This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Ashitaba works primarily through its rich content of chalcones, specifically xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to its anti-aging reputation. Additionally, these chalcones modulate inflammatory pathways and may support metabolic health by influencing lipid metabolism. The presence of coumarins also promotes blood circulation. While these mechanisms are promising for longevity and fatigue reduction, current evidence is largely based on laboratory studies (Evidence Level C) rather than extensive human trials.
Can I take Ashitaba with blood thinners like Warfarin?
You should avoid taking Ashitaba if you are on anticoagulant medications like Warfarin. Ashitaba naturally contains coumarins, which possess blood-thinning properties. When combined with pharmaceutical anticoagulants, this can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. The interaction may interfere with the precise dosing required for blood-thinning medication, potentially leading to dangerous side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding herbal supplements to a regimen involving anticoagulants.
Is Ashitaba safe to take during pregnancy?
No, Ashitaba is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional usage and safety classifications strongly advise against its use for expectant mothers. Due to the lack of safety data and the presence of potent active compounds like chalcones and coumarins, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Ashitaba products entirely.
What is the recommended daily dosage for Ashitaba?
The standard adult dosage for Ashitaba is 3 to 6 grams of dried leaf daily. This is commonly prepared as a tea or taken as a juice from fresh leaves. If using commercial capsules or extracts, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as concentrations vary. Starting with a lower dose is advisable to assess tolerance, as higher amounts can cause a mild laxative effect. Consistency is key for those seeking its adaptogenic benefits for fatigue and digestion.
What are the side effects of taking Ashitaba?
Ashitaba is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience mild side effects. The most common issue is a mild laxative effect, particularly when starting supplementation or taking higher doses. Additionally, due to the presence of furanocoumarins, sensitive individuals may experience photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn. If you experience skin rashes or digestive discomfort, discontinue use. These effects are typically dose-dependent and reversible upon stopping the herb.
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) is a perennial herb native to Japan used as a medicinal plant and health food with potential antithrombotic, anti-obesity, and antioxidant properties [PMID:29880082, PMID:38357325].
Background
Angelica keiskei Koidzumi, known as Ashitaba, is a large perennial herb from the Apiaceae family native to the Pacific coast of Japan [PMID:29880082, PMID:37242522, PMID:33628918]. It is utilized as a dietary supplement, health food, and traditional medicine in Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, and China [PMID:29880082, PMID:31658768].
Traditional uses
Traditionally used to treat dysuria, dyschezia, and dysgalactia, to restore vitality, and as a blood-sugar reducer [PMID:28439780, PMID:35637670].
Active compounds
The plant contains various bioactive constituents, most notably the prenylated chalcones 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol [PMID:25576957, PMID:27399234]. Other identified compounds include coumarins, flavanones, phenolics, acetylenes, sesquiterpenes (such as germacrene B and D), diterpenes, triterpenes, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside [PMID:29880082, PMID:3261 la, PMID:40142168, PMID:28439780].
Mechanism of action
Mechanisms include inhibition of PAI-1 production to maintain anticoagulant status [PMID:22038782], activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to stimulate myogenesis [PMID:31658768], and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to inhibit lipogenesis [PMID:25406632]. It also targets BRAFV600E and PI3K to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells [PMID:29980517] and inhibits PTP1B [PMID:25891102].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BOverweight/Obesity
Encapsulated Ashitaba chalcone (16 mg) significantly reduced visceral fat area and waist circumference in overweight men and women over 12 weeks [PMID:38557440].
Evidence DThrombosis/Coagulation
Ashitaba exudate and xanthoangelol suppress PAI-1 levels and inhibit platelet aggregation in animal models [PMID:29441970, PMID:29708806, PMID:37862040].
Evidence DMuscle Atrophy
Ethanol extract of Ashitaba (250-500 mg/kg) alleviated dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophic damages in rats [PMID:31658768].
Evidence DMetabolic Syndrome/NAFLD
Ashitaba extract reduced body weight gain, fat deposition, and liver steatosis in high-fat diet-fed mice and NAFLD mouse models [PMID:25406632, PMID:37920601].
Safety & adverse effects
A 90-day rat study of yellow sap powder (8.45% chalcones) showed dose-related male rat-specific alpha 2-urinary globulin nephropathy and jejunal lymphangiectasia at 1000 mg/kg/day [PMID:25576957]. Genotoxicity assays (bacterial reverse mutation, chromosome aberration, and in vivo micronucleus) were negative [PMID:25576957, PMID:38469361].
Pregnancy & lactation
Target populations for some proposed uses exclude pregnant and lactating women [PMID:38469361].
Evidence summary
Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one small randomized controlled trial (Level B) supporting anti-obesity effects in humans.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 29880082 (2018) — Possible antithrombotic effects of Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba). · Die Pharmazie
3.PMID: 25576957 (2015) — Toxicological assessment of Ashitaba Chalcone. · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
4.PMID: 31658768 (2019) — A Chalcone from Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) Stimulates Myoblast Differentiation and Inhibits Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy. · Nutrients
5.PMID: 25406632 (2015) — Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) extract prevents adiposity in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice. · Food & function
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 35637670 (2022) — Inhibitory activity of xanthoangelol isolated from Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidzumi) towards α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV: in silico and in vitro studies. · Heliyon
7.PMID: 29441970 (2016) — Anti-platelet effects of chalcones from Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (Ashitaba) in vivo. · Die Pharmazie
8.PMID: 25019280 (2014) — Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of anti-platelet-active compounds from the root of Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidz.). · Natural product research
9.PMID: 30686791 (2019) — Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) powder and its functional compound xanthoangelol prevent heat stress-induced impairment in sperm density and quality in mouse testes. · The Journal of reproduction and development
10.PMID: 29708806 (2019) — Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei) Exudate Prevents Increases in Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Induced by Obesity in Tsumura Suzuki Obese Diabetic Mice. · Journal of dietary supplements
11.PMID: 37862040 (2023) — Supplementation with Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) Yellow Stem Exudate Prevents Aging-Induced Thrombotic Tendencies and Systemic Inflammation Without Affecting Body Weight Gain in Mice. · Journal of medicinal food
12.PMID: 25891102 (2015) — PTP1B inhibitors from stems of Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba). · Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters
13.PMID: 29980517 (2018) — The Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) Chalcones 4-hydroxyderricin and Xanthoangelol Suppress Melanomagenesis By Targeting BRAF and PI3K. · Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.)
14.PMID: 32612020 (2020) — cDNA Cloning and Functional Analyses of Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) Sesquiterpene Synthase Genes. · Journal of oleo science
15.PMID: 28439780 (2017) — Angelica keiskei, an emerging medicinal herb with various bioactive constituents and biological activities. · Archives of pharmacal research
16.PMID: 38557440 (2024) — Randomised, double-blind, parallel group comparison of Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei) chalcone effects on visceral fat areas and waist circumference of overweight persons. · International journal of food sciences and nutrition
17.PMID: 37920601 (2023) — Exploring the underlying mechanisms of Ashitaba in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by integrating the analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. · Frontiers in medicine
18.PMID: 38357325 (2024) — The pharmacology activities of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy and safety in humans. · Heliyon
19.PMID: 38469361 (2024) — Safety of ashitaba sap as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority
21.PMID: 22452965 (2012) — Absorption and metabolism of 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol after oral administration of Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) extract in mice. · Archives of biochemistry and biophysics
22.PMID: 10524357 (1999) — Effects of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor from Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) on blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. · Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology
23.PMID: 40117946 (2025) — 4-Hydroxyderricin attenuates ischemic brain injury and neuroinflammation by upregulating haptoglobin expression in microglia. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
24.PMID: 29441323 (2018) — The ethanolic extract of ashitaba stem (Angelica keskei [Miq.] Koidz) as future antituberculosis. · Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research
26.PMID: 38390941 (2024) — Angelica keiskei water extract Mitigates Age-Associated Physiological Decline in Mice. · Redox report : communications in free radical research
27.PMID: 37242522 (2023) — Angelica keiskei Impacts the Lifespan and Healthspan of Drosophila melanogaster in a Sex and Strain-Dependent Manner. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
28.PMID: 27399234 (2016) — A Review of the Medicinal Uses and Pharmacology of Ashitaba. · Planta medica
29.PMID: 38998937 (2024) — Pharmacophore Modeling and Binding Affinity of Secondary Metabolites from Angelica keiskei to HMG Co-A Reductase. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
30.PMID: 33628918 (2021) — Complete chloroplast genome of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources