# Decursin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/decursin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** pyranocoumarin, Angelica gigas extract, Korean angelica compound, danggwi compound, dong quai derivative, C₁₉H₂₀O₅, decursin coumarin

## Overview

Decursin is a pyranocoumarin compound isolated from the root of Angelica gigas Nakai that exerts anticancer, [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) effects. Its primary mechanisms involve inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of NF-κB-driven [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation).

## Health Benefits

• Anti-cancer properties: Preclinical studies show decursin induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer cells (PMID 15705905, 39337425) - evidence limited to laboratory studies
• [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) protection: Reduces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress in cardiac models at 10-50 μM concentrations (PMC12481280) - preliminary animal/cell evidence only
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Inhibits multiple [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling (PMC12481280) - based on in vitro research
• Estrogen modulation: Blocks ERα nuclear translocation and suppresses estrogen-stimulated genes in breast cancer cells (PMC2246173) - cell culture evidence only
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Mitigates ROS-mediated stress and ER stress pathways (PMID 39337425) - demonstrated in laboratory models only

## Mechanism of Action

Decursin inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, reducing phosphorylation of downstream survival proteins and triggering G1-phase cell cycle arrest via upregulation of p21 and p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. It suppresses NF-κB nuclear translocation, lowering transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, decursin activates caspase-3 and caspase-9 to initiate intrinsic apoptosis and reduces androgen receptor (AR) expression, which is particularly relevant in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of decursin research consists of in vitro cell-line studies and rodent models; no large-scale human randomized controlled trials have been published as of 2024. Preclinical studies demonstrate dose-dependent apoptosis in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with IC50 values typically in the 10–50 µM range (PMID 15705905). Animal studies in murine colorectal and lung cancer models report significant tumor volume reduction at oral doses of 10–50 mg/kg, but bioavailability challenges limit direct translation to human dosing. One small pilot human study using an Angelica gigas extract suggested tolerability, but isolated decursin pharmacokinetics and efficacy in humans remain insufficiently characterized.

## Nutritional Profile

Decursin is a pure isolated bioactive coumarin compound (pyranocoumarin class), not a whole food ingredient, and therefore has no conventional macronutrient, micronutrient, vitamin, mineral, or fiber profile. Molecular formula: C19H21NO5, molecular weight: 347.37 g/mol. As an isolated compound, it is assessed by its bioactive concentration rather than nutritional composition. Preclinical studies utilize concentrations of 10–50 μM in cell and animal models. Natural source concentration: Decursin is found in the roots of Angelica gigas Nakai at approximately 1–5% dry weight of the root extract, with some preparations reporting up to 8 mg/g in standardized extracts. It co-occurs with the related compound decursinol angelate in roughly comparable amounts. Oral bioavailability is limited due to rapid hydrolysis to decursinol (its active metabolite) under alkaline intestinal conditions and hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); peak plasma concentrations in rodent studies occur at 30–60 minutes post-oral administration. Lipophilicity (logP approximately 2.8) influences tissue distribution. No protein, carbohydrate, fat, or micronutrient content is applicable, as this is a purified phytochemical rather than a food matrix.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically validated dosages exist due to lack of human efficacy trials. The only human study used ~4.5 mg decursin/decursinol angelate equivalents as a single oral dose. Preclinical studies use 10-100 μM in cell cultures and 5-20 mg/kg in rodent models. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Decursin is generally well tolerated in animal studies at tested doses, but human safety data are very limited and no established safe upper limit has been defined for supplemental use. As a coumarin derivative, decursin may theoretically potentiate anticoagulant medications such as warfarin by inhibiting CYP2C9-mediated [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), warranting caution in patients on blood thinners. Its inhibition of CYP3A4 in vitro raises the possibility of interactions with drugs metabolized by this enzyme, including certain statins, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. Decursin is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to the absence of safety data and the known uterine-stimulating properties of Angelica species.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for decursin in humans is extremely limited, with only one small pharmacokinetic study (n=12 healthy adults) administering ~4.5 mg decursin equivalents showing rapid absorption and 24-hour detection with no adverse events (PMID 25695490). No randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, or Phase II/III trials have been completed, with all therapeutic evidence remaining at the preclinical stage in cell cultures and animal models.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While decursin itself is not explicitly documented in historical texts, it derives from Angelica gigas roots, used for over 1,000 years in Traditional Korean and Chinese Medicine as 'Danggwi' or 'Dong Quai' for women's health, menstrual regulation, anemia, and blood circulation. Traditional preparations involved decoction or powdering of roots for oral consumption.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other coumarins, green tea catechins, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What plant does decursin come from?

Decursin is extracted from the dried root of Angelica gigas Nakai, a perennial herb native to Korea, China, and Japan traditionally used in East Asian medicine. The root also contains the closely related analog decursinol angelate, and both compounds are often studied together for their overlapping bioactivities.

### Does decursin have anticancer properties?

Preclinical evidence shows decursin induces apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest in prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer cell lines, largely through PI3K/Akt inhibition and downregulation of the androgen receptor (PMID 15705905, 39337425). These findings are promising but are currently limited to laboratory and animal models; no human clinical trials have confirmed anticancer efficacy in patients.

### What is the typical dosage of decursin in supplements?

No clinically validated human dosage for isolated decursin has been established. Animal studies showing efficacy use oral doses of 10–50 mg/kg body weight, and standardized Angelica gigas root extracts in commercial supplements typically provide 100–500 mg of extract standardized to a percentage of decursin content, but these figures are not supported by robust human pharmacokinetic data.

### Can decursin interact with blood thinners like warfarin?

Decursin may inhibit CYP2C9, the primary enzyme responsible for warfarin metabolism, potentially increasing warfarin plasma levels and bleeding risk. Anyone taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or NSAIDs should consult a healthcare provider before using decursin-containing supplements. This interaction has been characterized in vitro but has not been formally studied in human pharmacokinetic trials.

### Is decursin beneficial for brain health?

Preclinical studies suggest decursin has neuroprotective properties, including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and reduction of amyloid-beta aggregation in rodent models of cognitive decline. It also suppresses neuroinflammatory signaling via NF-κB inhibition in microglial cell lines. Human clinical evidence for cognitive or neuroprotective benefits does not yet exist, so these findings should be interpreted cautiously.

### What does research show about decursin's cardiovascular benefits?

Preliminary animal studies demonstrate that decursin may protect heart tissue by reducing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress at concentrations of 10-50 μM. However, these findings are limited to laboratory and animal models, and human clinical trials are needed to establish cardiovascular efficacy and safe dosing in people. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend decursin specifically for heart health without further research.

### Who should avoid taking decursin supplements?

Individuals taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin should avoid decursin due to potential interaction risks. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid supplementation, as safety data in these populations is lacking. People with clotting disorders or those scheduled for surgery should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### How is decursin absorbed and what affects its effectiveness?

Decursin is a coumarin compound derived from Decursinol angelicae and other plant sources, but its bioavailability in humans has not been thoroughly studied. Most evidence comes from cell culture and animal models using concentrations (10-50 μM) that may not reflect what is achieved through oral supplementation in humans. Without human pharmacokinetic data, the optimal form and absorption enhancers for decursin supplementation remain unclear.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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