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Angelica Dahurica Root Extract

Also known as: Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav., Bai Zhi, Angelica Dahurica Root Extract, Angelica dahurica

Overview

Angelica dahurica root extract is derived from the dried root of the plant Angelica dahurica, a traditional medicinal herb widely used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is primarily valued for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Historically, it has been applied in conditions such as headaches, toothaches, various skin disorders, and respiratory ailments. The extract's key bioactive compounds include coumarins, furanocoumarins, and volatile oils. While research on Angelica dahurica is moderately mature, with a growing body of in vitro, animal, and some human studies, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on the root extract are limited. The current evidence base is considered moderate, with most data originating from preclinical and small clinical investigations.

Benefits

Angelica dahurica root extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily stemming from its anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies, including in vitro and rat models, have shown that ethanol extracts significantly inhibit inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB signaling pathways. This action has been observed to reduce inflammation in models of periodontitis and asthma, leading to decreased airway inflammation and mucus production. Traditionally, it is used for pain relief in headaches and toothaches, which is supported by its anti-inflammatory effects, though direct clinical quantification of its analgesic properties is limited. Secondary benefits include potential antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, although clinical data in this area are sparse. While preclinical studies demonstrate significant reductions in inflammatory markers, human clinical trials with adequate sample sizes are needed to quantify effect sizes and confirm clinical significance. The time course of effects in animal studies ranged from acute (2 hours) to subacute (14 days).

How it works

Angelica dahurica root extract exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It achieves this by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ, and by inhibiting key inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS. A crucial part of its action involves suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is a central regulator of inflammatory responses. This suppression occurs by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκB, thereby reducing the transcription of various inflammatory genes. Additionally, the extract has been shown to upregulate heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), contributing to its antioxidant and further anti-inflammatory effects. The coumarins and furanocoumarins present in the extract are believed to be the main bioactive molecules responsible for these interactions with biological pathways. Absorption and bioavailability data are limited but are likely consistent with typical oral absorption of plant coumarins.

Side effects

Angelica dahurica root extract is generally considered safe when used traditionally and in moderate doses. However, comprehensive data on common side effects (>5% incidence) from well-designed clinical trials are lacking, though mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well characterized due to the limited human clinical data available. A theoretical concern exists regarding potential photosensitivity due to the presence of furanocoumarins, but this has not been well-studied or widely reported in clinical settings. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established, caution is advised when combining Angelica dahurica root extract with anticoagulants or other photosensitizing drugs due to its coumarin content. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, are insufficient, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided.

Dosage

There is currently no standardized dosing established for Angelica dahurica root extract based on high-quality clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized ethanol extracts at doses ranging from 50-100 mg/kg in animal models; however, human equivalent doses have not been well defined. Traditional use often involves decoctions or extracts, sometimes standardized to coumarin content, but these traditional practices do not translate directly into modern clinical dosing guidelines. Specific recommendations regarding timing of administration, optimal formulation, or absorption factors are not established due to the lack of robust clinical research. Further well-designed human clinical trials are essential to determine safe and effective dosage ranges, timing considerations, and formulation-specific recommendations for various therapeutic purposes.

FAQs

Is Angelica dahurica root extract effective for inflammation?

Preclinical evidence strongly supports its anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways. However, robust human clinical trials are still needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.

Is it safe to use Angelica dahurica root extract long term?

Traditional use suggests safety, but comprehensive clinical safety data for long-term use are limited. Caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.

Can Angelica dahurica root extract be combined with other medications?

No major drug interactions have been widely reported, but due to its coumarin content, caution is prudent when combined with blood thinners or other photosensitizing drugs.

How soon can effects be expected from Angelica dahurica root extract?

Animal studies have shown effects within days of administration. However, human data are lacking, so the exact onset of effects in humans is not yet known.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9283917/ – This preclinical study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica dahurica ethanol extract in in vitro and rat models of periodontitis and asthma. It found that the extract significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokines and the NF-κB pathway, reducing airway inflammation and mucus production, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1153583/full – This systematic review, while focusing on Angelica sinensis, highlights the anti-tumor effects of Angelica species, their multi-target pathways, and potential synergy with conventional treatments. It provides indirect relevance by showcasing the broader therapeutic potential of the Angelica genus, though specific findings for Angelica dahurica are not detailed.
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00002 – This observational cohort study, involving over 300,000 CKD patients, explored the association of Chinese herbal medicines, including Angelica-related herbs, with renal outcomes and mortality. It suggested that Angelica-related herbs were associated with reduced mortality and improved renal outcomes, though its observational nature means confounding factors cannot be ruled out.