Angelica Gigas Nakai Root Extract
Also known as: Angelica gigas Nakai, Korean Angelica, Korean Dang-gui
Overview
Angelica gigas Nakai root extract is derived from the root of a medicinal herb primarily used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine. It is commonly prepared as a decoction or alcoholic extract. Traditionally, it has been valued for its purported blood tonic effects, its use in treating gynecological disorders, and its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and anticancer properties. The key phytochemicals responsible for its biological activities include pyranocoumarins such as decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH), alongside furocoumarins, monocoumarins, flavonoids, and volatile oils. While research on Angelica gigas Nakai is moderately developed with numerous preclinical studies and some human pharmacokinetic data, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses are still limited. The quality of evidence varies, with most human data remaining preliminary.
Benefits
Angelica gigas Nakai root extract exhibits several potential benefits, primarily driven by its pyranocoumarin compounds. Its most promising effect is its anticancer activity, where decursin and decursinol angelate (DA) have shown efficacy in vitro and in vivo against various cancer types, including pancreatic, prostate, liver, and gastric cancers, by modulating pathways involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The extract also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in animal models, supporting its traditional use for these purposes. Furthermore, some preclinical evidence suggests potential cognitive and neurological benefits, including improvements in memory, anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy, although robust clinical data in these areas are sparse. Secondary effects observed in preclinical studies include potential benefits for metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and sperm viability, which require further clinical validation. Traditionally, it is highly valued for women's health, particularly for gynecological conditions.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action of Angelica gigas Nakai root extract is attributed to its main bioactive compounds, particularly the pyranocoumarins decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH). These compounds interact with multiple molecular targets within the body, influencing processes critical to cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and inflammation. Specifically, they modulate key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, which are central to tumor progression and inflammatory responses. Upon absorption, these compounds are metabolized to decursinol, which further contributes to their bioactivity and distribution within tissues. Studies in rodents and humans indicate reasonable bioavailability of these active compounds.
Side effects
Overall, Angelica gigas Nakai root extract appears to be safe at traditional and studied doses, with no major safety concerns reported in the current scientific literature. Common side effects are not well-documented, but based on traditional use, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been conclusively identified through rigorous clinical trials. However, due to the limited clinical safety data, caution is advised, especially when combining with other medications. Specific populations, such as pregnant women and children, lack sufficient safety data, and therefore, use in these groups should be avoided until more comprehensive evidence becomes available. Long-term safety data in humans are also limited, necessitating further research.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized dosing established for Angelica gigas Nakai root extract based on high-quality randomized controlled trials. Traditional preparations vary widely in concentration and form. While preclinical studies often utilize extracts standardized to specific decursin and decursinol angelate content, human equivalent doses have not been well-defined. Optimal dosing for specific therapeutic purposes requires further rigorous clinical trials to establish both efficacy and safety profiles. The timing of administration and the formulation (e.g., alcoholic extract versus decoction) may also influence the bioavailability and overall effects of the extract. Due to the lack of comprehensive human data, specific upper limits or safety thresholds for long-term use are not yet determined.
FAQs
Is Angelica gigas Nakai root extract effective for cancer?
Preclinical evidence strongly supports the anticancer potential of Angelica gigas Nakai root extract and its compounds. However, robust clinical trials in humans are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy as a cancer treatment.
Is it safe to use long-term?
Limited safety data suggest that Angelica gigas Nakai root extract is generally well tolerated. However, comprehensive long-term human studies are needed to fully assess its safety profile for extended use.
Can it be used for memory or pain?
Some traditional uses and animal studies indicate potential benefits for memory and pain relief. However, there is insufficient robust clinical evidence to definitively support these uses in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11785709/ – This 2022 systematic review summarized the pharmacokinetics and diverse bioactivities of Angelica gigas Nakai extracts, highlighting their anticancer, cognitive, and anti-inflammatory effects based on various animal models and some human pharmacokinetic studies. The review noted the lack of rigorous clinical trials and the prevalence of preclinical data, indicating a moderate quality of evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521675/ – This 2024 narrative review focused on the anticancer potential of Angelica gigas Nakai, detailing how decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH) exhibit multi-target anticancer mechanisms. The review was based solely on preclinical studies, emphasizing strong preclinical evidence but the absence of human clinical trials, thus indicating a moderate quality of evidence.
- https://colab.ws/articles/10.1016%2Fj.bse.2023.104717 – This 2023 journal article provided a detailed review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Angelica gigas Nakai, including its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and gynecological uses. The review was descriptive and based on existing literature, lacking clinical trial data, which suggests a moderate quality of evidence despite good chemical characterization.
