Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is an herb species used in traditional medicine to treat or prevent digestive disorders, infection, cancer, and more. It is thought to contain various bioactive ingredients that may have antioxidant, antimicrobial, andanti-inflammatoryproperties.
Angelica is commonly used as a dietary supplement or as a cooking ingredient. However, scientific evidence for the herb’s safety and efficacy when used for health purposes is lacking,
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Alpha-pinene, Delta-3-carene, limonene, alpha-phellandreneAlternate name(s):Angelica leaf extract, Angelica root, oil of Angelica, wild AngelicaLegal status:Legal and available over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:No dosage guidelines for AngelicaSafety considerations:Considered generally safe, but side effects may be possible
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Alpha-pinene, Delta-3-carene, limonene, alpha-phellandreneAlternate name(s):Angelica leaf extract, Angelica root, oil of Angelica, wild AngelicaLegal status:Legal and available over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:No dosage guidelines for AngelicaSafety considerations:Considered generally safe, but side effects may be possible
Uses of Angelica
Strong scientific evidence supporting the use of Angelica is lacking. So far, much of the research onAngelica archangelicahas been performed on animal models or in laboratory settings. As a whole, more human trials are needed on the potential benefits of Angelica.
The following is a look at what existing research says regarding the uses of Angelica.
Nocturia
Nocturiais a condition defined as the need to wake from sleep one or more times each night to urinate. Angelica has been studied for its use in relieving nocturia.
In one double-blind study, participants with nocturia who were assigned male at birth were randomized to receive either aplacebo(an ineffective substance) or a product made from theAngelica archangelicaleaf for eight weeks.
The participants were asked to track in diaries when theyurinated. The researchers evaluated the diaries both before and after the treatment period. By the end of the study, those who took Angelica reported fewer nocturnal voids (the need to get up in the middle of the night to urinate) than those who took the placebo, but the difference was not significant.
Unfortunately, few other studies have been performed to determine whether Angelica can significantly improve nocturia. More research is needed in this area.
Cancer
While no supplement or herb can curecancer, there is some interest in Angelica as a complementary treatment.
Researchers have studied Angelica’s potential anticancer effects in a lab. In one such study, researchers testedAngelica archangelicaextract onbreast cancercells. They found that Angelica may help cause breast cancer cell death, leading researchers to conclude that the herb may have antitumor potential.
A much older study performed on mice found similar results.However, these results have not been duplicated in human trials. Without human trials, there is no evidence that Angelica can help kill human cancer cells.
Anxiety
Angelica has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment foranxiety. However, scientific evidence to support this claim is scarce.
As with other uses of Angelica, the research on its use in anxiety has mostly been performed in lab settings or on animal models.
In one study, Angelica extracts were given to rats before they had to performstresstests. According to the researchers, rats performed better after receiving Angelica, making it a potential treatment for anxiety.
Human trials and more vigorous research are required to determine Angelica’s potential role in treating anxiety.
Antimicrobial Properties
Angelica is said to have antimicrobial properties, but well-designed human studies have not been performed to prove this claim.
According to some researchers, Angelica exhibits antimicrobial activity against:
However, little context is given regarding how Angelica may inhibit these and other bacteria and fungi.
Other Uses
In traditional medicine,Angelica archangelicais used to treat additional ailments, including:
Quality scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider prior to using Angelica for these and other health conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Angelica?
As with any herb or supplement, Angelica may cause side effects. However, due to a lack of human trials, there have been few reports of possible side effects of Angelica.
Common Side Effects
In general,Angelica archangelicais thought to be safe. Few side effects have been documented.
Angelica containsfuranocoumarins(compounds found in many types of plants) that have been linked to skin irritation. These compounds may also cause abnormalskin pigmentation,itching,redness, and sensitivity to sun exposure (photosensitivity).
More research is needed to determine other possible side effects of Angelica.
Severe Side Effects
Angelica archangelicais not known to cause severe side effects. Remember, though, that research on Angelica is lacking, which means severe side effects may still be possible.
To prevent anyside effects, use Angelica only as directed. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new herb or supplement.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Precautions should be taken when using Angelica, especially since research on the herb is so limited.
It is not yet known if Angelica is safe to use during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using Angelica. Due to a lack of safety information, people who are breastfeeding should also avoid using Angelica.
Children and people with certain health conditions may also need to avoid using Angelica. If you’re considering trying Angelica, speak with a healthcare provider first.
Dosage: How Much Angelica Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
There are no dosage guidelines forAngelica archangelica. There is not enough scientific data to determine safedosagerecommendations.
Since many studies on Angelica have been performed on animal models or in laboratory settings, more human trials must be completed before dosage guidelines can be made.
Play it safe, and always follow the dosing directions listed on the supplement label. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider about the proper Angelica dose for you.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Angelica?
At this time, Angelica is not known to be toxic when taken in recommended amounts. Overdose has also not been reported when using Angelica.
