Ferulago angulata (Ferulago angulata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ferulago angulata lower blood sugar?

Ferulago angulata contains bioactive compounds including osthole, imperatorin, and bergapten that may influence glucose metabolism. These furocoumarins and flavonoids appear to enhance insulin sensitivity and support glucose uptake in cells. The herb also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties that may indirectly benefit metabolic function. Evidence level: C. While traditional Iranian medicine has long used this plant for diabetes, the precise molecular mechanisms require further investigation through controlled clinical studies.

Does Ferulago angulata interact with diabetes medications?

Yes, Ferulago angulata can potentially interact with diabetes medications. The herb's blood glucose-lowering effects may compound with antidiabetic drugs like metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Additionally, furocoumarins in this plant may affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Evidence level: C. Patients taking diabetes medications should consult their healthcare provider before using this herb and monitor blood glucose levels closely if use is approved.

What is the correct dosage of Ferulago angulata for adults?

The traditional adult dosage for Ferulago angulata is 3-6 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea infusion. This preparation has been used in Iranian folk medicine primarily for digestive complaints and blood sugar management. Evidence level: C. Standardized commercial preparations are not widely available, and clinical dosing guidelines are limited. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions.

Is Ferulago angulata safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Ferulago angulata is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains furocoumarins such as bergapten and imperatorin, which may pose developmental risks to the fetus. Additionally, its potential hypoglycemic effects could disrupt normal blood sugar regulation during pregnancy. Evidence level: C. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should avoid this herb entirely. Consult a healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives for digestive or blood sugar concerns.

What are the side effects of Ferulago angulata?

Ferulago angulata may cause photosensitivity due to its furocoumarin content, making skin more sensitive to sunlight and potentially causing rashes or severe sunburn. Hypoglycemia is another possible side effect, particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes or those on glucose-lowering medications. Evidence level: C. To reduce photosensitivity risk, limit sun exposure and use sun protection while taking this herb. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and seek medical advice.

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

Ferulago angulata is a medicinal herb from the Apiaceae family recognized for its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:38722561, PMID:38722561].

Background

Ferulago angulata is a perennial aromatic shrub indigenous to western Iran, Turkey, and Iraq [PMID:26168780, PMID:27102982].

Traditional uses

In traditional medicine, it is recommended for treating digestive pains, hemorrhoids, snake bites, ulcers, and as a sedative [PMID:26168780]; its fruits are also used as a painkiller and for relieving inflammation-based disorders [PMID:34099587].

Active compounds

The plant contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids [PMID:33902426]. Essential oils from the plant include alpha-pinene, beta-ocimene, bornyl acetate, thymol, and limonene [PMID:36906207, PMID:39397840, PMID:35985080].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits antioxidant activity and can modulate monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B enzyme activity in the hippocampus [PMID:38722561, PMID:38722561]. In MCF-7 cells, leaf extracts activate the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and induce G1 cell cycle arrest via p21/p27 involvement [PMID:25278746].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DMemory Impairment (Scopolamine-induced)

Oral treatment with extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) significantly attenuated memory impairment in a dose-dependent manner in rats [PMID:38722561].

Evidence DMemory Impairment (Beta-amyloid-induced)

Extract significantly reversed deficits in learning and memory and protected PC12 cells against toxicity in rat models [PMID:40042687, PMID:38050568].

Evidence DReproductive Toxicity (Lead and Diazinon)

Hydroalcoholic extract (400 mg/kg/day) protected male mice against epididymal and testicular toxicity, restoring biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme expression [PMID:31747138, PMID:37924715].

Evidence DNephrotoxicity (DMN and Gentamicin)

Extracts (up to 800 mg/kg) demonstrated nephroprotective effects by normalizing certain mineral levels and improving kidney function markers in rats [PMID:31482601, PMID:27514765].

Evidence DPain and Inflammation

Fruit essential oil (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) exerted analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice [PMID:34099587].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

Acute toxicity studies in rats for a related species (F. carduchorum) showed an LD50 > 2000 mg/kg [PMID:25017518]; hexane extracts of F. angulata leaves also provided evidence of safety in acute toxicity studies [PMID:25278746].

Evidence summary

The majority of evidence is derived from in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models (rats, mice, chickens), indicating a low overall strength of clinical evidence for humans.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 38050568 (2023) — Ferulago angulata Methanolic Extract Protects PC12 Cells Against Beta-amyloid-induced Toxicity. · Basic and clinical neuroscience
2.PMID: 33902426 (2022) — Ferulago angulata as a Good Radioprotector Against Genotoxicity. · Current radiopharmaceuticals
3.PMID: 31747138 (2020) — Ferulago angulata extract ameliorates epididymal sperm toxicity in mice induced by lead and diazinon. · Andrology
4.PMID: 37924715 (2023) — Ferulago angulata extract alleviates testicular toxicity in male mice exposed to diazinon and lead. · Tissue & cell
5.PMID: 24707310 (2014) — Effects of Ferulago angulata Extract on Serum Lipids and Lipid Peroxidation. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Ferulago angulata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ferulago angulata