Angelica gigas nakai

Botanical

What is it

Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean angelica, cham dang gwi) is a perennial herb native to Korea, China, and Japan. Its root is widely used in Korean traditional medicine for women's health, anemia, and inflammation. It is distinct from Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis) and from European angelica (Angelica archangelica).

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cognitive function (mild cognitive impairment)

Limited Evidence

Small trials of branded extracts (INM-176) suggest modest improvement in memory tests in older adults. Replication is limited.

Women's health (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used in Korean medicine for menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Modern human evidence is limited.

Anemia (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use as a blood tonic. No good modern human evidence.

How it works

A. gigas root contains characteristic pyranocoumarins, especially decursin and decursinol angelate, along with polysaccharides. These compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and possibly anticancer activity in laboratory and animal studies. Branded extracts (such as INM-176) have been studied for memory and cognition.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 3 to 9 grams of dried root daily. Standardized extracts vary by product; INM-176 was studied at around 800 mg per day in cognition trials.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken twice daily with water. No specific evidence-based timing.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

A. gigas root powder

Whole root or powder used in TCM and Korean medicine.

Decoction preparation.

Standardized extract (decursin)

Capsules with measured decursin/decursinol content.

Concentrated for active compounds.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Long-term safety data are limited. May have antiplatelet effects.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy (traditional precaution, possible uterine stimulant), breastfeeding, and before scheduled surgery (stop 2 weeks ahead). Caution in people with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners. People with hormone-sensitive cancers should consult a clinician.

Interactions

May potentiate anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel). Theoretical interactions with hormone-sensitive conditions and estrogenic medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is A. gigas the same as dong quai?⌄

No. Dong quai is Angelica sinensis. A. gigas is a related but distinct species with different active compounds (notably decursin).

Is it safe with blood thinners?⌄

Use caution. A. gigas can affect platelet function and bleeding.

References

Angelica gigas nakai on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Angelica gigas nakai (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.