Angelica decursiva
StarAngelica decursiva
Synonyms: Halosciastrum crassum, Cymopterus melanotilingia, Peucedanum melanotilingia, Pimpinella crassa, Halosciastrum melanotilingia, Selinum melanotilingia, Peucedanum porphyroscias, Angelica decursiva f. albiflora, Peucedanum decursivum f. albiflorum, Angelica decursiva f. angustiloba, Ostericum melanotilingia, Pimpinella ionantha, Peucedanum decursivum var. albiflorum, Cymopterus crassus, Peucedanum decursivum var. discolor, Porphyroscias decursiva f. albiflora, Ostericum crassum, Angelica decursiva var. albiflora, Ligusticum melanotilingia, Pimpinella decursiva, Ligusticum purpureopetalum, Peucedanum grandifolioides, Peucedanum astrantiifolium, Porphyroscias decursiva, Peucedanum decursivum, Spuriopimpinella ionantha, Peucedanum porphyroscias var. albiflorum, Peucedanum porphyroscias f. albiflorum
Safety at a glance
No rule in our tables for this herb: pregnancy, breastfeeding, incompatible pairs (十八反 / 十九畏), herb–drug, dose ceiling. This is not a safety clearance.
Not graded — No toxicity grade is recorded. Most herbs in the catalogue carry none.
Traditionally used for
- Cough & breathing
Cautions & contraindications
- Bleeding disorders
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Angelica decursiva (also treated as Peucedanum decursivum) is a stout perennial herb in the family Apiaceae, growing to about 1-2 m from a thick, aromatic taproot. The hollow, often purple-tinged stems bear large, pinnately or ternately divided leaves whose lobes are decurrent, running down onto the winged leaf stalks, a feature reflected in the epithet. In late summer and autumn it produces compound umbels of small flowers that are typically dark purple, distinguishing it from the white-flowered Peucedanum praeruptorum, followed by flattened, winged fruits (mericarps). The species is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East, where it grows in moist meadows, forest margins, streamsides and grassy mountain slopes. Its purple flowers give it the Chinese name zihua qianhu.
Active Constituents
Nodakenin
Linear dihydrofuranocoumarin glucosideConcentration: The Chinese Pharmacopoeia assay marker for the dried root, which must contain not less than 0.90 percent calculated on the dried basis
The compound that defines the identity of this drug and separates it chemically from the Qian Hu of Peucedanum praeruptorum. It is the glycoside of nodakenetin and the most abundant coumarin of the root; it is also the marker used to detect whether a Qian Hu preparation was actually made from this species.
Nodakenetin
Linear dihydrofuranocoumarin aglyconeConcentration: Present in the root and released from nodakenin by hydrolysis
The absorbable aglycone form. Like the parent glycoside it is inactive against most of the enzyme targets on which the dihydropyranocoumarins of this plant are potent, which is a useful reminder that the most abundant constituent is not necessarily the most active one.
Pd-C-I
Linear dihydropyranocoumarin (dihydroxanthyletin type)Concentration: Minor isolated constituent of the plant
One of the most active constituents identified in this species. It inhibits angiotensin-I-converting enzyme with an IC50 of 6.75 micromolar and is among the coumarins responsible for the plant's protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and alpha-glucosidase inhibition.
Pd-C-II
Linear dihydropyranocoumarin (dihydroxanthyletin type)Concentration: Minor isolated constituent of the plant
A close congener of Pd-C-I with angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibition at an IC50 of 12.39 micromolar. The dihydroxanthyletin coumarins as a group carry most of the measured enzyme-inhibitory activity of this plant.
(+)-trans-Decursidinol
PyranocoumarinConcentration: Minor isolated constituent of the plant
The most potent angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitor found in the species, with an IC50 of 4.68 micromolar in a cell-free assay. That is a genuinely low micromolar figure, but it has never been shown to translate into a blood pressure effect in an animal or a person.
Decursidin
PyranocoumarinConcentration: Reported constituent of the root
One of the coumarins historically isolated from this drug under its old name Zi Hua Qian Hu, and part of the pyranocoumarin fraction that distinguishes it chemically from the angular praeruptorins of true Qian Hu.
Decursinol
PyranocoumarinConcentration: Reported constituent of the plant
Present here as well as in the better-studied Angelica gigas. Because most decursinol pharmacology in the literature was generated on Angelica gigas material, care is needed before reading those results across to this species.
Umbelliferone
Simple coumarinConcentration: Minor constituent of the plant
The basic 7-hydroxycoumarin scaffold from which the more elaborate coumarins of the family are built. Mildly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; of limited significance at the amounts present.
Isorutarine
Furanocoumarin glycosideConcentration: Minor constituent of the plant
One of several furanocoumarin-type constituents of the species, isolated alongside a psoralen derivative. Their presence is the reason a photosensitivity caution cannot simply be dismissed, even though this plant is far less furanocoumarin-rich than Angelica dahurica.
