Plant Comparison
Dill vs Angelica
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Dill and Angelica: both belong to the Apiaceae family; they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, cancer (anticancer research), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Dill | Angelica | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Bloating | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Inflammation (general) | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Skin irritation | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Urinary support | 8/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Dill |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Seed essential oil dominated by the monoterpene ketone carvone and limonene, giving dill its characteristic aroma and much of its carminative and antimicrobial activity.
Antioxidant flavonoids and phenolics identified in metabolomic analysis of leaf and seed extracts.
Including columbianetin, angelicin, imperatorin and xanthotoxin.
Rich in monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-phellandrene; gives the aromatic, carminative character.
Pharmacological Actions
Anethum graveolens (dill) extract and essential oil induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in melanoma and lung adenocarcinoma cells (preclinical).
Angelica archangelica fruit tincture and its furanocoumarins (imperatorin, xanthotoxin) show antiproliferative activity against pancreatic and larynx cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma cells (preclinical).
Anticonvulsant and cognition-supporting (preclinical)
Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)
Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)
Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)
Anticonvulsant and cognition-supporting (preclinical)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Anethum graveolens (dill) extract induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in HT-144 melanoma cells, and its essential oil is selectively cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells (preclinical).
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from gastroprotective action
Anxiolytic / sedative (anxiety, nervous tension)
inferred from bitter-tonic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)
Angelica archangelica fruit tincture is antiproliferative against PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells; its furanocoumarins imperatorin and xanthotoxin drive this activity and inhibit larynx cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma cell growth (preclinical).
inferred from neuroprotective action
Diaphoretic / expectorant support during colds
Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Anxiolytic / sedative (anxiety, nervous tension)
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Overactive bladder - a pilot RCT of an Angelica archangelica leaf extract reduced daytime voids and storage symptoms and improved quality of life, with near-significant benefit for nocturia
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Widely used as a food herb/spice; WHO monograph notes a “generally regarded as safe” status as a flavouring agent (World Health Organization, 2007). Allergic reactions (including oral itching, swelling, urticaria, vomiting/diarrhoea) are reported; avoid if you react to Apiaceae-family plants (World Health Organization, 2007; Egyptian Drug Authority, n.d.).
Duke (2002) provides clinical evidence (score 2) for dill's antibacterial and antispasmodic activities, consistent with Commission E and PhEur approvals. Traditional uses include management of colic, dyspepsia, and flatulence. The plant is a well-documented lactagogue (promotes milk production) and has a mild hypotensive effect. Dose: 1–3 g seeds as tea three times daily. Dill is generally safe (++) with no known significant contraindications at culinary and medicinal doses (Duke, 2002).
Contains furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity; avoid excessive sun or UV exposure while using the herb medicinally.
Medicinal doses should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Coumarin constituents may interact with anticoagulant medicines, and furanocoumarins with photosensitising drugs; when wild-harvesting, take great care to distinguish garden angelica from poisonous Apiaceae look-alikes such as hemlock.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic annual herb with a slender, hollow, ridged, blue-green stem. The leaves are finely divided into thread-like segments, feathery and soft, similar to fennel but more delicate. Small yellow flowers are borne in flat, wide compound umbels at the stem tips in summer, ripening into flattened, ridged, aromatic seeds (fruits).[1]
Tall, robust biennial or short-lived perennial herb with a stout, hollow, ridged stem, often tinged purple. The leaves are large, bright green, 2-3-pinnately divided into broad, coarsely toothed leaflets, borne on inflated, sheathing stalks. Large, rounded compound umbels of small greenish-white to yellow-green flowers are borne at the stem tips, followed by pale, ribbed, winged fruit. The whole plant is strongly and pleasantly aromatic (sweet, celery- or juniper-like) when crushed.[6]
Habitat
Believed native to the eastern Mediterranean, Western Asia and southern Russia; widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in gardens and fields across Europe, Asia and the Americas.[1]
Native to northern and eastern Europe and parts of Asia, growing in damp meadows, riverbanks, ditches and woodland margins on moist, rich soils; also widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb.[6]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked fresh through the growing season; the seeds are harvested in late summer once the umbels have browned and dried, then threshed and dried further before storage.
The root is dug in autumn of the first year (or spring of the second, before flowering), when its aromatic oil content is highest; the ripe fruit/seed is collected in late summer as the umbels dry; leaves for standardised extract are picked through the growing season. Careful identification against deadly Apiaceae look-alikes (poison hemlock, water hemlock, hemlock water-dropwort) is essential before wild-harvesting.[6]
Traditional Uses
Dill seed and leaf have a long culinary-medicinal history as a carminative digestive remedy for colic, dyspepsia and flatulence, and as a traditional lactagogue (galactagogue) to support breastfeeding; dill water ('gripe water') is a classic infant remedy for colic.[1]
Angelica root has a long Northern European tradition as an aromatic bitter and carminative digestive remedy for indigestion, bloating and flatulence, as a diaphoretic and expectorant support during colds, and the seed/fruit as a calming, anxiolytic nervine. It has also been candied and used as a flavouring.[6]
Preparations
Dried root decocted or infused in hot water as a bitter digestive and carminative tea.
Crushed fruit/seed infused as a calming, carminative tea.
Concentrated leaf extract studied in a pilot clinical trial for overactive bladder symptoms.
Dosage
The WHO monograph on Fructus Anethi gives an average daily dose of 3 g of the dried ripe fruit, or 0.1-0.3 g of the essential oil, or the equivalent in other preparations. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Health Canada's NNHPD monograph gives 0.3-12 g of dried root and rhizome per day for adults 18 years and older, with infusion and decoction among the accepted methods of preparation. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Health Canada's NNHPD monograph accepts a tincture among the methods of preparation for angelica root and rhizome, within the same 0.3-12 g dried-equivalent daily range for adults 18 years and older; it does not state a tincture ratio or volume. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Thanuma, J., Phetcharaburanin, J., Dokduang, H., Loilome, W. and others (2025) 'Metabolomic analysis of bioactive compounds in dill (Anethum graveolens L.) extracts', PeerJ, 13, pp. e19567. doi:10.7717/peerj.19567 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19567 - Sharma, H., Yang, H., Sharma, N. and An, S.S.A (2024) 'Neuroprotection by Anethum graveolens (Dill) Seeds and Its Phytocompounds in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Lines and Acellular Assays', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(13), pp. 7104. doi:10.3390/ijms25137104 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137104 - Mohammed, F.A., Elkady, A.I., Syed, F.Q., Mirza, M.B. and others (2018) 'Anethum graveolens (dill) - A medicinal herb induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cell line', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 219, pp. 15-22. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.008 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.008 - Haidari, F., Zakerkish, M., Borazjani, F., Ahmadi Angali, K. and others (2020) 'The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes', Trials, 21(1), pp. 483. doi:10.1186/s13063-020-04401-3 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04401-3 - Li, Z., Xue, Y., Li, M., Guo, Q. and others (2018) 'The Antioxidation of Different Fractions of Dill (Anethum graveolens) and Their Influences on Cytokines in Macrophages RAW264.7', Journal of Oleo Science, 67(12), pp. 1535-1541. doi:10.5650/jos.ess18134 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess18134 - Jang, S.A., Lee, S.J., Hwang, Y.H. and Ha, H (2023) 'Anti-Osteoporotic Potential of Water Extract of Anethum graveolens L. Seeds', Nutrients, 15(19), pp. 4302. doi:10.3390/nu15194302 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194302 - Stavri, M. and Gibbons, S (2005) 'The antimycobacterial constituents of dill (Anethum graveolens)', Phytotherapy Research, 19(11), pp. 938-941. doi:10.1002/ptr.1758 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1758 - Orhan, I.E., Senol, F.S., Ozturk, N., Celik, S.A. and others (2013) 'Phytochemical contents and enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) samples cultivated under organic and conventional agricultural conditions', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 59, pp. 96-103. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.053 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.053 - Tian, J., Ban, X., Zeng, H., He, J. and others (2012) 'The mechanism of antifungal action of essential oil from dill (Anethum graveolens L.) on Aspergillus flavus', PLoS One, 7(1), pp. e30147. