Angelica Gigas Nakai Extract
Also known as: Angelica gigas Nakai, Korean Angelica, Korean Dang-gui, AGN
Overview
Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a medicinal herb native to East Asia, primarily Korea, where its roots have been traditionally used in herbal medicine. It is a key source of pyranocoumarin compounds, notably decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH), which are considered its main bioactive constituents. AGN extracts are increasingly being studied for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in areas such as anticancer effects, cognitive health, pain management, and vascular health. While preclinical research is growing, human clinical trials are still limited, indicating a moderate but evolving research maturity. Supplements typically utilize extracts from the root, often standardized to their decursin content.
Benefits
Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) shows promising, primarily preclinical, evidence for several health benefits. Its pyranocoumarin compounds, decursin and its derivatives, have demonstrated significant anticancer effects across various cancer cell lines, including pancreatic, prostate, liver, gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. These effects are mediated through mechanisms such as inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modulating inflammatory pathways. While compelling in vitro and animal studies exist, large-scale human randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits. AGN also shows potential for cognitive and neurological health, with some animal model evidence suggesting neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that could aid memory enhancement and pain relief. However, human data in this area are scarce. Furthermore, AGN may offer vascular benefits by inhibiting cold-induced vascular contraction pathways, as observed in some in vitro studies, though its impact on specific markers like endothelin-1 production has not always been significant. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently strongest in preclinical settings, with limited human clinical data, making it difficult to establish definitive effect sizes or clinical significance.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) are primarily attributed to its bioactive pyranocoumarin compounds: decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH). These compounds exert their effects by modulating multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways within the body. In the context of cancer, they influence pathways related to apoptosis (programmed cell death), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and cell cycle regulation, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and progression. For inflammation, they interact with inflammatory mediators and pathways. In vascular health, they may affect smooth muscle contraction and endothelial function. The specific pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds, including their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, influence their bioavailability and ultimate biological activity within different tissues and systems.
Side effects
The safety profile of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) extract in humans is not yet well-established due to a limited number of comprehensive clinical trials. Preclinical studies generally suggest an acceptable safety profile, with no major adverse effects reported in the available literature. However, common side effects, their severity, and frequency in human populations are not well documented. Specific risk factors for adverse reactions have not been identified. Information regarding potential drug interactions, including with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other supplements, is largely unknown, and caution is advised. Contraindications for use, such as in individuals with specific medical conditions or those taking certain medications, have not been clearly defined. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of safety data for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women, and children, making its use in these groups unadvisable without further research. Comprehensive safety warnings are limited by the current state of clinical research.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized or evidence-based dosing guidelines for Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) extract established through high-quality human randomized controlled trials. Most available supplements utilize ethanolic extracts from the root, often standardized to a certain content of decursin or total pyranocoumarins. However, optimal dosages for specific health benefits, such as anticancer effects or cognitive support, remain undefined. The timing of administration (e.g., with or without food) and the impact of different formulations on absorption and bioavailability are also not well-studied. Due to the lack of robust clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for AGN extract have not been determined. Consumers should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using AGN supplements, especially given the limited safety and efficacy data.
FAQs
Is Angelica gigas Nakai extract effective for cancer?
Preclinical studies show promising anticancer potential by inhibiting various cancer cell lines, but human clinical trials are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy in humans.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for Angelica gigas Nakai extract in humans are limited. Caution is advised until more robust human safety studies are available.
Can it improve memory or pain?
Some animal studies suggest potential benefits for memory and pain relief due to neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical evidence in humans is insufficient.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521675/ – This review summarizes the anticancer potential of decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH) derived from Angelica gigas Nakai roots. It highlights their molecular targets and discusses the development of semisynthetic derivatives, primarily focusing on preclinical findings without human clinical trial data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11785709/ – This review summarizes the in vivo bioactivities of Angelica gigas Nakai extracts, including their effects on cancer, cognitive function, and pain. It notes the current lack of rigorous animal and human data, emphasizing the need for more robust preclinical and clinical studies to validate these effects.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X241309226 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 425 literature reports identifies multiple tumor types affected by Angelica gigas Nakai and its compounds. Through network pharmacology analysis, it reveals the involvement of multiple cancer-related pathways, although the majority of the included studies are experimental and preclinical.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/mmr.2017.6404 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Angelica gigas Nakai on endothelial cells (HUVECs). It found that AGN inhibited cold-induced RhoA activation, a pathway involved in vascular contraction, but did not significantly affect endothelin-1 production, indicating limited clinical relevance due to its in vitro nature.