Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics

contains hexylmethylphthalate as its major
component (36%).^14

PHARMACOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
ACTIVITIES

The root oil has shown antibacterial and anti-
fungal activities.1,15
A number ofAngelicaspecies have shown
calcium-antagonist-like effectsin vitro.Asan
activity involving relaxation of vascular
smooth muscle, calcium-antagonist activity
is a topic of interest in cardiovascular disease
research. Calcium-antagonist activity was
found from coumarin-rich fractions of angeli-
ca root extracts (A. archangelica).^16 The root
extract has shown dose-dependent antiulcero-
genic activity in rats with indomethacin-in-
duced gastric ulcers, an effect partly attributed
to an increase in mucin secretion, a decrease in
leukotrienes, and an increase in the release
of prostaglandin E 2.^17 Orally administered,
A. archangelica also ameliorated ethanol-
induced hepatotoxicity in mice and inhibited
malondialdehyde formation in mouse livers,
in vitroandin vivo.^18

TOXICOLOGY

Certain coumarins in the plant (e.g., bergap-
ten, xanthotoxin) are known to be phototoxic
(seebergamot oil). Angelica root and seed oils
are obtained by steam distillation and are not
expected to contain these coumarins; howev-
er, extracts (e.g., absolute, solid extract, fluid
extract) may contain them. The root oil (but
not seed oil) is reported to be phototoxic.1,11

USES

Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic.
Now rarely used in pharmaceutical prepara-
tions. Its major current use is as a fragrance
ingredient in soaps, detergent, creams, lotions,
and perfumes. Reported maximum use levels
for both rootand seed oils are usually verylow,

the highest for either being about 0.1% in the

perfume category.1,11

Food. Leaves used as vegetable (MABBERLY);

dried seeds andcut and sifted or powdered root

occasionally used as tea flavoring (FOSTER);

also used as a flavor ingredient in most major

categories of food products, including alco-

holic (bitters, liqueurs, vermouths) and non-

alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts,

candy, baked goods, and gelatins and pud-

dings. The seed and root oils and the root

extract are more commonly used; average

maximum use levels are low, usually below

0.01%, except for the seed extract, which is

reported to be 0.2% in alcoholic beverages.

Dietary Supplements/Health Foods. The

dried seeds and root powder are used in tinc-

tures or oral formulations, primarily for men-

strual regulation and as an expectorant

(FOSTER).

Traditional Medicine. Angelica has a long

history of use in Europe in the treatment of

bronchial ailments, colds, coughs, and stom-

ach troubles caused by indigestion; also used

in cosmetics for its allegedly quieting and

soothing effect on the nerves of the skin (DE

NAVARRE). The roots and seeds have been used

in the treatment of arthritic disease, nervous

conditions, insomnia, hyperacidity, and intes-

tinal disturbances, as well as for anti-inflam-

matory, diuretic, and diaphoretic effects.^16

In Chinese medicine, at least 10Angelica

species are used, including A. dahurica

(Fisch.) Benth. et Hook.,A. anomalaLalem.,

A. formosanaBoiss., andA. sinensis(Oliv.)

Diels; the latter, known asdangguiordong

quai(see following), is widely used in treating

female ailments in China (FARNSWORTH1–4;

FOGARTY;JIANGSU;NANJING).

COMMERCIAL PREPARATIONS

Crude, extracts, and oils. Root and seed were

both formerly official in U.S.P. and N.F.; both

root oil and seed oil are official in F.C.C.

Angelica 33