Angelica archangelica
Holy ghost
Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden Angelica, is a majestic perennial herb celebrated in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its aromatic roots and stems, this botanical powerhouse is used to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. Its striking appearance and therapeutic versatility make it a cornerstone of herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Angelica archangelica
- Family: Apiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Angelica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Apiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Angelica | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Angelica archangelica, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is often called Garden angelica (pam), while in Polish, it is known as Dzwięgieł litwor (pl). French speakers call it Angélique officinale (fr), and in Hungarian, it is identified as orvosi angyalgyökér (hu). Finally, in German, the species is known as Arznei-Engelwurz (de).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pam | Garden angelica | Wikidata |
| pl | Dzięgiel litwor | Wikidata |
| fr | Angélique officinale | Wikidata |
| hu | orvosi angyalgyökér | Wikidata |
| de | Arznei-Engelwurz | Wikidata |
| ja | セイヨウトウキ | Wikidata |
| sh | Anđelika | Wikidata |
| nl | grote engelwortel | Wikidata |
| sv | kvanne | Wikidata |
| is | Ætihvönn | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range centered primarily within the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing naturally in the coastal and mountainous areas of Denmark and Finland. Its distribution extends further north to include the rugged landscapes of Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Additionally, the species is well-established within the diverse habitats of Great Britain. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's preference for cool, northern maritime climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Angelica archangelica, is highly valued in traditional medicine for the therapeutic properties found throughout its various structures. The most commonly utilized part is the root, often referred to as the roots in plural when discussing the entire underground system, which is prized for its calming and digestive benefits. The large, green leaves are also significant, with each individual leaf contributing to the plant's overall chemical profile. Additionally, the seeds produced by the plant are frequently harvested and used in herbal formulations to support digestive health.- Total parts
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Essential Oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Angelica archangelica has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bergapten, coumarins, furanocoumarins, imperatorin, xanthotoxin.
- Total chemicals
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 26
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bergapten | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| furanocoumarins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| imperatorin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| xanthotoxin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Coumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alkanes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| angelicin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| archangelicin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Angelica archangelica has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticonvulsant, Antiepileptic, Antimutagenic, Cytotoxic, Diaphoretic.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiepileptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diaphoretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Angelica archangelica has 29 reported medicinal uses identified across 29 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Inflammation, analgesic, anti-allergic, arthritis, breast cancer.
- Total uses
- 29
- Scientific sources
- 29
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-allergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coughs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |