Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Activity of Angelica Dahurica Root Extracts

Angelica dahurica (Umbelliferae) is widely used as a herbal ingredient in functional foods and folk medicine. This study was designed to examine the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of water and ethanol extracts of A. dahurica (AD) root. Antioxidant properties of AD root extracts were studied using methods, including 2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (ABTS) and hydroxide radical‐scavenging activity at a dose of 0.12–2.0 mg/mL. The IC₅₀ values for DPPH and ABTS radical‐scavenging activity were 0.32 and 0.20 mg/mL, respectively, for water extract and 0.24 and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively, for ethanol extract. Lipid peroxidation was also determined as an indicator of oxidative stress. The extracts also showed strong reducing power, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and DNA damage prevention. AD root extracts inhibited the production of nitric oxide in a dose‐dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide‐treated RAW264.7 cells. The water and ethanol extracts of AD root also showed significant antiproliferative activity against HT‐29 and CMT‐93 cell lines. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, the biological potentials of different extracts from Angelica dahurica roots (water and ethanol extracts) were evaluated. The roots could be useful as antioxidants and for treatment of chronic inflammatory pathologies associated with overproduction of nitric oxide. The results suggest that A. dahurica contains excellent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative properties that can provide opportunities for application of A. dahurica root extracts in areas such as food, pharmacy, alternative medicine and natural therapy.