Natural Korean Medicine Dang-Gui: Biosynthesis, Effective Extraction and Formulations of Major Active Pyranocoumarins, Their Molecular Action Mechanism in Cancer, and Other Biological Activities

Abstract

Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a crucial oriental medicinal herb that grows especially in Korea and the Far-East countries. It contains chemically active compounds like pyranocoumarins, polyacetylenes and essential oils, which might be useful for treatment of several chronic diseases. It has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia, but in Western countries is used as a functional food and a major ingredient of several herbal products. The genus Angelica is also known as ‘female ginseng’ due to its critical therapeutic role in female afflictions, such as gynecological problems. However, it is well-documented that the AGN pyranocoumarins may play vital beneficial roles against cancer, neurodisorders, inflammation, osteoporosis, amnesia, allergies, depression, fungi, diabetes, ischemia, dermatitis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and androgen. Though numerous studies revealed the role of AGN pyranocoumarins as therapeutic agents, none of the reviews have published their molecular mechanism of action. To the best of our knowledge, this would be the first review that aims to appraise the biosynthesis of AGN’s major active pyranocoumarins, discuss effective extraction and formulation methods, and detail the molecular action mechanism of decursin (D), decursinol angelate (DA) and decursinol (DOH) in chronic diseases, which would further help extension of research in this area.

Angelica gigas Nakai Has Synergetic Effects on Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis

“…Many studies have shown that decursin and decursinol angelate are major compounds of Angelica gigas Nakai, and they are known to have primary responsibility for the anticancer effect of Angelica gigas Nakai [ 13 , 14 , 46 ]. Therefore, we also analyzed the composition of the AGN extract and found that decursin and decursinol angelate are major components of the AGN extract ( Figure 5 ).…”

“…The genus Angelica L. belonging to the Umbelliferae family is distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America and comprises more than 60 species [ 12 , 13 ]. In China, Japan, and Korea, Angelica L. has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for curing colds, pain, and anemia and has been known as the “female ginseng” due to its beneficial effects on female health [ 12 , 14 , 15 ]. Angelica L. contains a variety of bioactive metabolites, such as pyranocoumarins, essential oils, and polyacetylenes, which exhibit many beneficial effects, including anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…In China, Japan, and Korea, Angelica L. has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for curing colds, pain, and anemia and has been known as the “female ginseng” due to its beneficial effects on female health [ 12 , 14 , 15 ]. Angelica L. contains a variety of bioactive metabolites, such as pyranocoumarins, essential oils, and polyacetylenes, which exhibit many beneficial effects, including anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties [ 13 , 14 ]. Pyranocoumarins, which are known to be associated with the anticancer effect of Angelica L., are more abundant in the roots of the Angelica gigas Nakai (local name dang-gui in Korea) growing in Korea than in the species growing in China and Japan [ 16 ].…”

“…Decursin, decursinol angelate, and decursinol are representative pyranocoumarins in the AGN extract. Decursin, the most abundant pyranocoumarin in the AGN extract, has been reported to show anticancer effects in various cancer cells [ 13 , 14 ]. In addition, the alleviation of neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via its antioxidant properties is the other beneficial effect of decursin [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Special Issue: Natural Products: Anticancer and Beyond

“…TBLF exhibited antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in the azoxy-methane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced in vivo model through decreasing the signal transduction pathway protein Akt in its activated form and increasing the activity of caspase-3 [ 19 ]. Finally, a review by Reddy et al described the chemical compounds of Angelica gigas Nakai and their biosynthesis, efficient extraction and formulation methods, and underlying mechanisms for chronic diseases such as cervical cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, bladder and colon cancer, lung cancer, and sarcoma were summarized, providing useful information for researchers in this area [ 20 ].…”