Angelica archangelica
Angelica archangelica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Angelica archangelica is a versatile botanical resource utilized in various medicinal applications through its roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers. Scientific studies have highlighted its diverse pharmacological activities, including anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The plant contains significant bioactive compounds such as imperatorin, xanthotoxin, archangelicin, and bergapten. Researchers frequently utilize crude plant extracts, ethanol extracts, and essential oils to investigate its therapeutic potential against conditions like arthritis. Furthermore, its chemical profile offers interesting effects on acetylcholinesterase and serves as a potential 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor.
- Synonyms
- Selinum Archangelica · Archangelica Officinalis
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Angelica archangelica is a versatile botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In certain linguistic traditions, it is referred to as Anxélica or Anđelika, reflecting its widespread presence in various territories. The plant also holds a specific identity in Basque culture, where it is commonly called Aingeru-belar landatu. In Polish contexts, it is recognized by the name Arcydzięgiel litwor, showcasing its deep-rooted botanical history. Ultimately, while its scientific designation remains constant, these various common names highlight the plant's rich global heritage.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Angelica archangelica is a botanical species frequently identified by various alternative names in scientific literature. One common synonym used to refer to this plant is Archangelica officinalis. Additionally, the species is sometimes categorized under the name Selinum archangelica. These varying designations can often cause confusion for researchers and gardeners alike. Understanding these taxonomic relationships is essential for ensuring the correct identification of the plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Angelica archangelica belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, a lineage that connects it to significant evolutionary history. This species is further categorized into the order Apiales, showcasing its specific biological development. As a member of the family Apiaceae, it shares structural characteristics with many well-known herbs. Finally, its botanical identity is solidified within the genus Angelica, placing it in a distinct group of closely related plants.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Angelica |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Angelica archangelica thrives across a diverse range of geographical regions, stretching from the temperate landscapes of Asia to the heart of Europe. In the Asian-Temperate zone, this plant is commonly found throughout the Caucasus and the vast stretches of West Siberia. Its reach extends further into the Asia-Tropical regions, where it takes root within the mountainous terrain of Nepal on the Indian Subcontinent. Moving westward, the species is well-established across Eastern Europe, particularly within the Baltic States. Finally, its presence is firmly noted in the fertile lands of Belarus, showcasing its remarkable adaptability to various climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Angelica archangelica is a distinctive herb characterized by its sturdy and self-supporting growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 3 meters, allowing it to stand prominently in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature can vary significantly throughout the growing season. While some specimens may begin at a minimum height of approximately 0.758 meters, others consistently establish themselves at a base of 0.9 meters. This range of size highlights the plant's impressive developmental flexibility.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Angelica archangelica has been identified as a medicinal plant possessing both anticonvulsant and antiepileptic activities. Research utilizing integrated phytochemical and in vivo approaches has demonstrated that ethanolic extracts of this species can exhibit moderate anticonvulsant effects. Furthermore, extensive bibliographic analyses highlight the plant's role as a traditional remedy prescribed by various ethnic groups to manage epilepsy. These studies suggest that the plant's bioactive compounds may play a role in addressing the neurological challenges associated with seizure disorders. Consequently, continued experimental investigation is essential to fully clarify the specific mechanisms of action and clinical potential of Angelica archangelica.
Compounds
Angelica archangelica is a medicinal plant known to possess a rich profile of bioactive compounds. Specifically, the seeds of this species contain several important coumarins, including archangelicin and bergapten. Research also highlights the presence of furanocoumarins within the plant's chemical makeup. Furthermore, the extract is characterized by the inclusion of both imperatorin and isoimperatorin. These various constituents contribute to the complex phytochemical composition that defines the plant's medicinal properties.
Conditions
Angelica archangelica demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat various human leukaemia cell lines, specifically 1301--human T cell leukaemia lymphoblast, C-8166--human T cell leukaemia, and EOL--human eosinophilic leukaemia via apoptotic activity. Research into its derivative, SagaPro, indicates that the plant can effectively treat ANV by reducing the actual number of nocturnal voids in certain patient subgroups. Furthermore, the plant provides relief for Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Neuropathy by exerting antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. These diverse applications highlight the plant's ability to target both oncological and neurological conditions.
Preparations
Angelica archangelica is prepared as various types of medicinal preparations, including diverse extracts and crude plant extracts used in gastrointestinal and urease inhibition studies. The plant is also prepared as essential oil (Aa-EO) to investigate its specific anti-inflammatory properties in human cell models. Furthermore, research utilizes Angelica archangelica prepared as ethanol extracts and ethanolic extracts to evaluate its apoptotic activities and anticonvulsant potential. These different preparation methods allow scientists to study the specific bioactive compounds and therapeutic effects of the species across various biological models.
Parts used
Angelica archangelica is a versatile medicinal plant that offers a wide range of bioactive compounds distributed across its various parts. Research has identified significant chemical profiles in the roots, which have demonstrated potential antitumor activity against breast cancer cells. The leaves are also highly valued, particularly for products like SagaPro that may assist with bladder capacity issues. Furthermore, the seeds and fruits contain important coumarins and other metabolites that contribute to the plant's diverse pharmacological properties. Finally, the flowers and leaves serve as rich sources of phenolic antioxidants, highlighting the botanical complexity of this species.