Vanillic acid
Phenolic acidConcentration: Minor constituent of the plant
A common phenolic acid isolated from the plant during coumarin fractionation. It contributes background antioxidant activity and has no distinct role in this drug.
⚠ Drug Interactions
Peucedanum praeruptorum (Bai Hua Qian Hu, the official Qian Hu)
From the 1965 through the 2000 editions the Chinese Pharmacopoeia listed Qian Hu as the root of either Peucedanum praeruptorum or this plant. The 2005 edition restricted Qian Hu to Peucedanum praeruptorum alone, and the 2010 edition corrected this species into the genus Angelica and gave it its own entry as Zi Hua Qian Hu. The two are chemically distinct: Bai Hua Qian Hu is characterised by the angular pyranocoumarins praeruptorin A and praeruptorin B, this drug by linear dihydropyrano- and dihydrofurano-coumarins with nodakenin dominant. DNA barcoding work on the Qian Hu trade classes this species as a regional substitute rather than a fraudulent adulterant, precisely because both were once certified articles. A later chemotaxonomic study of sixty samples found that this species sits well apart from Peucedanum praeruptorum and Saposhnikovia divaricata phylogenetically, while Peucedanum japonicum, used in Korea as an alternative to Fang Feng, correlates chemically with both Peucedanum praeruptorum and this plant. The Qian Hu trade is therefore a multi-species complex, not a two-way swap.
Clinical note: Any Chinese study, formula or supply record labelled Qian Hu and dated before 2005 may have used either species, so do not assume it refers to Peucedanum praeruptorum. Specify Zi Hua Qian Hu or Bai Hua Qian Hu explicitly on prescriptions, and check the assay marker: nodakenin for this drug, praeruptorin A and B for the other. Korean-sourced material adds a further species to check for, since Peucedanum japonicum circulates there in the same corner of the trade.
Metformin, acarbose, sulfonylureas and insulin
The dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins of this plant inhibit alpha-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in cell-free and cell-based assays, and behave as insulin mimetics in adipocyte models. Alpha-glucosidase is acarbose's target, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is a negative regulator of insulin signalling. This is a well-replicated in vitro finding from one research group, with no animal efficacy study and no human data.
Clinical note: No dose change is justified on current evidence. If a diabetic patient uses this herb regularly, especially in a concentrated extract, ask them to monitor home glucose in the first weeks. The theoretical overlap is strongest with acarbose, where both act in the gut lumen.
ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril)
Several coumarins from this species inhibit angiotensin-I-converting enzyme at low micromolar concentrations in a cell-free assay, the most potent being (+)-trans-decursidinol at an IC50 of 4.68 micromolar. Enzyme inhibition in a cuvette is a long way from a haemodynamic effect: nothing is known about whether these compounds reach the enzyme in vivo after oral dosing of a decoction.
Clinical note: Not a reason to withhold the herb. Worth remembering if a patient on an ACE inhibitor reports new dizziness or postural symptoms shortly after starting a formula containing it.
Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine
Dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins from this species inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, and also BACE1, in enzyme kinetics and docking studies. The same caveat applies as for the ACE work: these are cell-free potencies, not demonstrated central effects.
Clinical note: Ask about cholinergic side effects such as nausea, cramping, bradycardia or vivid dreams if a patient on a cholinesterase inhibitor begins this herb. There are no reports of harm.
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
This entry exists to correct a widespread error rather than to flag a demonstrated risk. The coumarins of this plant are simple, furano- and pyrano-coumarins; none is a 4-hydroxycoumarin, and it is only the 4-hydroxycoumarin class, and dicoumarol formed by fungal spoilage of coumarin-containing plants, that antagonises vitamin K epoxide reductase. A plant being rich in coumarins is not by itself an anticoagulant risk, and no case of altered anticoagulation with this drug has been published. What has not been excluded is a pharmacokinetic route: the plant contains furanocoumarin-type constituents, and furanocoumarins as a class can inhibit CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, which are the enzymes that clear warfarin.
Clinical note: Do not refuse the herb on the strength of the word coumarin. Do check the INR at the usual interval after any new herb is added for a patient on warfarin, which is the same advice that applies to any furanocoumarin-bearing Apiaceae drug.
Photosensitising drugs (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, amiodarone, methoxsalen) and phototherapy
Furanocoumarin-type constituents including a psoralen derivative and the furanocoumarin glycoside isorutarine have been isolated from this species. Linear furanocoumarins of the psoralen family intercalate DNA and form cross-links on ultraviolet A exposure, which is the basis of both photochemotherapy and of phytophotodermatitis from Apiaceae plants. The furanocoumarin load of this species is much lower than that of Angelica dahurica, and it has not been quantified in the commercial root; absence of an assay is not evidence of absence.
Clinical note: Advise sun protection during high-dose or prolonged use, particularly for a patient already on a photosensitising drug or receiving ultraviolet therapy. Handlers of large quantities of the fresh plant should cover their forearms; phytophotodermatitis in this family is an occupational rather than a patient problem.
