Angelica is thought by some botanists to be indigenous to Syria, Holland, or Poland. Today it is found growing in the wild on the coats of the North and Baltic Seas and is cultivated in other regions. Other species are found in America (A. atropurpurea), in Europe (A. sylvestris) and in China/asia (A. sinensis). It is known by several common names: European Angelica, Garden Angelica, and Angel's Wort.
More than 60 species of medicinal plants belong to the genus Angelica (Family: Apiaceae). Many of these species have long been used in ancient traditional medicine systems, especially in the far-east. Various herbal preparations containing Angelica species are available over-the-counter, not only in the far-eastern countries, but also in the western countries like USA, UK, Germany, etc. For centuries, many species of this genus, e.g. A. acutiloba, A. archangelica, A. atropupurea, A. dahurica, A. japonica, A. glauca, A. gigas, A. koreana, A. sinensis, A. sylvestris, etc., have been used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant and diaphoretic, and remedy for colds, flu, influenza, hepatitis, arthritis, indigestion, coughs, chronic bronchitis, pleurisy, typhoid, headaches, wind, fever, colic, travel sickness, rheumatism, bacterial and fungal infections and diseases of the urinary organs. Active principles isolated from these plants mainly include various types of coumarins, acetylenic compounds, chalcones, sesquiterpenes and polysaccharides.
The essential oils and furanocoumarins from the leaves have a strong irritant effect on the skin and mucous membranes (angelica dermatitis).
Angelica root preparations are officially approved by Commission E. for dyspeptic complaints and loss of appetite.
In folk medicine, preparations of angelica fruit (seeds) are used internally for conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract, intestinal and respiratory tract, as well as rheumatic and neuralgic complaints.
SIDE EFFECTS: Photodermatosis is possible following contact with the plant juice. Preparations are not to be used during pregnancy.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Concurrent use may result in increased risk of bleeding.
A study conducted in Iceland showed the antiproliferative effect of a tincture from fruits of Angelica archangelica using the human pancreas cancer cells. The results indicate that furanocoumarins account for most of the antiproliferative activity of the tincture.