Decursinol

PhytochemicalCoumarinBest with a meal

What is it

Decursinol is a coumarin-type compound found mainly in the root of Korean angelica (Angelica gigas, dang gui in Korean medicine). It is one of the main bioactive constituents in this herb.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Pain and inflammation (research stage)

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies suggest analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Direct human clinical evidence for decursinol or standardized Angelica gigas extracts is limited.

How it works

Decursinol and its ester decursin show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and modest analgesic effects in laboratory and animal studies. Animal research has examined effects on pain, cognitive function, and immune modulation. Human clinical evidence is limited; most data on Korean angelica come from small trials.

Dosage

Common supplement doses provide 100-300 mg of standardized Angelica gigas extract per day. Standardization to decursin/decursinol content varies by product.

When and how to take it

Typically taken with meals. Follow product label.

1 commercial form

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

Angelica gigas extract (standardized to decursin/decursinol)

Common in cognitive and inflammation-focused blends.

Coumarin compounds absorbed orally

Safety

Generally considered well-tolerated in short-term use. Long-term human safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data and traditional contraindications. People on anticoagulants should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Coumarins can theoretically affect drug metabolism and may have additive anticoagulant effects. Caution with warfarin or other blood thinners.

Frequently asked questions

Is decursinol the same as dong quai?⌄

Decursinol is a compound found in Korean angelica (Angelica gigas), which is related to but distinct from Chinese dong quai (Angelica sinensis).

Is it safe with blood thinners?⌄

Coumarin compounds can have additive effects with anticoagulants. Discuss with your clinician.

References

Decursinol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Decursinol (ChEBI:4354) — ChEBI link

Decursinol (PubChem CID 442127) — PubChem link

Decursinol on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Decursinol (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.