Angelica Gigas Nakai (Korean Dang-Gui) Root Alcoholic Extracts in Health Promotion and Disease Therapy: Active Phytochemicals and In Vivo Molecular Targets

Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root ethanolic extracts, used in traditional Korean medicine, have shown potential health benefits in various conditions such as cancer, pain, memory loss, and metabolic syndrome. The study highlights the pharmacokinetics of AGN's active compounds, particularly pyranocoumarins like decursin and decursinol angelate, and their significant hepatic metabolism. These compounds target Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCK1/2) and exhibit activities such as acetylcholinesterase inhibition and modulation of androgen and estrogen receptors. The extracts' polypharmacological nature suggests a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, including neuro-cognitive and vascular benefits. A clinical trial is planned to explore AGN's efficacy in managing side effects of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients.