Angelica

Description and origin
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) belongs to the Apiaceae family (the family to which carrot and anise belong). It is an herbaceous plant with flowers grouped into greenish umbels, and grows up to 2 m high (1). It is native to northern and eastern Europe, and North Asia. It is cultivated in several European countries and grows wild in Nordic countries such as Iceland, where it is highly regarded and valued (2).

History
The name angelica has religious associations. It is said that it was a gift from Archangel Gabriel, who demonstrated its many medicinal properties (1,3).
Used since ancient times, angelica was believed to have supernatural properties and was used in pagan festivals. During the Middle Ages it was grown in Nordic countries and exported to other parts of Europe (2). It was also believed that it could be used to combat the plague (3), and has been used extensively in traditional medicine as a remedy for various diseases, such as gastrointestinal problems and problems associated with menstruation, anxiety, headaches and fever, and topically for rheumatism and skin conditions (3-4).

Composition
The roots contain essential oil rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, macrocyclic lactones and furanocoumarins (angelicin, bergapten, imperatorin etc.). They also contain tannins, sitosterol and phenolic acids (chlorogenic and caffeic) (3,5).

Benefits
Angelica archangelica root has digestive properties and is recommended for loss of appetite, dyspepsia, meteorism and spasms of the gastroduodenal tract (5). It also has anxiolytic activity, is diaphoretic (induces perspiration) and diuretic. It has also been used in traditional European medicine as an expectorant for bronchial ailments, colds and catarrh (6).

Studies/research
The Commission E recognises the following pharmacological actions: gastric secretion stimulant, antispasmodic and cholagogue (stimulates the emptying of the gall bladder) (5).
Of all Angelica archangelica’s compounds, its furanocoumarins are of particular pharmacological interest. For example, one study maintains that angelicin gives the plant its digestive and aperitive properties (7). Imperatorin affects several memory-related neurotransmitters: it has been found to inhibit the degradation of acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (2,8). This furanocoumarin also has vasodilatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (8).
Finally, in addition to its digestive uses, angelica root extract has anxiolytic activity. This activity has been proven in laboratory tests that support the use of this plant in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as a remedy for nervous disorders (4).