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030147 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0030147 - Castro, L.M., Pinto, N.B., Moura, M.Q., Villela, M.M. and others (2021) 'Antihelminthic action of the Anethum graveolens essential oil on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae', Brazilian Journal of Biology, 81(1), pp. 183-188. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.225856 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.225856 - World Health Organization (2007) 'Fructus Anethi'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Egyptian Drug Authority (n.d.). Available at: https://dev.edaegypt.gov.eg/media/a4kf0fmp/anethum-graveolens_1.pdf Traditional / reference
https://dev.edaegypt.gov.eg/media/a4kf0fmp/anethum-graveolens_1.pdf - Haidari, F., Mohammadshahi, M., Zarei, M., Gorji, Z., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M. and Alizadeh, M (2020) 'The effects of anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes'. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102367 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102367 - Mousavi, S.M., Pizarro, A.B., Akhgarjand, C., Bagheri, A., Persad, E., Karimi, E., Wong, A. and Jayedi, A (2022) 'The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', 62(21), pp. 5705--5716. doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1889459 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1889459 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:837530-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:837530-1 - World Health Organization (2007) 'WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, Volume 3: ‘Fructus Anethi'. Available at: https://e-lactancia.org/media/papers/Fitoterapia-Plantas-WHO-03_2007.pdf Traditional / reference
https://e-lactancia.org/media/papers/Fitoterapia-Plantas-WHO-03_2007.pdf - Aydogmus-Ozturk, F. and Jahan, H. and Ozturk, M. and Gunaydin, K. and Choudhary, M.I (2020) 'Preclinical study of the medicinal plants for the treatment of malignant melanoma', Molecular Biology Reports, 47(8), pp. 5975-5983. doi:10.1007/s11033-020-05671-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-020-05671-5 - Tavakkol Afshari, H.S. and Homayouni Tabrizi, M. and Ardalan, T. and Jalili Anoushirvani, N. and Mahdizadeh, R (2021) 'Anethum graveolens Essential Oil Nanoemulsions (AGEO-NE) as an Exclusive Apoptotic Inducer in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma (A549) Cells', Nutrition and Cancer, 74(4), pp. 1411-1419. doi:10.1080/01635581.2021.1952450 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1952450 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Washington State University Extension, Yakima County (2025) 'One Invasive, One Native, Both Deadly'. Available at: https://extension.wsu.edu/yakima/2025/08/09/one-invasive-one-native-both-deadly/ Traditional / reference
https://extension.wsu.edu/yakima/2025/08/09/one-invasive-one-native-both-deadly/ - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - Grow Forage Cook Ferment 'Poison Hemlock: How to Identify and Potential Look-alikes'. Available at: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/poison-hemlock/ Traditional / reference
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/poison-hemlock/
- Kaur, A. and Bhatti, R (2021) 'Understanding the phytochemistry and molecular insights to the pharmacology of Angelica archangelica L. (garden angelica) and its bioactive components', Phytotherapy Research, 35(11), pp. 5961--5979. doi:10.1002/ptr.7206 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7206 - Kaur, A., Singh, N., Bhatti, M.S. and Bhatti, R (2020) 'Optimization of extraction conditions of Angelica archangelica extract and activity evaluation in experimental fibromyalgia', Journal of Food Science, 85(11), pp. 3700--3710. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.15476 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.15476 - Kumar, D. and Bhat, Z.A (2012) 'Anti-anxiety Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Different Parts of Angelica archangelica Linn', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(3), pp. 235-241. doi:10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30105-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30105-5 - Fraternale, D. and Teodori, L. and Rudov, A. and Prattichizzo, F. and Olivieri, F. and Guidarelli, A. and Albertini, M.C (2018) 'The In Vitro Activity of Angelica archangelica L. Essential Oil on Inflammation', Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(12), pp. 1238-1243. doi:10.1089/jmf.2018.0017 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.0017 - Fraternale, D. and Flamini, G. and Ricci, D (2014) 'Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae) roots', Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(9), pp. 1043-1047. