Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica or wild celery, is a perennial herb from the Apiaceae family, native to northern Europe. Renowned for its aromatic scent and robust stature, it plays a significant role in both culinary and medicinal applications, and is celebrated for its ornamental qualities in gardens.

Botanical Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Angelica
Species: A. archangelica

Plant Characteristics

Angelica archangelica can grow up to 2 meters tall, featuring large bipinnate leaves and a thick, hollow stem. The plant blooms from late spring to mid-summer, producing large, spherical umbels of greenish or yellowish flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. The entire plant emits a pleasant, earthy fragrance.

Chemical Composition and Structure

This plant is rich in a variety of essential oils, coumarins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its unique aroma and therapeutic properties. The roots and seeds are particularly valued for their high content of volatile oils like α-pinene and limonene, which have been studied for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Cultivate It

To cultivate Angelica archangelica successfully:

1. Soil: Prefers deep, moist, fertile soil.
2. Light: Thrives best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
3. Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
4. Temperature: Hardy in cooler climates and can tolerate frost. It may require some winter protection in areas with harsh winters.

Uses and Benefits

Angelica archangelica is extensively used in traditional European herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as indigestion, heartburn, and circulation problems. It is also used as a flavoring in liqueurs and food products, and its aromatic qualities make it a popular choice for perfumery and aromatherapy.

Applications

• Medicinal: Used to improve digestion, as a diuretic, and to help treat respiratory and rheumatic conditions.
• Culinary: Leaves and stems are used in cooking for their celery-like flavor, while the roots and seeds are used in the production of spirits and flavor extracts.
• Ornamental: The striking appearance and height of the plant make it a valued addition to garden landscapes, particularly in herb gardens and naturalized areas.
• Cosmetics

INCI Functions:

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Angelica archangelica is generally safe and beneficial for cultivation, with minimal environmental impact. It should be noted, however, that the plant can be phototoxic due to its furanocoumarin content, particularly when fresh. Handling the plant, especially on sunny days, can lead to skin irritation or photosensitivity, so it is advisable to wear gloves and protective clothing. Sustainable cultivation practices are encouraged to maintain the health of the plant and its surrounding ecosystem.

Studies

Medical

Angelica archangelica is an important medicinal plant and its fruits, flowers, stems and roots are used in traditional medical medicine to treat disorders of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids are found in the root, giving the root extract antioxidant properties, and chemical compounds such as coumarin and decursinol have shown efficacy against mild cognitive decline in elderly subjects (1).

Furthermore, recent studies have also discovered antidepressant activity produced by components such as coumarin, angelicin and bergapten (2).

Angelica archangelica has demonstrated protective effects on collagen degradation in dermal fibroblasts due to UV irradiation (3).

Minerals present include, in order of quantity: 

• magnesium
• potassium 
• calcium 
• phosphorus

Cosmetics

The root extract of this plant has shown efficacy in protecting collagen degradation in dermal fibroblasts and may be considered a promising agent for use against photo-ageing of the skin.

For more information:

Angelica archangelica studies

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Kudoh C, Hori T, Yasaki S, Ubagai R, Tabira T. Effects of Ferulic Acid and Angelica archangelica Extract (Feru-guard ®) on Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Trial. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2020 Sep 18;4(1):393-398. doi: 10.3233/ADR-200211. 

(2) Kaur A, Garg S, Shiekh BA, Singh N, Singh P, Bhatti R. InSilico Studies and In Vivo MAOA Inhibitory Activity of Coumarins Isolated from Angelica archangelica Extract: An Approach toward Antidepressant Activity. ACS Omega. 2020 Jun 18;5(25):15069-15076. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00887. 

(3) Sun Z, Hwang E, Park SY, Zhang M, Gao W, Lin P, Yi TH. Angelica archangelia Prevented Collagen Degradation by Blocking Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases in UVB-exposed Dermal Fibroblasts. Photochem Photobiol. 2016 Jul;92(4):604-10. doi: 10.1111/php.12595. 

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Fraternale D, Teodori L, Rudov A, Prattichizzo F, Olivieri F, Guidarelli A, Albertini MC. The In Vitro Activity of Angelica archangelica L. Essential Oil on Inflammation. J Med Food. 2018 Dec;21(12):1238-1243. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0017. Epub 2018 Aug 29. PMID: 30156459.

Abstract. The use of herbs with medicinal value and biomedical effects has increased tremendously in the last years. However, inadequate basic knowledge of their mode of action is the main issue related to phytotherapy, although they have shown promising potential. To provide insights into these important issues, we tested here on appropriate in vitro models the efficacy of Angelica archangelica essential oil (Aa-EO) for anti-inflammatory properties. The results demonstrated that Aa-EO induced significant apoptosis and necrosis at high doses in U937 cells. We used nontoxic concentrations to treat for anti-inflammatory capacity. The results also demonstrated a decreased proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 level in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as senescence in vitro model, when cells are challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the most powerful proinflammatory inducer in the presence of Aa-EO. In addition, down expression of miR-126 and miR-146a (inflammamirs) produced by LPS stimulation was reverted by Aa-EO simultaneous treatment. These results provide noteworthy basis for the development/formulation of new drugs for future clinical uses and new food products or dietary supplements for contrasting inflammation.

Prakash B, Singh P, Goni R, Raina AK, Dubey NK. Efficacy of Angelica archangelica essential oil, phenyl ethyl alcohol and α- terpineol against isolated molds from walnut and their antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant activity. J Food Sci Technol. 2015 Apr;52(4):2220-8. doi: 10.1007/s13197-014-1278-x.

Abstract. Mold association, aflatoxin B1 contamination as well as oxidative deterioration of agri-food items during storage and processing are some global task for food industries. In view of the adverse effects of some synthetic preservatives on treated food items and subsequently on consumers health, recently plant based chemicals are encouraged by food industries as better alternatives of synthetics. The present study recommends the combination (1:1:1) of Angelica archangelica essential oil: Phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEA): α- terpineol as botanical preservative against molds, aflatoxin contamination and oxidative deterioration of walnut samples. Eight mold species were procured from stored walnut samples, including some aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains. The combination inhibited growth of aflatoxigenic strain Aspergillus flavus NKDW-7 and aflatoxin B1 production at 2.25 and 2.0 μL mL(-1) respectively. The IC50 value of the combination was recorded as 3.89 μL mL(-1), showing strong antioxidant potential. The antifungal action of the combination showed > 90 % decrease in ergosterol content in plasma membrane of A. flavus at 2.0 μL mL(-1). The LD50 of the combination, through oral administration on mice, was 9562.9 μL kg(-1) body weight, indication favourable safety profile as a plant based preservative. The combination may be recommended as safe preservative against molds, aflatoxin contamination and oxidative deterioration of walnut samples.