Home Supplements That Start With D Decursin: Key Health Benefits, Dosage, Safety, and Side Effects Unveiled

Decursin: Key Health Benefits, Dosage, Safety, and Side Effects Unveiled

August 29, 2025 Modified date: August 29, 2025

Decursin : Benefits, Properties, Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects Explained

Decursin is a naturally occurring pyranocoumarin concentrated in the roots of Angelica gigas (Korean dang-gui). It often appears alongside its isomer, decursinol angelate (DA), and both are metabolized in the body to decursinol (DOH). Interest in decursin has grown because preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer activities, while early human data point to potential benefits for blood lipids when standardized extracts are used. In supplements, decursin typically comes as part of an Angelica gigas extract rather than as a pure compound, so product quality and standardization matter. This guide explains how decursin is thought to work, who might consider it, suggested dose ranges seen in research, safety and interaction considerations, and where the evidence is strong—or still emerging. You will leave with a practical, no-nonsense understanding that balances enthusiasm with caution. ([Frontiers][1], [PubMed][2])

Top Decursin Highlights

May support healthy lipid profiles in adults with elevated triglycerides when using standardized Angelica gigas extract at researched doses (1 g/day for 12 weeks). ([PubMed][3])
Rapidly converts in humans to decursinol, which likely drives most systemic effects. ([PubMed][2])
Typical studied intakes span ~200–400 mg/day of standardized extract or ~50–200 mg/day combined decursin plus decursinol angelate; start low and follow labels. ([PubMed][2])
Possible interactions via CYP2C19 and CYP3A4; use caution with drugs that strongly inhibit or induce these enzymes. ([PubMed][4])
Avoid during pregnancy or while trying to conceive; individuals with bleeding disorders, liver disease, or on complex polypharmacy should consult a clinician first. ([PMC][5])

What is decursin and how it works
Benefits: what studies show
How to use decursin supplements
How much decursin per day
Side effects, interactions, and who should avoid
Evidence check: what we know and don’t

What is decursin and how it works

Decursin is a plant-derived pyranocoumarin best known from the root of Angelica gigas Nakai, a traditional Korean botanical. It frequently co-occurs with its geometric isomer, decursinol angelate (DA). When humans ingest either decursin or DA—usually via an Angelica gigas ethanol extract—the body rapidly converts them to a third compound, decursinol (DOH). In the only dedicated human pharmacokinetic (PK) study to date, volunteers consuming a single dose that provided 119 mg decursin and 77 mg DA showed plasma DOH concentrations an order of magnitude higher than the parent compounds, indicating extensive first-pass metabolism and suggesting DOH is the main circulating metabolite likely responsible for many in-vivo effects. ([PubMed][2])

At the mechanistic level, decursin and DA have demonstrated multiple actions in preclinical models that together map to inflammation control and cell growth regulation. These include: (1) dampening pro-inflammatory signaling (e.g., NF-κB), (2) reducing angiogenesis, and (3) modulating cell-cycle checkpoints and apoptosis in a range of tumor cell lines. Reviews from 2024 synthesize these lines of evidence and highlight additional effects such as antioxidant activity and potential metabolic benefits. Importantly, while mechanistic breadth looks promising, translation to clear human clinical benefits remains limited outside a few pilot outcomes. ([Frontiers][1], [PMC][5])

Metabolism is also clinically relevant because it shapes interactions. In vitro and ex-vivo work with human liver microsomes shows CYP2C19 is the most active enzyme converting decursin and DA, followed by CYP3A4. Decursin can also be hydrolyzed by carboxylesterase-2 (CES2), whereas DA appears resistant to CES1/2, reinforcing that DA relies more on CYPs. Practically, this means decursin-containing supplements could be affected by common medications that inhibit or induce CYP2C19 or CYP3A4, and inter-individual genetic variability in CYP2C19 may contribute to different blood levels. ([PubMed][4])

Because most retail products provide a standardized Angelica gigas extract rather than isolated decursin, labels usually report total “pyranocoumarins” or list decursin plus decursinol angelate content. This has two consequences for users and clinicians: first, expect variability between brands; second, dose selection should be anchored to studied ranges and not extrapolated from pure-compound cell data. ([PubMed][2], [PMC][5])

Benefits: what studies show

Lipids and liver-related markers (human data). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in adults with borderline-high triglycerides assessed 1 g/day of standardized Angelica gigas extract (AGNE) over 12 weeks. Compared with placebo, the AGNE group experienced meaningful decreases in fasting triglycerides and favorable changes in atherogenic indices, with a safety profile comparable to placebo. This trial used a standardized extract rich in decursin/DA but did not isolate decursin alone. It provides the strongest human evidence so far that a decursin-containing botanical can influence lipid metabolism under real-world conditions. ([PubMed][3])

Oncology (preclinical dominance, translational interest). A 2024 synthesis across cancer models concludes decursin and its congeners demonstrate activity against pathways central to tumor growth, including androgen receptor signaling (relevant to prostate cancer), angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Animal studies and xenograft models show growth inhibition and pro-apoptotic effects. However, large, controlled human oncology trials are not yet available; current efforts focus on formulation, delivery, and dose-finding to bridge the gap. Enthusiasm should be balanced with the recognition that most positive data are from cells and animals. ([Frontiers][1], [PMC][5])

Neuroinflammation and neuroprotection (preclinical). In vitro and animal experiments suggest decursin family compounds may protect neurons under excitotoxic or inflammatory stress by modulating oxidative injury and microglial activation. While mechanistically intriguing and consistent with broader antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, clinical corroboration in neurodegenerative conditions is not yet available. ([PMC][5])

Metabolic health beyond lipids (early stage). Small studies of composite formulations and exploratory biomarkers hint that decursin-containing extracts could influence hepatic de novo lipogenesis and related metabolic pathways. These signals need replication in larger, independent cohorts with well-characterized standardization of decursin and DA content. ([PMC][5])

What this means for you. If you are considering decursin primarily for cholesterol or triglyceride management, the best supported human outcome so far is triglyceride reduction with a specific standardized Angelica gigas extract over 12 weeks. For other areas—especially cancer prevention or treatment—evidence is preliminary and should be considered hypothesis-generating rather than practice-changing. ([PubMed][3], [Frontiers][1])

How to use decursin supplements

Choose a standardized extract. Look for products that declare the amount of decursin and decursinol angelate—or “total pyranocoumarins”—per capsule. Because human PK shows rapid conversion to decursinol, standardization ensures you are taking a consistent input dose even though the metabolite will dominate in circulation. A certificate of analysis (CoA) from a third-party lab is helpful. ([PubMed][2])

Consistency over time. Most outcomes in humans (e.g., triglycerides) were measured over 12 weeks. If you trial decursin for metabolic goals, plan a consistent daily intake for at least 8–12 weeks before judging effects, alongside lifestyle measures like diet and exercise. Re-check fasting lipids and liver enzymes as you normally would. ([PubMed][3])

Timing with meals. The principal human PK study administered an Angelica gigas supplement dose in a single sitting and documented robust appearance of decursinol. While no head-to-head data compare fed versus fasted dosing, fat-containing meals can enhance absorption of many lipophilic botanicals. A pragmatic approach is to take decursin with a meal you tolerate well unless your product label specifies otherwise. ([PubMed][2])

Stacking with other supplements. If you take botanicals that also influence CYP enzymes (e.g., St. John’s wort as an inducer), recognize the potential for altered decursin/DA metabolism and variable exposure. Conversely, strong CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 inhibitors could raise exposure to parent compounds. When in doubt, separate new additions and monitor for unexpected effects. ([PubMed][4])

Special populations. Because decursin and DA depend in part on CYP2C19 for metabolism—and CYP2C19 function varies genetically across individuals—exposure may differ between people. Those with liver disease, polypharmacy, or known CYP2C19 poor-metabolizer status should consult a clinician before use and consider lower starting doses. ([PubMed][4])

How much decursin per day

There is no established dietary reference intake or clinical guideline for decursin. Nonetheless, two lines of human research help anchor practical ranges:

Pharmacokinetic anchor. In a single-dose PK study, adults consumed 4 vegetarian capsules of an Angelica gigas supplement providing 119 mg decursin plus 77 mg decursinol angelate (total 196 mg pyranocoumarins). This produced high circulating levels of decursinol within hours, confirming bioavailability and extensive conversion. While not an efficacy trial, it tells us what intakes lead to measurable systemic exposure. ([PubMed][2])
Efficacy anchor. In a 12-week RCT for triglycerides, participants took 1 g/day of a standardized Angelica gigas root extract. The exact decursin/DA content is product-specific, but the regimen proved tolerable and effective for the primary outcome in that cohort. ([PubMed][3])

Putting it together for consumers.

