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Hyuga Toki vs. Ashitaba/Toki | Differences and How to Choose, Explained by a Miyazaki Resident

2026年7月12日 22:42

"What is the difference between Hyuga Toki and Ashitaba?" "Is it the same as Toki?" "Which one should I choose?"

Many people have these questions. Because their names are similar or they both belong to the Apiaceae family, they are easily confused, but they are completely different plants.

As a Miyazaki resident who has been drinking Hyuga Toki for 10 years and growing it myself, I will honestly tell you the differences.

What is Hyuga Toki

First, let's organize the basics of Hyuga Toki.

Hyuga Toki is a plant in the genus Angelica of the Apiaceae family, and it is a plant endemic to Japan that grows wild only in a limited area from Miyazaki Prefecture to Oita Prefecture. Its scientific name is Angelica tenuisecta var. furcijuga.

Also known as "Japanese Mountain Ginseng," it was called the "Grass of God" and was a secret medicine kept within the Satsuma Domain during the Edo period. It is currently designated as an endangered species.

Its main components are coumarins (such as hyuganin A, bergapten, and marmesinin), and its effects on blood flow, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels have been researched and confirmed.

Differences from Ashitaba

The plant most easily confused with Hyuga Toki is Ashitaba. Both are large plants in the Apiaceae family, but they are completely different plants.

[Basic Information on Ashitaba] Ashitaba is a plant in the genus Angelica of the Apiaceae family, and its scientific name is Angelica keiskei. It is mainly native to the Pacific side, such as the Izu Islands, the Boso Peninsula, and the Kii Peninsula. It is said that it got its name because of its strong vitality, as it is said that "if you pick it today, buds will appear tomorrow."

[Differences in Origin] Ashitaba: Pacific side such as the Izu Islands, Boso Peninsula, and Kii Peninsula. Hyuga Toki: Mountainous areas of northern Miyazaki Prefecture and southern Oita Prefecture.

These are plants located on opposite sides of Japan, and the environments in which they are grown are completely different.

[Differences in Components] The main components of Ashitaba are chalcones (such as xanthoangelol). On the other hand, the main components of Hyuga Toki are coumarins. They have completely different component systems.

Ashitaba's chalcones are attracting attention for their antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immune support effects. Hyuga Toki's coumarins are being researched for their effects on blood flow, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

[Status of Scientific Evidence] Hyuga Toki has accumulated scientific evidence regarding its effects on blood pressure and blood sugar levels, such as through research by Shiseido and certification as a Food with Function Claims. Research on the health benefits of Ashitaba is also progressing, but the fields are different.

[Which one to choose] It can be summarized that Hyuga Toki is suitable for those concerned about blood pressure, blood flow, and blood sugar levels, while Ashitaba is suitable for those whose main goal is antioxidant and immune support. Of course, some people drink both.

Differences from Toki (Angelica)

Because the name "Toki" is in the name of Hyuga Toki, many people confuse it with Kara-toki (from China or Korea), which is generally called "Toki."

[Basic Information on Toki (Kara-toki)] Toki is a crude drug famous as a Chinese herbal medicine. Angelica sinensis and Angelica acutiloba (Yamato-toki) from China and Korea are mainly used. It is said that it was named with the meaning of "returning (to a healthy state)."

It is particularly famous for its effects on the gynecological system (improving blood circulation, warming the body, and alleviating menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms).

【Relationship with Hyuga Toki】
Hyuga Toki has a history of being confused with Inu Toki. In 1971, botanist Masao Kitagawa discovered that a new species existed within the Angelica genus in Miyazaki Prefecture and named it Hyuga Toki (Hiuga Toki).

Although it contains the word "Toki" in its name, it is a different species from the Chinese Angelica (Kara Toki). However, because they are closely related species within the same Angelica genus, it is said that they have similar benefits in terms of warming the body and improving blood circulation.

【Differences in Components】
The main component of Angelica (Kara Toki) is phthalide, which differs from the coumarins found in Hyuga Toki. However, they are similar in their direction of improving blood flow and warming the body.

The root of Hyuga Toki was added to the list of pharmaceutical ingredients by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in November 2002. This indicates that its medicinal efficacy as Toki has been recognized.

Differences from other medicinal herbs such as Aralia elata and Acanthopanax

Because Hyuga Toki is called "Japanese Mountain Ginseng," it is sometimes compared to Korean Ginseng.

Korean Ginseng is a plant in the Araliaceae family and is a completely different plant from the Apiaceae family's Hyuga Toki. However, it is said that Hyuga Toki came to be called "Mountain Ginseng" due to its history of being used as an "all-purpose medicinal herb."

Differences I feel as a Miyazaki resident

What I feel living in Miyazaki is that Hyuga Toki is a "plant deeply connected to the region."

It is an endemic species created by the climate, soil, and environment of Miyazaki and Oita, and it is a rare plant that originally only grows in that region. In the sense that the production area and the plant are one, it has a special presence that is different from other medicinal herbs.

What I feel from growing it myself is that Hyuga Toki can only demonstrate its true components in the climate and soil of Miyazaki. I doubt whether the same effects can be obtained from those grown in other regions.

Summary: Which one to choose

Hyuga Toki is particularly suitable for those concerned about blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and blood flow. Scientific evidence in this field has been most accumulated, such as through Shiseido's research and certification as a Food with Function Claims.

👉 Hyuga Toki Regeneration and Conservation Association

【Written by】
55-year-old living in Miyazaki. I encountered Hyuga Toki due to high blood pressure, and I have been drinking it every day for 10 years since experiencing my blood pressure drop by 20 points in one month. While growing it myself in my field, I am also a regular drinker of products from the Hyuga Toki Regeneration and Conservation Association. I am just an ordinary guy who also drinks alcohol, writing honestly about my experiences.