Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Angelicin is a furanocoumarin compound found in Angelica and citrus plants that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through NF-κB pathway suppression. This bioactive compound also demonstrates antiviral properties via protease inhibition mechanisms in laboratory studies.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordangelicin benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Angelicin — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Angelicin (isopsoralen) is an angular furocoumarin compound (C₁₁H₆O₃) naturally occurring in plants from the Apiaceae family including Pastinaca sativa (parsnip), Heracleum platytaenium, and Angelica archangelica roots. Extraction involves drying and powdering plant material followed by solvent extraction, with yields varying from 0.014% in Bituminaria morisiana seeds to 2.02% in Cicuta virosa dried whole plant.
“While angelicin-containing plants have been used traditionally - Pastinaca sativa as a sudorific/diuretic in North American remedies, Heracleum platytaenium for gastric issues in Turkish folk medicine, and Angelica archangelica in European herbalism - angelicin itself lacks direct traditional attribution. Psoralea corylifolia, another source, has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine primarily for its psoralen content.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on angelicin as a standalone therapeutic agent. All existing evidence comes from preclinical in vitro and animal studies, with the primary review (PMC7176996) citing only laboratory research.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosages exist due to absence of human trials. Plant extraction yields vary widely: 13.8 mg from 100.9g Bituminaria morisiana seeds, 60.5 mg from 3kg Cicuta virosa. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Angelicin is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin (linear isomer of psoralen) and not a conventional nutritional ingredient — it contains no meaningful macronutrients, vitamins, or dietary minerals. It is a pure bioactive compound with a molecular weight of 186.16 g/mol and molecular formula C11H6O3. Found naturally in plants of the Apiaceae family (including Angelica archangelica, Angelica sinensis, Pimpinella anisum) typically at concentrations of 0.01–0.5% dry weight depending on plant part and species. As a furanocoumarin, it is lipophilic with moderate bioavailability; oral absorption is estimated to be moderate but subject to significant first-pass hepatic metabolism. It is not a source of protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, or caloric energy in any meaningful quantity. Key bioactive identity: bicyclic aromatic lactone with a furan ring fused to a coumarin backbone. Trace amounts of angelicin from dietary plant sources (e.g., celery, parsley, angelica root) are consumed incidentally, estimated at microgram-level exposures in typical diets. Isolated/supplemental forms are used at milligram-range doses in research contexts. Bioavailability is influenced by CYP450 enzyme activity, which angelicin itself may partially inhibit, potentially creating auto-inhibitory pharmacokinetic effects. No established dietary reference intake or tolerable upper limit exists.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Angelicin suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The compound also inhibits viral proteases, preventing viral replication in infected cells. Additionally, angelicin may modulate cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, potentially affecting drug metabolism.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for angelicin comes primarily from in vitro laboratory studies rather than human clinical trials. Cell culture studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB pathway inhibition, though specific IC50 values and study durations vary across research. Antiviral activity has been observed in laboratory models against various viruses, but human efficacy data is lacking. More clinical research is needed to establish therapeutic dosages and confirm benefits in human subjects.
Safety & Interactions
Angelicin belongs to the furanocoumarin family, which can cause photosensitivity reactions when combined with UV light exposure. The compound may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of medications processed by these pathways. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid angelicin due to insufficient safety data. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential drug interactions.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Isopsoralen4,5':8,9-FuranocoumarinAngular furocoumarinAngelica compoundParsnip coumarinFurocoumarin C₁₁H₆O₃
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods contain angelicin naturally?
Angelicin is naturally found in Angelica archangelica root, celery, parsnips, and citrus fruits like bergamot and lime. The highest concentrations typically occur in the roots and seeds of Angelica species.
Does angelicin cause sun sensitivity?
Yes, angelicin can cause photosensitivity reactions when skin is exposed to UV light after contact. This occurs because furocoumarins like angelicin bind to DNA and become activated by UV radiation, potentially causing burns or skin discoloration.
How does angelicin compare to other coumarins?
Unlike simple coumarins such as coumarin itself, angelicin is a furanocoumarin with additional fused furan rings that enhance its biological activity. This structural difference gives angelicin stronger anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties compared to basic coumarin compounds.
What is the typical angelicin dosage for supplements?
No standardized dosage exists for angelicin supplements since most research involves laboratory studies rather than human trials. Supplement products typically contain 10-50mg of angelicin-containing plant extracts, but optimal therapeutic doses remain undetermined.
Can angelicin interact with blood thinning medications?
Angelicin may potentially interact with anticoagulant medications due to its coumarin structure and cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition. However, unlike warfarin, angelicin has not been specifically studied for bleeding risks, so medical supervision is recommended for patients on blood thinners.
What does current clinical research show about angelicin's effectiveness in humans?
Most evidence for angelicin's benefits comes from in vitro (laboratory cell) and animal studies, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential through NF-κB and MAPK pathway suppression. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, meaning efficacy claims remain preliminary and not yet confirmed in real-world populations. This gap between laboratory findings and human evidence is important to consider when evaluating angelicin supplements. More research is needed before definitive health claims can be made.
Is angelicin safe for long-term supplementation?
Limited long-term safety data exists for angelicin supplementation in humans, as most studies have been conducted in laboratory and animal models rather than extended human trials. Potential concerns include its ability to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, which could affect how your body metabolizes numerous medications over time. Without robust long-term human safety studies, consistent use should be approached cautiously and ideally under practitioner guidance. If considering long-term angelicin use, discuss duration and monitoring with your healthcare provider.
Who should avoid angelicin supplementation?
Individuals taking medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes should avoid angelicin, as preliminary evidence suggests it may inhibit these enzymes and increase drug levels dangerously. People with photosensitivity disorders or those taking photosensitizing medications should exercise caution due to angelicin's furanocumarin structure, which can increase sun sensitivity risk. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid angelicin due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Anyone with liver disease or those taking immunosuppressants should consult a healthcare provider before use.
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