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0012 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0012 - Kaur, A. and Bhatti, R (2021) 'Understanding the phytochemistry and molecular insights to the pharmacology of Angelica archangelica L. (garden angelica) and its bioactive components', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.7206 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7206 - Patel, D.K. and Patel, K (2023) 'Biological Potential and Pharmacological Activity of Columbianetin in Chronic Diseases', Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Letters. doi:10.2174/1872312815666230124154630 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/1872312815666230124154630 - Suenaga-Hiromori, M., Mogi, D., Kikuchi, Y., Tong, J., Kurisu, N., Aoki, Y. and others (2022) 'Comprehensive identification of terpene synthase genes and organ-dependent accumulation of terpenoid volatiles in a traditional medicinal plant Angelica archangelica L', Plant Biotechnology, 39(4), pp. 391--404. doi:10.5511/plantbiotechnology.22.1006a Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.5511/plantbiotechnology.22.1006a - Raafat, B.M., Gamal-Eldeen, A.M., Almehmadi, M.M., El-Daly, S.M., Faizo, N.L. and Althobaiti, F (2022) 'Angelica archangelica and Ginkgo biloba Extracts Recover Functional Blood Hemoglobin Derivatives in Rabbits Exposed to High Altitude', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 23(11), pp. 1377--1382. doi:10.2174/1389201022666211118112356 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201022666211118112356 - Lopez-Seoane, J., Gesteiro, E., Castro-Alija, M.J., Quesada-Gonzalez, C., Perez-Ruiz, M. and Gonzalez-Gross, M (2025) 'Effects of Angelica archangelica Extract on Overactive Bladder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial', Food Science & Nutrition, 13(12). doi:10.1002/fsn3.71258 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71258 - Health Canada, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (2026) 'Natural Health Product Monograph: Angelica - Angelica archangelica'. Available at: https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_angelica_english.pdf Traditional / reference
https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_angelica_english.pdf - Sigurdsson, S. and Ogmundsdottir, H.M. and Gudbjarnason, S (2004) 'Antiproliferative effect of Angelica archangelica fruits', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 59(7-8), pp. 523-527. doi:10.1515/znc-2004-7-813 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2004-7-813 - Grabarska, A. and Skalicka-Wozniak, K. and Kielbus, M. and Dmoszynska-Graniczka, M. and Miziak, P. and Szumilo, J. and Nowosadzka, E. and Kowalczuk, K. and Khalifa, S. and Smok-Kalwat, J. and Klatka, J. and Kupisz, K. and Polberg, K. and Rivero-Muller, A. and Stepulak, A (2020) 'Imperatorin as a Promising Chemotherapeutic Agent Against Human Larynx Cancer and Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells', Molecules, 25(9), pp. 2046. doi:10.3390/molecules25092046 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092046 - Suciu, F., Mihai, D.P., Ungurianu, A., Andrei, C., Puscasu, C., Chitescu, C.L. and others (2025) 'Investigation of Anticonvulsant Potential of Morus, Angelica, Passiflora and Viola Extracts: In Vivo and In Silico Studies', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(13). doi:10.3390/ijms26136426 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136426 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock - Heath, K.B (2001) 'A fatal case of apparent water hemlock poisoning', Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 43(1), pp. 35-6. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205076/ Clinical study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205076/ - Mitchell, M.I. and Routledge, P.A (1978) 'Hemlock water dropwort poisoning - a review', Clinical Toxicology, 12(4), pp. 417-26. doi:10.3109/15563657809150012 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3109/15563657809150012 - Lagey, K. and Duinslaeger, L. and Vanderkelen, A (1995) 'Burns induced by plants', Burns, 21(7), pp. 542-3. doi:10.1016/0305-4179(95)00026-8 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-4179(95)00026-8
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.