A Deep Insight into Chemistry and Pharmacology of Genus Angelica.: An Up-to-date Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare providers globally need plant-derived bioactive compounds for the treatment of ailments. The present systematic review article emphasizes the chemistry and pharmacology parts of various Angelica species, family Apiaceae. The species of Angelica genus, native to the Indian Himalayan, are beneficial for several therapeutic and edible purposes. Aromatherapy uses essential oils obtained from various species of the Angelica genus. The population of various Angelica species is declining quickly due to premature destructive harvesting. The traditional medicinal system involves Angelica glauca Edgew and other Angelica species to treat respiratory, Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and many more ailments. Method: An extensive literature survey on the chemistry and pharmacological aspects of various Angelica species, including A. glauca, secondary metabolites, mechanism behind various pharmacological activities, and marketed products of plants of Genus Angelica was conducted using scientific databases. The search terms Angelica species, botanical description, wild Angelica, important phytoconstituents and their pharmacological responses, plant parts used, and the molecular mechanism behind observed prominent activities were used for data collection. In total, 92 publications were included from year 1983 to 2023. Articles focusing on other than Angelica species and other than the English language were excluded from the study. Also, the papers with no full-text availability were excluded from the present study. Species of the Angelica genus have been known for a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunotoxic. Result: The present paper highlights the secondary metabolites present in the Angelica species and their scientific uses. Ancient Ayurvedic treatise claims several other pharmacological activities, but scientific validation of some indications, including the exact mechanism of action, is underway. Conclusion: This review compiles 30 years of data on Angelica species related to their phytochemistry, pharmacology, molecular mechanisms of bioactivity, recent advancements and possible future scope of applied and translational research.