Aralia racemosa L. – source of compounds with broad biological activity

Aralia racemosa L., commonly known as American spikenard, is a herbaceous plant native to North America. In traditional Native American medicine, it was used to support cardiovascular function and overall vitality [ 1 ]. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which may contribute to a broad spectrum of biological activities [ 2 ] [ 3 ]. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of A. racemosa root and leaves, and evaluate its anti-enzymatic and antioxidant potential. Extracts from the root of A. racemosa exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-enzymatic properties, including activity against hyaluronidase, COX, LOX, and AChE. In particular, the methanol and acetone extracts showed the strongest activity in relation to ABTS and DPPH radicals, chelation of Fe 2+ ions, and metal reduction in the FRAP and CUPRAC assays. An interesting observation was the stronger activity of the extracts against hyaluronidase compared to the positive control – escin. In contrast, extracts from the leaves showed significantly weaker antioxidant and anti-enzymatic activities. The results suggest that A. racemosa may be an effective aid in the prevention of lifestyle diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. Further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanism of action. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany