By Kathleen Jaggassar and Meltem Salli

Background

Angelica glauca is listed as endangered on the Airmid Biannual List (Airmid Institute, 2024). It is a Himalayan medicinal plant that is critically endangered due to the overharvesting of its roots (Ved et al., 2015). This unsustainable practice and habitat loss from agriculture, construction, and human settlement have led to a significant population decline of approximately 70% in the last 10 years. The species is endemic to India and found in the Western Himalayas. While used in traditional medicine and for flavoring food, no effective conservation measures are currently in place to protect this valuable plant. Angelica glauca was last assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2014 and is listed as Endangered under criteria A2cd, indicating a significant decline in population size over a period of time due to factors such as overexploitation and habitat loss (IUCN, 2024). A recent review concluded it was on the brink of extinction due to over exploitation, unscientific harvesting, overgrazing, climate change, and embryo-less seeds (Gautam, Ranina & Dikshit, 2023). 

Angelica glauca Edgew. Observed in Indiaby Satyen Mehta (licensed under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

Note that Angelica glauca, differs from Angelica archangelica, a tall, aromatic herb native to northern Europe and Asia. Angelica archangelica is widely cultivated and naturalized in many regions, including parts of Europe, for medicinal and culinary uses. Its essential oil is used in various products, and its roots and seeds have medicinal properties (Schweizer & Hasinger, 2014). While its population trend is unknown, its large distribution suggests it is likely stable; it was last assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2014 and is listed as least concern (IUCN, 2024). This difference emphasizes the necessity of precise Latin nomenclature when purchasing essential oils.

Chemical Constituents and Properties

Angelica glauca, according to Tisserand and Young (2014), contains primary chemical constituents such as cis-3-Butylidene pythalide (11-21%), cis-Ligustilide (5-20%), and 3-Methyl-oct-2-ene (6-14%). Rhind (2019) highlights the plant's diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, and bronchodilatory effects. She also notes the presence of cis-Ligustilide and suggests potential neuroprotective properties.

Analogs for Angelica glauca

1. Celery Seed Essential Oil (Apium graveolens) ICUN Red List Status: Least Concern

   • Key Component: Contains phthalides like 3-Butylidenephthalide and Ligustilide.

   • Therapeutic Effects:

   • • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

     • Calming effects, support digestion and promote healthy circulation.

     • Traditionally used for detoxification and relieving joint discomfort.

2. Angelica Root Essential Oil (Angelica archangelica) ICUN Red List Status: Least Concern

   • Key Component: Contains Ligustilide as a primary constituent.

   • Therapeutic Effects:

   • • Antispasmodic and calming to the nervous system.

     • Supports respiratory health and relieves stress.

     • Known for detoxifying and grounding effects.

3. Lovage Essential Oil (Levisticum officinale)  ICUN Red List Status: Not Assessed*

   • Key Component: Contains phthalides such as Ligustilide and related compounds.

   • Therapeutic Effects:

   • • Strong detoxifying properties.

     • Promotes circulation and digestive health.

     • May have antimicrobial and antifungal activities.

4. Coriander Seed Essential Oil (Coriandrum sativum) ICUN Red List Status: Not Assessed*

   • Key Component: Contains monoterpenes and small amounts of Ligustilide derivatives.

   • Therapeutic Effects:

   • • Digestive support and anti-inflammatory properties.

     • Calms nervous tension and aids in reducing stress.

     • Antimicrobial effects.

5. Fennel Essential Oil (Foeniculum vulgare) ICUN Red List Status: Least Concern

   • Key Component: Contains compounds that can act synergistically with phthalides.

   • Therapeutic Effects:

   • • Digestive aid, relieves bloating and discomfort.

     • Supports hormonal balance and promotes detoxification.

     • Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

*The IUCN Red List assesses wild species, so essential oils cultivated from farmed plants might be more sustainable. However, sustainability also depends on farming practices (organic, fair labor), processing methods (steam distillation is often better than solvent extraction), and supply chain transparency (traceability, fair trade). By considering these factors, consumers can make more informed choices about the sustainability of their essential oils.

____________________________________________________________________________________

References

Airmid Institute. "Airmid Institute Biannual List of Wild Threatened, Near Threatened, and CITES Protected Plants, Mammals, Fungi, and Seaweed Species Used in Aromatherapy, Perfumery, and Aromatic Herbalism (July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024)." Airmid Biannual List.

Gautam, K., Raina, R., & Dikshit, N. (2023). Current knowledge on sustainability and conservation of Endangered Himalayan medicinal herb A. glauca Edgew.-A review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 100764. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803323001422 

IUCN. 2024. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2024-2. https://www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed on 21 December 2024. 

Rhind, J. P. (2019). Essential Oils (Fully Revised and Updated 3rd Edition): A Comprehensive Handbook for Aromatic Therapy. Singing Dragon.

Schweizer, F. & Hasinger, O. 2014. Angelica archangelica (Europe assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014: e.T202926A2758057. Accessed on 21 December 2024. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/202926/2758057

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone

Ved, D., Saha, D., Ravikumar, K. & Haridasan, K. 2015. Angelica glauca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T50126564A50131275. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T50126564A50131275.en. Accessed on 21 December 2024. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/50126564/50131275