Ashitaba

Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) is a medicinal plant native to the islands of Japan, particularly the Izu Peninsula. In traditional Japanese medicine, it has been used for centuries for various health problems, including excess weight, high blood pressure, and other ailments. In Japan, Ashitaba is also called the "morning leaf" because its leaves grow back overnight after being cut. One of the most important groups of active compounds in Ashitaba, to which many of the health benefits are also said to be attributable, are the chalcones.

What benefits does Ashitaba offer?

There are only a few clinical studies on the effects of Ashitaba, which is why the scientifically substantiated benefits of the plant have not yet been conclusively proven. Nevertheless, some studies, including animal and laboratory studies, point to potential health benefits:

  • Vascular health Investigations suggest that Ashitaba contains antithrombotic constituents that act due to their platelet-inhibiting properties. In addition, an inhibitory effect on blood pressure was also observed. (1,2,3).
  • Antimicrobial effects: Ashitaba chalcones have also proven to be a promising antimicrobial agent. For example, it was found that they strongly inhibit the neuraminidase (NA) of various viruses, which suggests that they could be useful as anti-influenza agents (3,4).
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Ashitaba contains compounds that possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These could help reduce inflammation and reduce oxidative damage in cells (3).
  • Diabetes and excess weight: The medicinal plant is also used for the prevention of obesity and its complications. Ashitaba extracts and their isolated constituents demonstrably possess antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties (3).

How does Ashitaba work?

The health-promoting properties of Ashitaba are mainly attributed to the bioactive compounds contained in the plant, particularly the flavonoids and chalcones. The most important constituents include:

  • Xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin: These two chalcones are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and could contribute to the protection of cells and tissues (3).
  • Polysaccharides: These long-chain carbohydrates are known for their immunomodulating properties and could help strengthen the immune system (5).

Intake

There is no standardized dosage for taking Ashitaba, as research on the plant is still limited. People who wish to take Ashitaba should discuss this with a doctor in order to avoid possible risks and interactions. Ashitaba is available in various forms, including as dried powder, tea, extract, and capsules.

Can Ashitaba be consumed naturally through food?

Yes, the leaves, stems, and roots of the Ashitaba plant can be consumed in fresh or dried form. In Japanese cuisine, Ashitaba is often used in salads, soups, or teas. The plant's powder can also be mixed into smoothies or other drinks.

What risks does the use of Ashitaba entail?

  • Side effects: Due to the limited research, there is insufficient data on possible side effects of Ashitaba. In rare cases, however, gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea or nausea have been reported.
  • Risks: Pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children should refrain from taking Ashitaba, as there is not enough data on safety in these groups. People with pre-existing conditions should also be cautious and discuss intake with their doctor.
  • Interactions: Since it is possible that Ashitaba affects the action of certain medications, a doctor should be consulted before use in the case of regular medication intake, especially of blood thinners or blood pressure medications. The interaction between Ashitaba and medicinal products has not yet been sufficiently researched.

Sources:

  1. Ohkura N, Nakakuki Y, Taniguchi M, Kanai S, Nakayama A, Ohnishi K, Sakata T, Nohira T, Matsuda J, Baba K, Atsumi G. Xanthoangelols isolated from Angelica keiskei inhibit inflammatory-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‑1) production. Biofactors 2011; 37: 455–461
  2. Shimizu E, Hayashi A, Takahashi R, Aoyagi Y, Murakami T, Kimoto K. Effects of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor from ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) on blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 1999; 45: 375–383
  3. Caesar, L. K., & Cech, N. B. (2016). A Review of the Medicinal Uses and Pharmacology of Ashitaba. Planta medica, 82(14), 1236–1245. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-110496
  4. Park JY, Jeong HJ, Kim YM, Park SJ, Rho MC, Park KH, Ryu YB, Lee WS. Characteristic of alkylated chalcones from Angelica keiskei on influenza virus neuraminidase inhibition. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:5602–5604
  5. Murphy, E. J., Fehrenbach, G. W., Abidin, I. Z., Buckley, C., Montgomery, T., Pogue, R., Murray, P., Major, I., & Rezoagli, E. (2023). Polysaccharides-Naturally Occurring Immune Modulators. Polymers, 15(10), 2373. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102373