Angelica Archangelica Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the Angelica archangelica  (Apiaceae) plant, commonly known as garden angelica or wild celery. This extract is rich in various nutrients and bioactive compounds beneficial for skin health. In cosmetic formulations, Angelica Archangelica Leaf Extract is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It helps improve skin texture, enhance hydration, and promote a vibrant complexion.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Angelica Archangelica Leaf Extract contains:

• Phytochemicals: Rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Vitamins: Contains essential vitamins such as A, C, and E, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
• Minerals: Provides essential minerals that support skin health and function.

The unique composition of Angelica Archangelica Leaf Extract allows it to effectively nourish, protect, and revitalize the skin.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Typically a green to dark green liquid or viscous extract.

• Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; limited solubility in oils.

• pH: Generally neutral to slightly acidic, ensuring compatibility with various cosmetic formulations.

• Odor: Fresh, herbal scent characteristic of angelica leaves.

• Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; should be protected from excessive heat and light.

Production Process

1. Harvesting: The leaves of the Angelica archangelica plant are harvested during the appropriate season for maximum potency.

2. Extraction: The leaves are processed to obtain the extract, often using methods such as steam distillation or solvent extraction to retain beneficial properties.

3. Purification: The extract is purified to remove impurities and ensure a high-quality product.

4. Formulation: Purified Angelica Archangelica Leaf Extract is incorporated into various cosmetic products to enhance their soothing and nourishing properties.

Applications

• Medical: Used in topical formulations for its soothing properties and ability to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.

• Cosmetics: Commonly found in creams, lotions, and serums for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits. It improves skin texture and promotes a healthy appearance.

INCI Functions:

Cosmetic astringent. This ingredient exerts a direct effect on the skin by tightening dilated pores by contracting stratum corneum cells and removing superfluous oil.

Tonic. This product is used to treat the hair when the scalp is clean or after shampooing. It stimulates hair growth, revitalises the scalp for healthy hair growth and reduces hair loss. It provides a feeling of well-being on skin and hair.

CAS 84775-41-7

EC number 283-871-1

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Generally regarded as safe for topical application, however, like all extracts, it should be used in accordance with established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. 

People with allergies or very sensitive skin should be careful. 

It is important to ensure that the extract is sustainably sourced and free from harmful chemicals.

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.