Angelica Gigas Standardized Extract
Also known as: Angelica gigas, Korean Angelica, Dang-gui, Angelica gigas extract, AGN, Angelica gigas Nakai
Overview
Angelica gigas Nakai is a plant indigenous to Korea, widely utilized in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for its purported benefits in women's health and circulatory support. Standardized extracts of Angelica gigas typically contain key bioactive compounds such as decursin and decursinol angelate, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Research on Angelica gigas extract (AGN) has explored its potential in various areas, including neuroprotection, anti-fatigue properties, anti-tumor activity, and positive vascular effects. While a growing body of preclinical and some clinical studies support these applications, high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically on Angelica gigas standardized extract are still limited. It is primarily categorized as a herbal extract and botanical supplement.
Benefits
Angelica gigas extract has demonstrated several potential benefits, supported by both preclinical and some human clinical evidence: * **Neuroprotection:** Preclinical studies, specifically in a gerbil model of global cerebral ischemia, showed that oral administration of AGN extract (350-400 mg/kg) effectively protected hippocampal neurons from ischemic damage. It also preserved blood-brain barrier integrity and significantly improved spatial and learning memory. This suggests a strong potential for cognitive and neurological health, though human trials are needed. * **Anti-fatigue and Endurance:** A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving a herbal complex that included Angelica gigas (500 mg mixture) demonstrated significant improvements in muscle fatigue and endurance capacity over an 8-week period compared to a placebo group. While this study used a mixture, it indicates the potential contribution of Angelica gigas to physical performance. * **Vascular Effects:** In vitro research has shown that Angelica gigas extract can inhibit cold-induced RhoA activation in vascular endothelial cells. This mechanism suggests a potential role in reducing cellular contraction and alleviating vascular stress, contributing to improved vascular health. * **Anti-tumor Potential:** Network pharmacology and experimental studies indicate that Angelica gigas and its active compounds may possess properties that inhibit tumor growth and promote apoptosis across various cancer types. However, this area of research is still emerging, and clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Angelica gigas extract are attributed to its bioactive compounds, primarily decursin and decursinol angelate, which exert their effects through multiple biological pathways. Its neuroprotective properties are believed to stem from its ability to preserve the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and support neuronal survival pathways, thereby protecting brain cells from damage. The anti-fatigue effects may be linked to improved muscle endurance and a reduction in oxidative stress, although the precise molecular targets involved are not yet fully elucidated. Vascular benefits are thought to occur through the inhibition of RhoA signaling, a crucial pathway that modulates cytoskeletal dynamics and endothelial cell function, leading to improved vascular tone and reduced stress. Furthermore, the anti-tumor actions appear to be multi-targeted, involving the modulation of various cancer-related pathways, including microRNAs, transcriptional regulation, and the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.
Side effects
Angelica gigas extract generally appears to have a favorable safety profile. Available clinical data from reviewed randomized controlled trials indicate good tolerability, with no major adverse events reported. Mild and uncommon side effects may occur, but comprehensive systematic evaluation is still needed to fully characterize the frequency and severity of all potential adverse reactions. To date, high-quality studies have not documented significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, as with any supplement, individuals should exercise caution, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications. Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, particularly long-term studies, the full spectrum of potential side effects and interactions is not yet completely understood. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before use due to its traditional use in women's health and potential hormonal influences, though specific contraindications are not yet established.
Dosage
Optimal human dosage for isolated Angelica gigas standardized extract is not yet well-established due to the limited number of dedicated clinical trials. Preclinical animal studies investigating neuroprotection utilized effective oral doses ranging from 350 to 400 mg/kg. In human clinical research, one randomized controlled trial used a 500 mg herbal complex that included Angelica gigas extract, administered over an 8-week period. This suggests a potential human dose in the range of hundreds of milligrams, but the exact contribution of Angelica gigas within the complex is not isolated. Given the lack of specific human dose-response data for the standardized extract alone, it is advisable to follow product-specific recommendations from reputable manufacturers or consult with a healthcare professional. There are currently no established upper limits or safety thresholds for Angelica gigas extract in humans, emphasizing the need for further research to define precise dosing guidelines for various therapeutic purposes.
FAQs
Is Angelica gigas extract safe for long-term use?
Current evidence suggests good short-term safety with no major adverse events reported in clinical trials. However, long-term safety data are insufficient, and more research is needed to confirm its safety for extended periods.
Can it be used for cognitive support?
Preclinical studies show promising neuroprotective effects, including improved memory and protection of brain cells. While these findings are encouraging, human clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy for cognitive support in people.
Does it have anti-cancer effects?
Experimental and in vitro data suggest Angelica gigas and its compounds may inhibit tumor growth and promote cancer cell death. However, this research is still in its early stages, and clinical confirmation in humans is currently lacking.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11465177/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated a herbal complex containing Angelica gigas. It found that the complex significantly improved muscle fatigue and endurance in human participants over 8 weeks, indicating a potential benefit for physical performance, though the isolated effect of Angelica gigas was not determined.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11785709/ – This preclinical study used a gerbil ischemia model to evaluate Angelica gigas extract. It demonstrated that the extract protected hippocampal neurons, preserved blood-brain barrier integrity, and improved memory, suggesting strong neuroprotective potential, though these results are from an animal model.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/mmr.2017.6404 – This in vitro study explored the mechanistic effects of Angelica gigas extract on human endothelial cells. It found that the extract inhibited cold-induced RhoA activation and cell contraction, providing insight into its potential vascular benefits, although these findings are limited to a laboratory setting.
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