Chinese angelica

Related Terms

Acidic polysaccharides, American angelica, angelol, angelica, Angelica acutiloba, Angelica archangelica, Angelica atropurpurea, Angelica dahurica, Angelica edulis, Angelica gigas, Angelica keiskei, Angelica koreana, Angelicapolymorpha var. sinensis Oliv., Angelica pubescens, Angelica radix, Angelica root, Angelica silvestris, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, angelicide, angelicin, angelicone, angelique, anodynes, Apiaceae (family), Archangelica officinalis Moench or Hoffm., bergapten, beta-sitosterol, Chinese angelica, Chinese danggui, coumarins, dang gui, dang gui ku shen wan, dang quai, danggui (pinyin), Danggui-Nian-Tong-Tang (DGNTT), danggwi (Korean), dong kwai, dong qua, dong qui, dry-kuei, empress of the herbs, Engelwurzel (German), eumenol, European angelica, female ginseng, ferulic acid, flavescent sophora root, flavonoids, furanocoumarins, garden angelica, Heiligenwurzel (German), Japanese angelica, kinesisk kvan (Danish), kinesisk kvanurt (Danish), lactones, Ligusticum glaucescens Franch., Ligusticum officinale Koch, ligustilides, Moon CycleTM tea, phytoestrogen, psoralens, qingui, radix Angelica sinensis, root of the Holy Ghost, sodium ferulate (SF), sovereign herb for women, tan kue bai zhi, tang kuei, tang kuei root, tang kwei, tang quai, tanggui (Korean), tanggwi (Korean), toki (Japanese), wild angelica, wild chin quai, Women's EnergyTM tea, women's ginseng, yuan nan wild dong quai, yungui.
Selected combination products: Angelica-alunite solution, angelica-paeonia powder, Bloussant( breast enhancement tablets, Bust Plus(, danggui huoxue tang (blood stimulant decoction of dong quai), danggui buxue tang (dong quai hematinic decoction), hormonal and immune system tonic, Four Things Soup (dong quai, Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii, and Paeonia lactiflora), koo sar pills (containing 11 ingredients, including dong quai), Phyto-Female Complex (SupHerb?, Netanya, Israel; ingredients: standardized extracts of black cohosh, dong quai, milk thistle, red clover, American ginseng, and chaste-tree berry), shou wu chih, dong quai four, shenyan huayu tang (decoction for nephritis and stasis), Sini decoction, Siwu tang, shimotus to, tokishakuyakusan, xiao yao powder, xiao yao wan ("free and easy wanderer," Bupleurum, and dong quai), yishen tang (kidney tonic decoction).
Note: Angelica dahurica is commonly known as Chinese angelica; however, it is not included in this bottom line.

Background

Dong quai is also known as Chinese angelica. It belongs to the same plant family as parsley, celery, carrots, and poison hemlock. Dong quai has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine. It is one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine.
Dong quai has been called "female ginseng" because it is commonly used for health conditions in women. The plant has been used for menstrual cramps, anemia associated with menstruation, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness, and fatigue or low energy. Dong quai is used in both men and women for heart conditions, high blood pressure, inflammation, headache, infections, and nerve pain.
It has been suggested that dong quai has weak estrogen-like effects. However, it remains unclear whether dong quai has the same effects as estrogens, blocks estrogen activity, or lacks significant hormonal effects.
Dong quai is often used in combination with other herbs for liver and spleen problems. It is thought to work best in people who have a calm, reserved profile, and is thought to be a mildly warming herb. Dong quai is believed to help nourish the blood and balance energy.
There is little human evidence to support the medical use of dong quai. Dong quai has been studied for many conditions, including absent menstrual periods, arthritis, blood circulation, brain disorders, heart disease, immune problems, and sexual dysfunction. More high-quality research is needed to confirm the use of dong quai for any condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


There is limited evidence to support the use of dong quai for a lack of menstrual period. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence to support the use of dong quai for a lack of menstrual period. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Dong quai has been traditionally used for arthritis. However, there is a lack of evidence to support its use for this condition. Further research is needed.

 C


Dong quai has been traditionally used for arthritis. However, there is a lack of evidence to support its use for this condition. Further research is needed.

 C


A combination Chinese product containing dong quai may reduce limb swelling and promote blood circulation. However, the effect of dong quai alone is unclear and more research is needed.

 C


A combination Chinese product containing dong quai may reduce limb swelling and promote blood circulation. However, the effect of dong quai alone is unclear and more research is needed.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai as a treatment for rhesus incompatibility (a condition in which a woman and her unborn child have incompatible blood types).

