Dong Quai

Common names: Dong quai also is known as danggui, tang-kuei, and Chinese angelica.

Efficacy-safety rating:

ÒÒ...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Dong Quai?

A. sinensis is synonymous with A. polymorpha var. sinensis. Three species of Angelica are monographed separately in the Chinese pharmacopeia: Dong quai, the root of Angelica sinensis; Bai zi, the root of Angelica dahurica or A. dahurica var. formosana ; and Du huo, the root of A. pubescens f. biserrata. In Korea, A. gigas is used medicinally, while in Japan, A. acutiloba is used. The European A. archangelic is used to flavor liqueurs and confections. While botanically related, do not confuse the various species of Angelica, which differ in chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

What is Dong Quai used for?

Dong quai is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and continues to be popular in China and elsewhere. It is used to treat menstrual disorders, as an analgesic in rheumatism, and in suppressing allergy symptoms. It is promoted for similar uses in the American herb market. It also has been used to flavor liqueurs and confections.

Dong quai has been shown in animal studies to possess anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of dong quai for these effects. Dong quai contains plant coumarins, but too little to be of much anticoagulant activity. Research reveals no animal or clinical data regarding the use of dong quai for anticoagulant effects. Dong quai is widely used in the US to treat hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Clinical research shows mixed results when dong quai was used to treat menopausal symptoms.

What is the dosage of Dong Quai?

Crude dong quai root has been given in doses ranging from 0.75 g/day to as much as 30 g/day. Typical doses are around 4.5 g/day.

Is Dong Quai safe?

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Documented adverse effects include uterine contractions. Avoid use.

Because warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index, patients should avoid concurrent use of dong quai and should consult their health care provider before using herbal products.

No reported side effects have occurred with authentic dong quai, but with A. gigas, A. dahurica, and A. pubescens, there is a very reasonable risk of phototoxicity.

Angelica archangelica L. is reported to be an abortive and to affect the menstrual cycle. A. sinensis has uterine stimulant activity.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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