The “ashitaba” herb is native to the humid subtropical virgin forests of the Hachijo-jima Island of Japan. According to Japanese researchers, the two chalcones xanthoangelol (XAG) and 4-hydroxyderricin (4HD) are main physiologically active polyphenols of the herb. Its healing power is indisputable. Nevertheless, we determined some carcinogenic furocoumarin in the herb’s vegetative parts. Their total concentration did not exceed the allowable level, but according to IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), they belong to the group of dangerous carcinogens. This paper provides an overview of carcinogenic compounds of ‘Koidzumi’ variety of Angelica keiskei herb.

Keywords: ashitaba, chalcones compounds, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, bergapten