However, given the overall lack of information onAngelica archangelica,toxicitymay still be possible. You may increase your risk of side effects if you take too much Angelica. To prevent adverse events and toxicity, use Angelica only as directed.
There is concern that herbs likeAngelica archangelicamay interact with certain prescription medications.
For example, Angelica root (which includesAngelica archangelica) may interact with Jantoven (warfarin), a popular prescription blood thinner.However, this interaction may be more likely withAngelica sinensisthanAngelica archangelica.
If an interaction between the two does exist, taking Angelica along with warfarin may cause excess bleeding. For this reason, it may be best to avoid Angelica altogether if you’re taking warfarin or anotherblood thinner. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
More research is needed to determine whether additional interactions between Angelica and other medications, supplements, or herbs exist.
Always carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included in a supplement or herbal remedy. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Angelica
Proper storage of herbs ensures quality and shelf-life. Store your Angelica supplements in a cool, dry place and keep them out of direct sunlight. Keep them out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Angelicaessential oilstypically do not require refrigeration. Always follow the storage instructions listed on the product packaging. Discard Angelica supplements once they reach their expiration date.
Other supplements and herbs on the market may work similarly toAngelica archangelica.These include:
It’s typically recommended to take just one supplement for a given health condition at a time. Talk with a healthcare provider about which supplement is best for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDong quai (Angelica sinensis)is from the same genus asAngelica archangelica, but the two are not the same.In traditional medicine,Angelica sinensishas been used for different purposes thanAngelica archangelica.For example,Angelica sinensishas been used for gynecological disorders andconstipation.Learn MoreHow to Deal With Anxiety: Ways to CopeThe leaves, roots, seeds, shoots, and stems of Angelica are edible. Angelica is said to have a flavor similar to licorice and is sometimes used to make sauces and other condiments. It’s also possible to make extract oil from Angelica.There is currently not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Angelica during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s recommended that you avoid trying Angelica while pregnant.If you’re pregnant, talk with a healthcare provider about the safety of all supplements or herbs you take.Learn MoreWhat Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)is from the same genus asAngelica archangelica, but the two are not the same.In traditional medicine,Angelica sinensishas been used for different purposes thanAngelica archangelica.For example,Angelica sinensishas been used for gynecological disorders andconstipation.Learn MoreHow to Deal With Anxiety: Ways to Cope
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)is from the same genus asAngelica archangelica, but the two are not the same.In traditional medicine,Angelica sinensishas been used for different purposes thanAngelica archangelica.For example,Angelica sinensishas been used for gynecological disorders andconstipation.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)is from the same genus asAngelica archangelica, but the two are not the same.
In traditional medicine,Angelica sinensishas been used for different purposes thanAngelica archangelica.For example,Angelica sinensishas been used for gynecological disorders andconstipation.
Learn MoreHow to Deal With Anxiety: Ways to Cope
The leaves, roots, seeds, shoots, and stems of Angelica are edible. Angelica is said to have a flavor similar to licorice and is sometimes used to make sauces and other condiments. It’s also possible to make extract oil from Angelica.
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Angelica during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s recommended that you avoid trying Angelica while pregnant.If you’re pregnant, talk with a healthcare provider about the safety of all supplements or herbs you take.Learn MoreWhat Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Angelica during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s recommended that you avoid trying Angelica while pregnant.If you’re pregnant, talk with a healthcare provider about the safety of all supplements or herbs you take.
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Angelica during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s recommended that you avoid trying Angelica while pregnant.
If you’re pregnant, talk with a healthcare provider about the safety of all supplements or herbs you take.
Learn MoreWhat Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Sources of Angelica & What to Look For
Angelica archangelicacan be used in supplement form or cooked into food.
Before choosing any new supplement, remember that nothing beats real food for getting all the nutrients your body needs. Supplement use should never replace a well-balanced diet.
Food Sources of Angelica
Angelica is an edible herb that some people use to make sauces and other condiments. It is described as having a flavor similar tolicorice.Some people also use Angelica to make hottea.
It should be noted that Angelica is not found naturally in other foods.
Angelica Supplements
Angelica is available for purchase online and in various stores. It typically comes in the form of dried leaves, dried roots, essential oils, and capsules. Dried Angelica may be used to make tea.
Sometimes, Angelica may be combined with other ingredients to make supplements.
It’s important to remember that there are many species of Angelica, so it’s important to double-check the label to ensure that you purchase the type you want.
Keep in mind that, according to government standards, it is not legal to claim that a dietary supplement can treat or cure a specific disease or relieve its symptoms.
Summary
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Sigurdsson S, Geirsson G, Gudmundsdottir H, Egilsdottir PB, Gudbjarnason S.A parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effect of SagaPro on nocturia in men.Scand J Urol. 2013;47(1):26–32. doi:10.3109/00365599.2012.695390
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