Dong Quai
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Dong quai is a member of the celery family. Greenish-white flowers bloom from May to August, and the plant is typically found growing in damp mountain ravines, meadows, river banks, and coastal areas. The root is used in herbal medicine.
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Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
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1 Star
Dysmenorrhea
Refer to label instructions
|
Dong quai has been used either alone or in combination with other traditional Chinese medicine herbs to help relieve painful menstrual cramps.
Reference Dong quai has been used either alone or in combination with other Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs to help relieve painful menstrual cramps. Many women take 3–4 grams per day. A Japanese herbal formulation known as toki-shakuyaku-san combines Reference peony root (Paeonia spp.) with dong quai and four other herbs and has been found to effectively reduce symptoms of cramping and pain associated with dysmenorrhea.2 |
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1 Star
Menopause
Refer to label instructions
|
Dong quai is an herb with weak estrogen-like actions similar to soy. In one trial, a formula containing licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and motherwort reduced menopause symptoms.
A variety of herbs with weak estrogen-like actions similar to the effects of soy have traditionally been used for women with menopausal symptoms.3 These herbs include Reference licorice, Reference alfalfa, and Reference red clover. In a double-blind trial, a formula containing tinctures of licorice, Reference burdock, Reference dong quai, Reference wild yam, and Reference motherwort (30 drops three times daily) was found to reduce symptoms of menopause.4 No effects on hormone levels were detected in this study. In a separate double-blind trial, supplementation with dong quai (4.5 grams three times daily in capsules) had no effect on menopausal symptoms or hormone levels.5 A double-blind trial using a standardized extract of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), a relative of Reference red clover, containing 40 mg isoflavones per tablet did not impact symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, though it did improve function of the arteries.6 An extract of red clover, providing 82 mg of isoflavones per day, also was ineffective in a 12-week double-blind study.7 In another double-blind study, however, administration of 80 mg of isoflavones per day from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks.8 |
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1 Star
Premenstrual Syndrome
Refer to label instructions
|
In Traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is typically used in combination with herbs such as peony and osha for menopausal symptoms and menstrual cramps.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reference dong quai is rarely used alone and is typically used in combination with herbs such as Reference peony (Paeonia officinalis) and osha (Ligusticum porteri) for Reference menopausal symptoms as well as for menstrual cramps.9 However, no clinical trials have been completed to determine the effectiveness of dong quai for PMS. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Also known as dang-gui in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dong quai is sometimes referred to as the female ginseng. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dong quai is often included in herbal combinations for abnormal menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow, Reference dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and uterine bleeding. It is not used in TCM for treating symptoms associated with Reference menopause, such as hot flashes. It is also used in TCM for both men and women with Reference cardiovascular disease, including Reference high blood pressure and problems with peripheral circulation.1
How It Works
How It Works
Traditionally, dong quai is believed to have a balancing or “adaptogenic” effect on the female hormonal system. Contrary to the opinion of some authors, dong quai does not qualify as a phytoestrogen and does not appear to have any hormone-like actions in the body. This is partially supported by a double-blind trial with Reference menopausal women that found no estrogenic activity for the herb.10 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dong quai is rarely used alone and is typically used in combination with herbs such as peony and ligusticum for conditions such as menstrual cramps.11
Dong quai has been traditionally used as a way to promote formation of red blood cells, an effect partially supported in a case study of a man with kidney failure who had a significant improvement in anemia due to dialysis while drinking a tea composed of dong quai and peony.12 No clinical trials have examined dong quai alone for this purpose, or for the treatment of other forms of anemia.
How to Use It
The powdered root can be used in capsules or tablets.13 Women may take 3–4 grams daily in three divided applications. Alternatively, 3–5 ml of tincture may be taken three times per day.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
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none
Reduce Side Effects
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none
Support Medicine
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none
Reduces Effectiveness
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none
Potential Negative Interaction
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Reference
Heparin
Although there are no specific studies demonstrating interactions with anticoagulants, the following herbs contain coumarin-like substances that may interact with heparin and could conceivably cause bleeding.14 These herbs include Reference dong quai, Reference fenugreek, Reference horse chestnut, Reference red clover, sweet clover, and sweet woodruff. People should consult a healthcare professional if they’re taking an anticoagulant and wish to use one of these herbs.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Warfarin
A 46-year-old woman taking warfarin experienced increased strength of the anticoagulant properties of the drug after starting to use dong quai (Angelica sinensis) for menopause.15 The daily amount of dong quai was 1,130–2,260 mg per day. Her bleeding tendency returned to normal after discontinuing the dong quai. While little is known about the potential interaction of dong quai and warfarin, women should discuss the use of the herb with a healthcare professional if they are taking an anticoagulant drug and wish to use dong quai.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Explanation Required
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none
Side Effects
Dong quai may cause some fair-skinned people to become more sensitive to sunlight. People using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Dong quai is not recommended for Reference pregnant or breast-feeding women.16
Related Information
References
1. Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 65–72.
2. Kotani N, Oyama T, Hashimoto H, et al. Analgesic effect of a herbal medicine for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea—a double-blind study. Am J Chinese Med 1997;25:205–12.
3. Crawford AM. The Herbal Menopause Book. Freedom, CA: Crossing Press, 1996.
4. Hudson TS, Standish L, Breed C, et al. Clinical and endocrinological effects of a menopausal botanical formula. J Naturopathic Med 1997;7(1):73–7.
5. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril 1997;68:981–6.
6. Nestel PJ, Pomeroy S, Kay S, et al. Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999;84:895–8.
7. Tice JA, Ettinger B, Ensrud K, et al. Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:207–14.
8. van de Weijer PHM, Barentsen R. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil®) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. Maturitas 2002;42:187–93.
9. Qi-bing M, Jing-yi T, Bo C. Advance in the pharmacological studies of radix Angelica sinensis (oliv) diels (Chinese danggui). Chin Med J 1991;104:776–81.
10. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril 1997;68:981–6.
11. Qi-bing M, Jing-yi T, Bo C. Advance in the pharmacological studies of radix Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels (Chinese danggui). Chin Med J 1991;104:776–81.
12. Bradley RR, Cunniff PJ, Pereira BJG, Jaber BL. Hematopoietic effect of Radix angelicae sinensis in a hemodialysis patient. Am J Kidney Dis 1999;34:349–54.
13. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 28–9.
14. Miller LG, Murray WJ, eds. Herbal Medicinals: A Clinician’s Guide. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1999, 313–5.
15. Page RL, Lawrence JD. Potentiation of warfarin by dong quai. Phamacotherapy 1999;19:870–6.
16. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 28–9.
Last Review: 11-07-2012
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.
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