Natural Products

Angelica

Angelica archangelica, Archangelica officinalis

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Gastric discomfort (flatulence, feeling of fullness, mild spasms)
  Loss of appetite
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Abortifacient
  Analgesic (topically)
  Anti-inflammatory (topically)
  Antiseptic
  Diuretic
  Expectorant
  Plague
  Premature ejaculation (topically)
  Psoriasis (topically)
  To promote menstrual flow
  Vitiligo (topically)

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
• Adverse Effects: Not Frequents

What is it?

Angelica, an aromatic plant in the same family as parsley, has a big stem and large, indented leaves. It is commonly used as a border plant to protect other plants from strong winds. According to legend, humans began to use this plant after an angel (thus its name) told them that it could cure the plague. The applicable parts of the plant are the roots and, to a lesser degree, the leaves and seeds. Angelica contains several active principles: essential oils, lactones, coumarin derivatives and several others. The bitter principles and essential oils appear to stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions, which could explain why it is used to stimulate appetite and to relieve gastric discomfort. The plant is also used as a flavoring ingredient in some herb liqueurs such as "Benedictine" or "Chartreuse".

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

There is no evidence that angelica is effective in any indication. However it is used to treat certain medical conditions in which it may be of some benefit:

• To stimulate appetite;
  To relieve gastric discomfort.:
  Angelica is possibly effective to relieve stomachache and to promote gastric and pancreatic secretions. A typical dose is 1,5 g of brute powder decoction or its equivalent - 0.5 to 2 ml of tincture (1:5) or liquid extract (1:1) - 3 times a day.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that angelica is effective in any other indication.

Is it safe?

• Angelica is not associated with any serious toxicity. It is recognized as safe as a spice or flavoring. Avoid large doses. Angelica is a known photosensitizer: exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin inflammation. Prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning lamps should be avoided during its use.
• Because of its potential abortifacient properties, angelica is contraindicated in pregnant women. Since there is no data concerning its safety in breast-feeding, lactating women should not take angelica.
• Because of angelica's ability to increase gastric acid secretion, it is thought that it would interfere with agents used to control gastric acidity (antacids, sucralfate, H-2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors). Angelica may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Before taking angelica, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are no drug interaction with your regular medication.

Clinical notes

• Angelica has antispasmodic and cholagogue properties as well as stimulant activity on gastric secretion. Today, angelica is mostly used for its ornemental qualities, while its medicinal use is now somewhat limited.

References

1. Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
3. Facts and Comparisons, The review of Natural Products, 2000
4. Grainger Bisset, N. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, 1994
5. Passeportsanté.net. Angélique. http://www.passeportsante.net
6. Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002