If your product lists decursin + decursinol angelate, a conservative starting range is around 50–100 mg/day combined, titrating toward ~200 mg/day combined if well tolerated and aligned with your goal, not exceeding the manufacturer’s directions.
If your product lists only “Angelica gigas extract,” ranges used in studies center around 1 g/day of a standardized extract, taken for 8–12 weeks before reassessment.
For short-term trials (e.g., lipid support), pair supplementation with diet and activity changes and track objective markers (lipid panel, weight, waist circumference) at baseline and follow-up.

These suggestions are not prescriptions; individual needs vary by concomitant medications, liver function, and genotype. Always follow product labels and clinician guidance. ([PubMed][2])

Side effects, interactions, and who should avoid

General tolerability. Across human studies using standardized Angelica gigas extracts, adverse events have typically been mild and similar to placebo, with no consistent signal for liver or kidney toxicity in short-term use at studied doses. That said, high-quality, long-term safety data are limited, and different products may vary in purity and potency. ([PubMed][3])

Drug-interaction potential. Because DA and decursin are metabolized prominently by CYP2C19 and to a lesser degree CYP3A4, theoretically they can interact with medications that strongly inhibit (e.g., some proton-pump inhibitors for CYP2C19; certain antifungals for CYP3A4) or induce these enzymes (e.g., rifampin, some anticonvulsants, and St. John’s wort as a botanical inducer). Interactions could alter the exposure to decursin/DA or, conversely, be influenced by them. If you are on narrow-therapeutic-index drugs metabolized by these pathways, consult your prescriber before adding decursin. ([PubMed][4])

Population cautions.

Pregnancy or trying to conceive: avoid due to insufficient safety data.
Liver disease: avoid or use only with medical supervision because decursin metabolism is hepatic.
Bleeding disorders or planned surgery: while decursin is not equivalent to anticoagulant “coumarin” drugs, caution is reasonable with any new botanical near procedures.
Children and adolescents: lack of data; avoid outside clinical settings. ([PMC][5])

Quality and contamination. As with many botanicals, risks include mislabeling and contamination (heavy metals, adulterants). Choose brands that provide third-party testing and batch-specific CoAs. If a product causes unexpected symptoms (e.g., rash, GI distress, palpitations), stop and seek medical advice.

How to monitor. For lipid-related goals, re-check fasting lipids after 8–12 weeks. For those on hepatically metabolized medications or with underlying liver concerns, consider checking liver enzymes at baseline and periodically, coordinated with your clinician. ([PubMed][3])

Evidence check: what we know and don’t

What is solid.

Pharmacokinetics in humans: a single-dose study documents that decursin and DA are absorbed and rapidly converted to decursinol, which attains much higher plasma levels than the parent compounds (peak around 2–3 hours). This informs dose selection, timing, and expectations about what actually circulates in the body after you swallow a standardized extract. ([PubMed][2])
Clinical signal for triglycerides: one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that 1 g/day standardized Angelica gigas extract improved triglycerides and atherogenic indices over 12 weeks, with acceptable short-term tolerability. ([PubMed][3])
Metabolic route and interaction plausibility: CYP2C19 (and to a lesser extent CYP3A4) mediate major steps in decursin/DA metabolism, explaining potential interactions and inter-individual variability. ([PubMed][4])

What is promising but preliminary.

Anticancer potential: 2024 reviews summarize consistent anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects across models, including androgen-responsive contexts, and explore delivery strategies; clinical translation awaits robust trials. ([Frontiers][1], [PMC][5])
Neuroprotective and other systemic effects: preclinical data suggest benefits under oxidative and inflammatory stress, but human outcomes are not established. ([PMC][5])

What we still need.

Dose-finding studies that link specific decursin/DA inputs to specific outcomes in defined populations.
Head-to-head comparisons of different standardizations and delivery systems (e.g., enhanced-bioavailability forms).
Longer-term safety studies, especially in people on polypharmacy likely to influence CYP2C19/3A4.

Bottom line. Decursin—chiefly delivered via standardized Angelica gigas extracts—has plausible mechanisms and encouraging early human data for triglycerides, with wide-ranging preclinical support in oncology and inflammation. Treat it as an adjunct to healthy habits while the clinical evidence matures. ([PubMed][3], [Frontiers][1])

References

Disclaimer

This article is for general information and education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement based on this content without speaking with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your medical history and current medications. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, have liver disease, take multiple prescriptions, or have a bleeding disorder, seek personalized guidance before using decursin or Angelica gigas extracts.

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