Ashitaba
Commonly used for
Weight LossMetabolic Health
Where to Buy
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
Ashitaba's chalcones stimulate GLP-1 secretion from intestinal cells and activate the AMPK pathway, driving glucose uptake in skeletal muscle while suppressing fat-cell lipogenesis -- a 12-week randomized trial found significant visceral-fat and waist-circumference reduction versus placebo, one of the better single human trials in this weight-management batch.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Angelica keiskei chalcone extract standardized to 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol; leaf/stem powder
Typical dose studied: ~16 mg/day chalcones (roughly 10 mg 4-hydroxyderricin + 6 mg xanthoangelol) in the supporting trial
Timing: Daily, with meals
As an Angelica species, shares a family with dong quai -- the furanocoumarin/photosensitivity and CYP3A4 caution common to that genus is a reasonable extension, though not specifically documented for ashitaba at supplement doses.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Interacts with: Insulin, sulfonylureas -- theoretical additive hypoglycemia risk
Already taking it? One decent human RCT for visceral fat plus a strong preclinical mechanism -- reasonable to continue, generally well tolerated, though this needs independent replication before being considered settled.
Research & references
Watanabe N et al. (2024). Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel Group Comparison of Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei) Chalcone Effects on Visceral Fat Areas and Waist Circumference of Overweight Persons. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. Odongo K et al. (2025). Ashitaba Chalcone 4-Hydroxydericcin Promotes Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Secretion and Prevents Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Mice. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
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