Angelica archangelica — Hermetica Encyclopedia
Herbs (Global Traditional) · European

Angelica archangelica

Provisional Moderate Scorebotanical

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Angelica archangelica is a medicinal herb containing bioactive coumarins and essential oils that modulate smooth muscle activity and inflammatory pathways. Clinical evidence demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing overactive bladder symptoms and potentially supporting cardiovascular health.

Screened PMID Records
Reported Benefits
Pending
Synergy Review
At a Glance
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupEuropean
Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate
Primary Keywordangelica archangelica benefits
Angelica archangelica close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid
Angelica archangelica — botanical close-up

Origin & History

Angelica archangelica growing in Europe — natural habitat
Natural habitat

Angelica archangelica is a perennial herb from the Apiaceae family, native to northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of Asia, growing up to 2-3 meters tall with compound leaves and greenish-white flowers. The roots, seeds, fruits, and leaves are harvested for medicinal use and processed through solvent extraction (methanol, ethanol, water decoction) or steam distillation to produce extracts and essential oils rich in monoterpenes.

Known as 'angel plant,' Angelica archangelica has been used for centuries in European, Icelandic, and Kashmiri folk medicine for anxiety, digestive issues, and as a general tonic. The herb holds significance in northern regional folklore systems and has been incorporated into traditional food, liquor, and officinal medicine preparations across its native regions.Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Human clinical evidence is limited, with one triple-blind RCT (n=143) showing significant improvements in overactive bladder symptoms after 6 weeks of leaf extract supplementation (PMID: 41368330). A meta-analysis examining primarily Angelica sinensis included 49 low-quality RCTs on hypertension, though specific data for A. archangelica was not isolated (PMID: 31100657). Most evidence derives from preclinical studies demonstrating antitumor (PMID: 15796173), anxiolytic (PMID: 23297567), and anti-inflammatory effects.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

Angelica archangelica is a medicinal herb used primarily for its bioactive phytochemicals rather than macronutrient content. Macronutrient data for isolated plant material is limited, but the root and seed contain approximately 15-30% carbohydrates (dry weight), 5-10% crude fiber, and 3-6% protein. Fat content is low (~1-3%), though the seeds yield an essential oil comprising 0.3-1.5% of dry seed weight. Key bioactive compounds include: (1) Furanocoumarins (0.2-0.5% dry root weight) — notably imperatorin, xanthotoxin (methoxsalen), bergapten, and osthol, which are the primary pharmacologically active constituents; (2) Monoterpene-rich essential oil — dominated by α-pinene (14-30%), β-phellandrene (10-25%), sabinene, and limonene in root oil; seed oil is richer in β-phellandrene (up to 60%); (3) Flavonoids — including archangelenone and luteolin glycosides at trace concentrations (<0.1% dry weight); (4) Phenolic acids — chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid derivatives present at low concentrations (~0.05-0.2% dry weight); (5) Coumarins (non-furanocoumarin) — osthole and umbelliferone; (6) Polyacetylenes — falcarinol and falcarindiol present in small amounts in the root. Mineral content includes moderate potassium (~300-500 mg/100g dry root), calcium (~150-300 mg/100g), and trace iron and magnesium. Vitamin content is not well characterized but roots contain small amounts of vitamin C (~10-20 mg/100g fresh weight). Bioavailability note: furanocoumarins are generally well-absorbed orally but undergo significant hepatic first-pass metabolism; they are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, which enhances bioavailability of co-administered drugs. Essential oil constituents are highly volatile and bioavailability depends strongly on preparation method (teas lose most volatile fractions).

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Angelica archangelica contains bioactive coumarins like angelicin and imperatorin that modulate calcium channels and smooth muscle contractility. The essential oils, particularly α-pinene and β-phellandrene, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through cyclooxygenase inhibition. These compounds also interact with muscarinic receptors, reducing detrusor muscle overactivity in the bladder.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

A randomized controlled trial (n=143) demonstrated that Angelica archangelica significantly reduced daytime urination frequency and improved quality of life scores in overactive bladder patients. Meta-analyses of related Angelica species suggest potential cardiovascular benefits including modest blood pressure reduction, though this evidence remains low-quality. Most clinical research has focused on urological applications with moderate-strength evidence. Long-term safety data from controlled trials remains limited.

Also Known As

Angelica archangelicaGarden AngelicaEuropean AngelicaHoly GhostArchangelWild CeleryNorwegian AngelicaAngelique

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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