though direct evidence for this specific species is less robust.
How it works
Angelica archangelica exerts its effects primarily through its active compounds, including coumarins and phenolics like ferulic acid. For neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement, coumarin-type compounds such as decursin and decursinol angelate are thought to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By inhibiting this enzyme, Angelica archangelica may enhance cholinergic neurotransmission, which is crucial for memory and cognitive functions. Additionally, ferulic acid and other phenolics provide antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress that contributes to neurodegeneration. In the context of antitumor mechanisms, in vitro studies suggest that the extract may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Specific pharmacokinetic data for its compounds are limited, but coumarins generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Angelica archangelica appears to have a relatively favorable safety profile, particularly in the context of cognitive studies. A randomized controlled trial reported no significant adverse effects related to its supplementation in individuals with mild cognitive impairment over a 48-week period. Common side effects are not well-documented, and traditional use suggests good tolerability. However, due to its coumarin content, there is a potential for interaction with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners). Individuals taking anticoagulants or those with bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Angelica archangelica, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Safety in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, has not been established, and its use in these groups should be avoided or undertaken only under strict medical supervision. As with any supplement, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's advisable to start with lower doses to assess tolerance.
Dosage
Specific dosage guidelines for Angelica archangelica are not yet standardized due to limited high-quality clinical trials focusing solely on this ingredient. The primary clinical study demonstrating cognitive benefits utilized a proprietary formulation (Feru-guard®) that combined Angelica archangelica extract with ferulic acid. The exact dosage of Angelica archangelica within this combined formulation was not specified in the abstract, making it difficult to extrapolate precise recommendations for isolated Angelica archangelica. Therefore, there are no established minimum or maximum doses from high-quality randomized controlled trials for general use. Recommendations regarding timing of administration or specific forms (e.g., root extract, essential oil) are also not yet standardized. Users should follow product-specific instructions or consult a healthcare professional, especially given the potential for drug interactions.
FAQs
Is Angelica archangelica effective for cognitive decline?
Evidence from one well-conducted randomized controlled trial suggests it may improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment when combined with ferulic acid.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Limited data from a clinical trial indicate good tolerability for up to 48 weeks in adults with mild cognitive impairment, with no significant adverse effects reported.
Can it be used for cancer treatment?
Preclinical in vitro data show cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells, but there are no clinical trials confirming its efficacy or safety for cancer therapy in humans. It is not a substitute for conventional cancer treatment.
Are there any known drug interactions?
Due to its coumarin content, Angelica archangelica may interact with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Medical advice is recommended if you are on such medications.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3233/ADR-200211 – This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Feru-guard® (a combination of ferulic acid and Angelica archangelica extract) on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The study found significant improvements in MMSE and ADAS-Jcog scores in the treatment group compared to placebo over 48 weeks, suggesting cognitive benefits and neuroprotective effects. The study was well-controlled, but the exact dosage of Angelica archangelica alone was not specified.
- http://www.jcimjournal.com/CN/abstract/abstract2219.shtml – This in vitro study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of Angelica archangelica root extract on breast cancer cell lines. It demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, suggesting potential antitumor properties. While promising, these findings are from a laboratory setting and require extensive clinical validation before any conclusions can be drawn regarding human cancer treatment.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-281/angelica-archangelica – This source provides general information on Angelica archangelica, including common uses and safety considerations. It highlights traditional uses and potential interactions, serving as a broad overview rather than a specific research study.
