Angelica: Part II

At the Store

Zestra Feminine Arousal Fluid (Zestra Laboratories Inc.) is a topical botanical formulation containing A. archangelica along with borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, ascorbyl palmitate, and alpha tocopherol. The product is intended to enhance female sexual pleasure and arousal.

Investigators conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover study to assess the efficacy and safety of Zestra in 10 women with and 10 women without female sexual arousal disorder. Using questionnaires, participants reported on a range of sexual functions pertaining to home use of the formulation. The results indicated statistically significant overall improvements in sexual function in both test groups, compared with placebo (J. Sex Marital Ther. 2003;29 [Suppl 1]:33–44).

Conclusions

A wide range of Angelica species possess properties found to be of medical, including dermatologic, benefit. In addition to A. sinensis (discussed in this column in August), A. archangelica, A. dahurica, and A. gigas have been used successfully in traditional herbal medicines, and research is ongoing on these and other species, including A. keiskei, A. pubescens, and A. acutiloba.

While the overall body of research is slim on the efficacy of these herbs, the extant evidence supports further investigation and provides reasons for optimism. In the meantime, as is typical in the case of myriad botanic ingredients, there are several unproven formulations available to consumers that contain botanical cocktails including the biologically active Angelica species.