Quick summary
Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) is a traditional medicinal plant studied for various potential health effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Current evidence includes preclinical and some clinical findings; however, clinical research specific to Ashitaba is limited and its research status is pending. It contains bioactive compounds such as chalcones and flavonoids, which have been explored for their pharmacological activities.
What is it
Ashitaba is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Japan, belonging to the Angelica genus. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine and as a dietary supplement. The plant is valued for its leaves, which contain various phytochemicals believed to contribute to its purported health effects.
Traditional uses
Traditionally, Ashitaba has been used in East Asia for general health maintenance, digestive health, and as a tonic. It has also been employed in folk remedies aimed at promoting longevity and vitality.
Active compounds
Ashitaba contains several bioactive compounds, primarily chalcones and flavonoids. These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been studied for potential pharmacological activities including antimicrobial and metabolic effects.
Potential benefits with evidence levels
- Anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory effects
Evidence level: Preclinical (animal studies with meta-analysis)
Plant-derived extracts including Ashitaba demonstrate significant anti-Helicobacter and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models by modulating infection- and inflammation-related signaling pathways (Chen et al., 2025). No direct human trials for Ashitaba are available. - Anti-obesity effects
Evidence level: Preliminary clinical and animal evidence
Ashitaba has been included among dietary supplements tested in Japanese clinical trials for anti-obesity effects, but robust evidence for efficacy in humans is limited and further research is needed (Yasueda et al., 2013). - Infertility management
Evidence level: Preclinical and review evidence
Ashitaba powder showed anti-infertility effects in male and female animal studies attributed to antioxidant and androgenic activities. However, human data are lacking (Noh et al., 2020). - Antioxidant and anti-aging potential
Evidence level: Preclinical and mechanistic review evidence
Due to its content of flavonoids and chalcones, Ashitaba is associated with antioxidant properties that may contribute to anti-aging benefits observed in preclinical models. Direct clinical evidence specific to Ashitaba is absent. - Anxiolytic effects
Evidence level: Not reported specifically for Ashitaba
While a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula containing multiple herbs (Jie Yu Wan) has been clinically studied for generalized anxiety disorder, Ashitaba itself has not been specifically assessed for anxiolytic effects. - Antiviral potential including coronavirus
Evidence level: In vitro and in silico studies (general phytochemicals)
Phytochemicals structurally similar to those found in Ashitaba, such as chalcones and flavonoids, have demonstrated antiviral activity against coronaviruses in vitro or via computational models. Clinical efficacy and safety in humans remain unestablished (Fuzimoto & Isidoro, 2020).
Side effects
There are no specific adverse effects or toxicity reports associated with Ashitaba identified in the reviewed literature. Adverse effects have been reported generally for dietary supplements but not specifically for Ashitaba.
Drug interactions
No published data regarding drug interactions involving Ashitaba have been found. Caution is advised when co-administering Ashitaba with conventional medications due to the absence of interaction studies.
Who should avoid it
No formal contraindications have been reported for Ashitaba due to insufficient clinical data. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use unless advised by a healthcare professional because no clinical safety data exist for these groups.
Evidence limitations
- Lack of randomized controlled trials or high-quality clinical trials specifically on Ashitaba in humans.
- Most evidence is from preclinical studies, including in vitro and animal models.
- Efficacy and safety data in humans remain preliminary and unconfirmed.
- No standardized dosage or preparation methods have been established for clinical use.
- Potential effects described are based on related compounds or plant extracts rather than purified Ashitaba products.
References
- Chen D et al. (2025). Plant-derived extracts or compounds for Helicobacter-associated gastritis: a systematic review of their anti-Helicobacter activity and anti-inflammatory effect in animal experiments. DOI:10.1186/s13020-025-01093-2
- Yasueda A, Ito T, Maeda K. (2013). Review: Evidence-based Clinical Research of Anti-obesity Supplements in Japan. DOI:10.2174/1871522213666131118221347
- Noh S et al. (2020). Role of Antioxidant Natural Products in Management of Infertility: A Review of Their Medicinal Potential. DOI:10.3390/antiox9100957
- Fuzimoto AD, Isidoro C. (2020). The antiviral and coronavirus-host protein pathways inhibiting properties of herbs and natural compounds – Additional weapons in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic? DOI:10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.05.003
- Pinheiro RGR et al. (2021). Nanotechnology Innovations to Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Quercetin. DOI:10.3390/nano11102658
- Ullah H et al. (2021). Vegetable Extracts and Nutrients Useful in the Recovery from Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Systematic Review on Clinical Trials. DOI:10.3390/molecules26082272
Last reviewed
June 2024
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Ashitaba and its extracts may offer potential health benefits, but evidence is preliminary and not conclusive. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications.