Angelica archangelicaL.- A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review

Angelica archangelica Linn.(Garden angelica) has traditionally used in Indian system and Chinese system of medicines. In Ayurveda, it is known as Chanda and exhibits the therapeutic actions as it pacifying Vata and Kaphadosha. It is tall perennial herb mainly found in Himalayan region of India. It is only Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAP) with a Nordic origin. The plant is widely used in traditional and folk medicine as a remedy for nervous headaches, fever, skin rashes, wounds, rheumatism, and toothaches and epilepsy. The root of A. archangelica is internally used for gastric ulcers, anorexia, migraine, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, menstrual and obstetric complaints. It has number of biological activities like antimutagenic, antiulcerogenic, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, antitumour, cytotoxic and anxiolytic effect. Various phytoconstiteunts were found in plant, but most abundant phytoconstituents are essential oils and furocoumarins in various part of plant. The main components of its essential oils are α-pinene, β-phellandrene, limonene, α-phellandrene, 3-carene and p-cymene and most abundant furocoumarins are archangelicin, angelicin, bergapten, imperatorin and xanthotoxin. Garden angelica has as a unique scent that is found in all parts of the plant which is used since ancient time as flavouring, confectionary and perfumes. The plant is good source of furocoumarins, which provides examples of their versatility in a range of applications in the fields of biology and pharmacology. The paper explained the evidence-based information regarding phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, traditional and medicinal uses of this plant.