Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant capacity, acute toxicity, and gastroprotective potential of Angelica glauca root: A promising high-altitude medicinal herb

Angelica glauca, a therapeutic and aromatic herb native to the Himalayas, has been traditionally used for culinary purposes and to treat various ailments including rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, reproductive, and gastrointestinal disorders. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of phytochemical profiling of the root extract of A. glauca, its antioxidant potential, acute oral toxicity, and gastroprotective effects. Phytochemical quantification of A. glauca revealed significant levels of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins in the hydroalcoholic extract, with major bioactive compounds such as ligustilide, butylidenephthalides, β-bisabolene, and p-hydroxyphenethyl trans-ferulate identified via LC-TOF-MS. Extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity (68 μg/mL) and was non-toxic in acute oral toxicity tests in rats. In ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models, the extract (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the ulcer-index, enhanced gastric pH, and reduced pepsin levels. Histological analysis confirmed protection against mucosal lesions and necrosis. SOD, CAT, GSH and LPO levels were 173 U/g, 78 U/g, 195 μM GSH/g and 194 nM MDA/g of tissue, respectively at 500 mg/kg dose. This treatment restored the antioxidant systems and reduced the MDA level, indicating its ability to counter oxidative stress. The IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly reduced. Level of IL-6 was reduced by 31.2 % and 57.1 % at 500 mg/Kg and 250 mg/Kg dose, respectively while TNF-α concentration was reduced by 32 % and 60 %, respectively. These findings highlight the gastroprotective efficacy of root extract due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study establishes the herb's potential as source of bioactive compounds for developing novel therapy against gastric ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.