What is Angelica Root Extract?
Angelica Root Extract (CAS Number 977032-49-7) is a concentrated flavoring substance obtained from the roots of Angelica archangelica L., commonly known as garden angelica or wild angelica. The plant belongs to the Apiaceae family and has been used traditionally in European cuisine and herbal preparations for centuries. The extract captures the characteristic aromatic profile of angelica root, which contains volatile oils and other flavor compounds that contribute a distinctive herbal, slightly bitter, and warm spicy character to food products.
Common Uses
Angelica Root Extract functions as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. It is most commonly used in:
- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs, vermouth, and bitters
- Non-alcoholic beverages including herbal teas and botanical-infused drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory food applications where herbal complexity is desired
- Spice blends and seasoning mixtures
The extract allows manufacturers to achieve consistent flavor profiles without using whole plant material, which provides advantages in terms of shelf stability and uniform distribution throughout products.
Safety Assessment
Angelica Root Extract has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process. However, this classification should not be interpreted as indicating the substance is unsafe. Rather, it reflects that formal FDA GRAS status has not been officially claimed or established through the notification process.
The FDA database contains zero reported adverse events associated with Angelica Root Extract and zero product recalls attributable to this ingredient. This absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests no documented safety concerns have been identified in marketplace use.
Angelica archangelica root has a long history of traditional use in European food and beverage products spanning several centuries, which provides some level of historical safety evidence. The plant material itself is not subject to restrictions in most regulatory jurisdictions where herbal flavoring agents are permitted.
It should be noted that angelica species, particularly Angelica sinensis (Chinese angelica), contain coumarin compounds that can increase photosensitivity. However, the risk profile and coumarin content of A. archangelica root extract specifically varies depending on extraction methods and source material.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, Angelica Root Extract is not on the FDA's GRAS list, meaning it operates in food commerce without formal FDA GRAS determination. This does not prevent its use in foods under the FDA's authority, as many flavoring substances function without GRAS status.
In the European Union, angelica root extract is listed in the Register of Flavouring Substances, indicating acceptance for use as a flavoring in food products within EU member states. This regulatory acceptance in Europe provides additional evidence of safety through a rigorous review process.
Manufacturers using Angelica Root Extract are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable food safety regulations in their respective markets and for demonstrating that the substance is used at levels consistent with standard industry practices for flavoring agents.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses the safety of Angelica Root Extract in food applications. Most available research focuses on angelica plant biology and traditional uses rather than modern food safety assessments.
The absence of both FDA adverse events and product recalls in the United States marketplace suggests practical safety margins have been maintained in current commercial use. The European regulatory acceptance indicates that safety review processes have been completed in that jurisdiction.
Additional toxicology or safety studies specific to food-grade Angelica Root Extract would provide further scientific evidence regarding safe use levels, though current marketplace use and regulatory acceptance in the EU suggest adequate safety margins under normal conditions of use.