Also Known As:
Angelica sinensis, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui.
Scientific Name:
Angelica sinensis.
Family: Apiaceae/Umbelliferae.
People Use This For:
Orally, dong quai is used for painful periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and
menopausal symptoms. It is also used orally as a "blood purifier"; to manage
high blood pressure, infertility, rheumatism, ulcers, anemia, and constipation; and
in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks. Dong quai is also used orally
is for the treatment of skin depigmentation and psoriasis.
Safety:
No converns regarding safety when used orally and appropriately. Dong quai
has been safely used in a clinical trial lasting up to 24 weeks.34 More scientific
evidence is needed to determine its safety after prolonged, repetitive use.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Effectiveness:
POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE
Men suffering from premature ejaculation who were treated with the cream had
significantly improved ejaculatory latency compared to placebo.35
POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE
Menopausal symptoms. Dong quai does not seem to have any effect on
endometrial wall thickness or menopausal symptoms.34
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of dong
quai for its other uses.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable part of dong quai is the root. Dong quai root has several active
constituents. Some of these include ferulic acid, ligusticide, angelicide, brefeldin
A, butylphthalide, nicotinic acid, and succinic acid.36,37 Dong quai root contains a
variety of other constituents. The dong quai root also contains several vitamins
and minerals including vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin
B12, biotin, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and phytosterols such as beta-
sitosterol.37 It also contains 0.4% to 0.7% volatile oil.38,37 Dong quai also contains several coumarin constituents.38,37 Some coumarins can act as vasodilators and antispasmodics.
Adverse Reactions:
Dong quai is well-tolerated.34
Interactions with Drugs:
Warfarin (Coumadin): Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Interactions with Foods:
None known.
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:
Breast Cancer: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Hormone Sensitive Cancers/Conditions: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Surgery: Tell patients to discontinue dong quai at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures.
Oral: For menopausal symptoms, 4.5 g of powdered Dong Quai root has been used daily.34
Specific References: DONG QUAI
34. 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.
35. Choi HK, Jung GW, Moon KH, et al. Clinical study of SS-Cream in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Urology 2000;55:257-61.
36. Zhao KJ, Dong TT, Tu PF, et al. Molecular genetic and chemical assessment of radix Angelica (Danggui) in China. J Agric Food Chem 2003;51:2576-83.
37. Monograph. Angelica sinensis (Dong quai). Altern Med Rev 2004;9:429-33.
38. Zhu DP. Dong Quai. Am J Chin