Dosage Calculator
⚖ Dosage Calculator
A weight-based mathematical estimate for Angelica decursiva. Not a prescription.
Evidence Tier
6 studies on recordRecorded studies by study design, strongest design at the top. This is a study-design tier only, not a GRADE rating: it does not weigh risk of bias, consistency or precision.
Systematic review / meta-analysis
0
Randomized controlled trial
0
Other clinical trial
0
Observational / case report
0
In vitro / animal
5
1 verified · 4 unverified
Show 5 studies
- Coumarins from Angelica decursiva inhibit α-glucosidase activity and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B
- Insulin–Mimetic Dihydroxanthyletin-Type Coumarins from Angelica decursiva with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities and Docking Studies of Their Molecular Mechanisms
- Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Coumarins from Angelica decursiva
- Kinetics and molecular docking of dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins from Angelica decursiva that inhibit cholinesterase and BACE1
- Coumarins from Angelica decursiva inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells
Other / unclassified
1
0 verified · 1 unverified
Verified: design read from PubMed for a DOI that resolves to the cited paper Unverified: taken from the study's recorded description
Clinical Studies
Coumarins from Angelica decursiva inhibit α-glucosidase activity and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B
Screened isolated coumarins against alpha-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, two targets relevant to postprandial glucose control and insulin signalling. The dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins were the active fraction and several inhibited both enzymes at low micromolar concentrations. Enzyme assays only; no cells, animals or people.
Insulin–Mimetic Dihydroxanthyletin-Type Coumarins from Angelica decursiva with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities and Docking Studies of Their Molecular Mechanisms
Extends the enzyme work into cell models, reporting insulin-mimetic effects on glucose uptake alongside the same enzyme inhibition, with molecular docking to rationalise binding. It is the strongest antidiabetic evidence for the species and it stops at cultured cells.
Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Coumarins from Angelica decursiva
Eighteen compounds isolated from the plant were tested against angiotensin-I-converting enzyme. (+)-trans-Decursidinol was most potent at an IC50 of 4.68 micromolar, followed by Pd-C-I at 6.75 and 4'-hydroxy Pd-C-III at 9.41 micromolar. Worth noting for identity purposes that the extraction was from whole plants, whereas the crude drug of the Pharmacopoeia is the root alone.
Kinetics and molecular docking of dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins from Angelica decursiva that inhibit cholinesterase and BACE1
Characterises the inhibition kinetics of the plant's dihydroxanthyletin coumarins against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and BACE1, with docking to explain the binding modes. Frequently cited as evidence of anti-Alzheimer potential; it is enzyme kinetics, and no behavioural or clinical work follows it.
Coumarins from Angelica decursiva inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells
Coumarins from the plant suppressed nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, supporting an anti-inflammatory mechanism consistent with the drug's traditional use for phlegm-heat cough. Macrophage cell line only.
Study on the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Coumarins in Peucedanum decursivum Based on Spatial Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology
Maps where the coumarins sit within the root tissue by spatial metabolomics and then predicts anti-inflammatory targets by network pharmacology. Useful for understanding which part of the root carries the active coumarins and therefore how processing affects potency. Network pharmacology output is hypothesis, not evidence of effect.
Historical Texts
Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians)
Southern and Northern Dynasties, around 500 CEBen Cao Jing Ji Zhu, Tao Hongjing
Southern and Northern Dynasties, around 500 CEBen Cao Tu Jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica), Su Song
Northern Song dynasty, 1061Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China
1965 to 2000 editionsPharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China
2005 and 2010 editionsKorean traditional medicine, where the drug is Jeonho
Traditional and current use in Korea and JapanReferences
- Ali MY, Seong SH, Jannat S, Jung HA, Choi JS. Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Angelica decursiva Fr. et Sav. . Natural Product Sciences (2019) [DOI]
- Liu Z, Zhou J, Wang W, Liu M. Molecular authentication of the traditional medicinal plant Peucedanum praeruptorum and its substitutes and adulterants by DNA - barcoding technique . Pharmacognosy Magazine (2014) [DOI]
- Ma S, Li Q, Feng Y, Chen Y, Yu P, Ding X. Simultaneous Determination of Five Coumarins in Peucedanum Decursivum Radix by UPLC . Journal of Chromatographic Science (2021) [DOI]
- Niwa M, Kong LY, Yao NH. Two New Xanthyletin-Type Coumarins from Peucedanum Decursivum . HETEROCYCLES (2000) [DOI]
- Ali MY, Jung HA, Jannat S, Choi JS. Dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins from Angelica decursiva that inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products and human recombinant aldose reductase . Archives of Pharmacal Research (2017) [DOI]
- Kim JH, Doh EJ, Lee G. Chemotaxonomic Classification of Peucedanum japonicum and Its Chemical Correlation with Peucedanum praeruptorum, Angelica decursiva, and Saposhnikovia divaricata by Liquid Chromatography Combined with Chemometrics . Molecules (2022) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Angelica decursiva.
No notes yet.