Root of the Holy Ghost or Angelica Root - Angelica archangelica L.

Abstract: The roots of apiaceae (umbelliferae), Angelica archangelica L. are monographed in the hitherto valid »Deutschen Arzneibuch« (DAB 1998) as Angelicae radix. Although originally from nothern Europe, this plant is now widespread in central and eastern Europe as well as in northern Asia. lt has become a naturalized plant in northern America. This article reports an the cultivation of angelica as a medicinal plant and the extraction of its relevant drugs. It is because of its content of essential oils(among athers sesqui-and monoterpenoids) and its amaroidal substances, that it is medically used in extract preparations as amaroaromaticum and carminativum. Moreover, its drug extracts as well as the essential oils are used, among others, in the semi-luxury food (liqueurs, spirits) and in the cosmetic (as additive to toothpastes) industries. Nonetheless, its content of furanocumarins (partly mutagenic agents and cancerogenics) may lead to undesired side effects if the Angelicae radix preparations are not properly applied. The article closes by highlighting some of the cultural-historical aspects of angelica root.

Keyword(s): Angelica archangelica

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