Angelica gigas

Angelica gigas, commonly known as Korean Angelica, is a striking perennial prized in traditional medicine. Distinguished by its deep purple stems and flowers, this botanical treasure is rich in coumarins. It is widely utilized to support blood circulation, balance hormones, and alleviate pain, offering profound therapeutic benefits in herbalism.

  • Scientific name: Angelica gigas
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Angelica, specifically the species Angelica gigas.

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 gigas, is recognized by various regional common names across different linguistic contexts. In simplified Chinese (zh-hans), it is referred to as 朝鲜当归, which is also the designation used in traditional Chinese (zh) and in Hong Kong (zh-hk) as 朝鲜當歸. In traditional Chinese (zh-hant), the name is written as 朝鮮當歸, while in Korean (ko), it is commonly known as 참당귀.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 朝鲜当归 Wikidata
zh-hant 朝鮮當歸 Wikidata
zh-hk 朝鮮當歸 Wikidata
ko 참당귀 Wikidata
zh 朝鲜当归 Wikidata
ru Дудник гигантский Wikidata
bg гигантска пищялка Wikidata
arz انجليكا جيجاس Wikidata
ko 당귀 Wikidata
ko 신감채 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within Eastern Asia. Its primary distribution can be found in the Manchuria region of China. Additionally, it grows naturally throughout the Korean peninsula. These areas provide the specific environmental conditions necessary for its development. Consequently, its geographical range is relatively concentrated within these neighboring territories.

Region Area Source
China Manchuria WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known for its striking deep purple stems, utilizes various structures for its medicinal properties. The most significant therapeutic component is the root, which is often harvested as thick, fleshy roots that extend deep into the soil. In some instances, the specimen may feature fine, hairy roots that assist in nutrient absorption. For commercial and medicinal preparation, the dried root is commonly used to create extracts and powders. In addition to the underground structures, the aerial parts, including the stems and leaves, are also studied for their unique botanical characteristics.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
8
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root 3 ★★☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hairy roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Angelica gigas has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 47 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include decursin, decursinol angelate, decursinol, nodakenin, peucedanone.

Total chemicals
22
Scientific sources
47

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
decursin 11 ★★★★★
decursinol angelate 10 ★★★★★
decursinol 4 ★★☆☆☆
nodakenin 3 ★★☆☆☆
peucedanone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
2,4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4"-hydroxytigloyldecursinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
7-hydroxy-6-(2R-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)coumarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
DA 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Angelica gigas has 9 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Neuroprotective, Analgesic, Anticancer, Antiandrogenic, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
9
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Neuroprotective 4 ★★☆☆☆
Analgesic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiandrogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diaphoretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Expectorant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Angelica gigas has 25 reported medicinal uses identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, Plasmodium falciparum, allergies, amnesia.

Total uses
25
Scientific sources
27

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
allergies 1 ★☆☆☆☆
amnesia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
androgen 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anti-oxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
apoptosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
atopic dermatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