Angelica Root Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Angelica root, Dong Quai, Garden Angelica, Angelica sinensis, Angelica gigas, Angelica dahurica, Angelica archangelica
Overview
Angelica root glycerite is a liquid extract derived from the roots of Angelica species, most commonly Angelica archangelica or Angelica sinensis. Unlike traditional alcohol-based extracts, glycerite uses a glycerin-water solvent to preserve the plant's bioactive compounds, making it an alcohol-free alternative. Historically, Angelica roots have been a cornerstone of Eastern Asian medicine for over two millennia, primarily utilized for gynecological health, inflammation, and lipid metabolism support. The glycerite form is particularly valued for its ability to maintain the stability and bioactivity of key compounds like ferulic acid and various phthalides. While traditional use is extensive and phytochemical characterization is well-documented, high-quality clinical trials specifically on Angelica root glycerite extracts are limited. Most scientific evidence regarding its pharmacological effects stems from in vitro studies, animal models, and research on water or ethanol extracts of Angelica species, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Angelica root glycerite exhibits several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, observed in both in vitro and animal models. For instance, extracts from Angelica dahurica have been shown to reduce liver lipids and inflammation markers, suggesting a role in improving hyperlipidemia and fatty liver conditions. Furthermore, animal studies indicate potential anti-diabetic effects through the modulation of PPARγ, leading to improved insulin sensitivity. Secondary benefits include cytotoxic effects on certain cancer cell lines in vitro, particularly with extracts from Korean Angelica species, hinting at potential anti-cancer properties. It may also modulate osteogenic cell proliferation depending on the extract source. While traditionally used for women's health issues like menstrual regulation and menopausal symptoms, robust randomized controlled trial evidence for these applications is currently lacking. The clinical significance and effect sizes for human use of glycerite extracts are not yet well-defined due to the scarcity of clinical data.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Angelica root glycerite are attributed to its rich profile of active compounds, including phthalides (such as Z-ligustilide), ferulic acid, phellopterin, and various polysaccharides. These compounds exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They engage anti-inflammatory pathways, exhibit potent antioxidant activity, and modulate PPARγ, a crucial nuclear receptor involved in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. In cancer cells, certain compounds have been shown to induce apoptosis. The extracts can also influence gene expression related to lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The glycerite extraction method is particularly advantageous as it preserves both water-soluble and some lipophilic compounds without the degradation that can occur with alcohol-based extractions, thereby maintaining the bioactivity of these key constituents.
Side effects
Angelica root glycerite is generally considered safe based on its long history of traditional use, and the glycerite form specifically avoids alcohol-related side effects. However, comprehensive high-quality safety data from human clinical trials on glycerite extracts are limited. In vitro studies indicate that cytotoxicity can vary by extract source and concentration, with high concentrations potentially inhibiting cell proliferation. While no significant adverse effects have been widely reported in human studies, caution is advised. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds, there is a plausible, though not well-studied, potential for interactions with anticoagulants or hormone therapies. Contraindications and special considerations apply to specific populations; pregnant individuals and those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer should exercise caution due to limited clinical safety data and the possibility of estrogenic effects. Further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile, potential drug interactions, and contraindications for Angelica root glycerite.
Dosage
There is no standardized or clinically established dosing for Angelica root glycerite liquid extract due to a lack of comprehensive clinical trials. Traditional preparations vary widely, and glycerite extracts are typically dosed in milliliters per day, often based on recommendations from herbalists or manufacturers. The specific dosage can also depend on the extraction ratio and concentration, which vary by manufacturer. It is crucial to consider that quality control, adhering to standards such as USP, Ph. Eur., and ISO, is important for ensuring product consistency and safety. Information regarding the optimal timing of administration and factors influencing absorption for glycerite extracts is not well characterized. However, the glycerite form is generally palatable, which may enhance patient compliance. Specific upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption of Angelica root glycerite have not been definitively established.
FAQs
Is Angelica root glycerite safe for long-term use?
While traditional use suggests safety, clinical safety data for long-term use of Angelica root glycerite are limited. Clinical monitoring is advised for extended use.
Does glycerite extraction preserve active compounds?
Yes, glycerite extraction, especially at low temperatures, is effective in preserving many bioactive compounds without the degradation that can occur with alcohol.
Can it be used for menopausal symptoms?
Angelica root has traditional use for menopausal symptoms, but robust clinical trials specifically on glycerite extracts for this purpose are currently lacking.
Are there cancer risks?
Some compounds show anti-cancer activity in vitro, and no evidence suggests increased cancer risk. However, caution is advised in hormone-sensitive cancers due to potential estrogenic effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3576791/ – This in vitro study investigated the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of various Angelica root extracts on human cell lines (HEK-293, MG-63, MCF-7). It found that cytotoxicity varied significantly by Angelica species and source, with Korean extracts generally more cytotoxic and a Chinese extract showing less toxicity and potential for promoting osteogenesis. The study highlights the importance of source and concentration in determining biological effects.
- https://hawaiipharm.com/angelica-archan-nonalc-extract – This source describes Angelica archangelica non-alcoholic extract, emphasizing the benefits of glycerite extraction for preserving bioactive compounds without alcohol. It highlights the traditional uses and the gentle extraction process that maintains the integrity of the plant's constituents, making it suitable for those avoiding alcohol.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6271584/ – This metabolic profiling study used 1H-NMR to differentiate Angelica species and analyze their chemical profiles. It confirmed that ferulic acid levels were consistent across different Angelica species and demonstrated that glycerite extraction effectively preserves the metabolite profile, indicating its suitability for maintaining the chemical integrity of the extract.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.896637/full – This review summarized the pharmacological effects of Angelica dahurica root extracts, primarily based on animal and cell models. It reported that these extracts can reduce liver lipids, improve lipid metabolism, and lower blood glucose, with PPARγ modulation implicated as a key mechanism. The review provides strong preclinical evidence for metabolic benefits but notes the lack of human RCTs on glycerite forms.
- https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00002 – This systematic review focused on the components of Angelica sinensis and their effects in breast cancer studies. It found that certain components can sensitize tamoxifen-resistant cells to apoptosis and act as potential epigenetic modulators. The review concluded that no increased breast cancer risk was found, but it primarily focused on cancer cell lines rather than clinical trials of glycerite extracts.