A drawback of many traditional joint-health supplements is the absence of a compound that provides fast-acting pain relief. With this in mind, Korean researchers set out to develop a powerful natural pain reliever containing active ingredients derived from the herb known as Korean Angelica (Angelica gigas Nakai). Research has shown that this powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent goes to work almost immediately in the body.

Unlike most prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers that inhibit the COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes, this specialized form of Korean Angelica fights pain through its effects on the central nervous system. Studies suggest that this mechanism of action may involve the mediation of receptors for serotonin and noradrenaline, two nervous system messengers. Korean Angelica has demonstrated efficacy against numerous types of pain, especially inflammatory pain. Recently published findings indicate that one active ingredient derived from Korean Angelica inhibits activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a DNA transcription factor that is activated in many inflammatory and disease states, including cancer.

This ability to block NF-kB is highly significant, as evidenced by the fact that NF-kB and the signaling pathways that regulate its activity are under intensive study in the field of drug development. This is because NF-kB regulates the transcription of numerous genes, particularly those involved in immune and inflammatory responses, as well as those that confer resistance to programmed cell death.

Like many of nature’s most potent medicinal herbs, Korean Angelica offers multiple potential benefits for human health. Cancer researchers are now focused on the potential ability of its active ingredients to prevent or treat prostate and other cancers. Furthermore, compounds extracted from Korean Angelica appear to protect the brain from a variety of insults, and may help mitigate susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, potent pain relief may be just one of many benefits offered by Korean Angelica. These benefits have been captured in a specialized extract of Korean Angelica called Decursinol-50 ™.