Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard

Aralia cordata

Aralia cordata, also known as Japanese Spikenard or Goho in Japanese, is a traditional medicine with roots in East Asian herbal practices. It has been used historically for various ailments but specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that the root and rhizome of Aralia cordata may have potential benefits related to glucose regulation and immune function. For instance, FACE (a compound from this plant) was found to inhibit glucose transporter expression and promote GLP-1 secretion while enhancing T lymphocyte differentiation and immune molecule production. Additionally, studies indicate that endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in the root vary among Araliaceae family plants, including Aralia cordata. Pimaradienoic acid from its rhizomes has shown anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing nitric oxide production. The leaf extract, after being processed with Viscozyme L enzyme, increased antioxidant activity and total phenolic content by 40%, suggesting enhanced bioactivity. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Aralia cordata, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential applications and effects.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • FACE inhibited glucose transporter expression and promoted GLP-1 secretion while enhancing T lymphocyte differentiation and immune molecule production. D PMID
  • The study found that root-endophytic bacterial and fungal communities varied among Panax ginseng and three other Araliaceae and Apiaceae family medicinal plants. D PMID
  • Pimaradienoic acid, a diterpene from Aralia cordata rhizomes, suppressed IL-1β-induced nitric oxide production and gene expression related to extracellular matrix degradation in ATDC5 cells. D PMID
  • EAE with Viscozyme L enzyme increased the extraction yield, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of Aralia cordata leaves by 40%. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard?

Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard (Aralia cordata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: FACE inhibited glucose transporter expression and promoted GLP-1 secretion while enhancing T lymphocyte differentiation and immune molecule production.

How strong is the evidence for Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard?

The strongest finding for Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard?

Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard is also known as: Аралия сердцевидная, aralia du Japon.

Is Herbal aralia, East Asian angelica, East Asian spikenard a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Phytochemical and Functional Diversity of Enzyme-Assisted Extracts from Hippophae rhamnoides L., Aralia cordata Thunb., and Cannabis sativa L. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Root microbiome of Panax ginseng in comparison with three other medicinal plants in the families of Araliaceae and Apiaceae. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Enhanced Bioactivity of Fermented Aralia cordata Extract for Glucose and Immune Modulation. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Diterpenes in Aralia cordata Rhizomes Suppress the Expression of Proinflammatory and Extracellular Matrix Degradation-Related Genes in ATDC5 Cells. literature abstract metadata