 C


There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai as a treatment for rhesus incompatibility (a condition in which a woman and her unborn child have incompatible blood types).

 C


There is promising early evidence to support the use of dong quai as part of a combination treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets). Further research is needed.

 C


There is promising early evidence to support the use of dong quai as part of a combination treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets). Further research is needed.

 C


Early study suggests that dong quai in combination with other herbs may have protective heart health benefits, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve coronary heart disease symptoms. However, there is a lack of human research on the possible effects of dong quai alone. Further studies are needed.

 C


Early study suggests that dong quai in combination with other herbs may have protective heart health benefits, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve coronary heart disease symptoms. However, there is a lack of human research on the possible effects of dong quai alone. Further studies are needed.

 C


Dong quai extract has been shown to stimulate the immune system in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for breast cancer. However, further research is needed in this area.

 C


Dong quai extract has been shown to stimulate the immune system in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for breast cancer. However, further research is needed in this area.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai as a treatment for glomerulonephritis (in which kidney damage affects the filtering of waste and fluids from blood). Further study is needed.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai as a treatment for glomerulonephritis (in which kidney damage affects the filtering of waste and fluids from blood). Further study is needed.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai to treat lichen planus in the vagina. High-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai to treat lichen planus in the vagina. High-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Early study has found promising results for the use of dong quai in combination with other herbs to treat menstrual cramps. More high-quality human evidence is needed.

 C


Early study has found promising results for the use of dong quai in combination with other herbs to treat menstrual cramps. More high-quality human evidence is needed.

 C


There is promising early evidence to support the use of dong quai as part of a combination therapy for menstrual migraine headache. However, further research is needed on the possible benefits of dong quai alone.

 C


There is promising early evidence to support the use of dong quai as part of a combination therapy for menstrual migraine headache. However, further research is needed on the possible benefits of dong quai alone.

 C


Dong quai may improve high blood pressure in the lungs, blood thickness, and red blood cell volume. Further research is needed.

 C


Dong quai may improve high blood pressure in the lungs, blood thickness, and red blood cell volume. Further research is needed.

 C


A cream containing dong quai and other herbs has been shown to improve sexual function and satisfaction. Early study suggests that dong quai in combination with other herbs may also improve or reduce hot flashes, as well as decrease fatigue and sleep problems. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 C


A cream containing dong quai and other herbs has been shown to improve sexual function and satisfaction. Early study suggests that dong quai in combination with other herbs may also improve or reduce hot flashes, as well as decrease fatigue and sleep problems. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Dong quai has been studied for benefits on blood flow and memory in people who have had a stroke. A combination product containing dong quai has been studied for the prevention of blood clots in the brain. Further research is needed.

 C


Dong quai has been studied for benefits on blood flow and memory in people who have had a stroke. A combination product containing dong quai has been studied for the prevention of blood clots in the brain. Further research is needed.

 C


Dong quai may benefit people who have blood disorders associated with ulcerative colitis. More research is needed to confirm these early results.

 C


Dong quai may benefit people who have blood disorders associated with ulcerative colitis. More research is needed to confirm these early results.

 C


Dong quai has been used as part of traditional Chinese formulas to treat menopause symptoms. Dong quai may have estrogen-like effects and has been studied for the treatment of hot flashes. However, the only study using dong quai alone found a lack of effectiveness on menopause symptoms. High-quality research is still needed in this area.

 D


Dong quai has been used as part of traditional Chinese formulas to treat menopause symptoms. Dong quai may have estrogen-like effects and has been studied for the treatment of hot flashes. However, the only study using dong quai alone found a lack of effectiveness on menopause symptoms. High-quality research is still needed in this area.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Dong quai has been taken by mouth three times daily in the following doses: 520 milligrams per dose in people under 100 pounds; 1,040 milligrams per dose in people 100-175 pounds; and 1,560 milligrams per dose in people over 175 pounds. Dong quai has been taken by mouth in the following forms: a decoction (a teaspoon or tablespoon of cut root simmered in one cup of hot water); dried leaf (taken in an infusion); dried root (taken directly by mouth or in an infusion); a fluid extract; a leaf liquid extract; a leaf tincture; dong quai tea (root steeped in hot water); candied dong quai stems; whole root or root slices (boiled or soaked in wine); and a root tincture. Dong quai has been injected into the vein or artery in doses of 20-40 milliliters, and has been injected into acupuncture points in doses of 0.5-1.0 milliliters. There is a lack of evidence in support of these and the following doses.
For reproductive conditions (including menstrual cramps and menopause), dong quai has been taken by mouth in the following doses and forms: 1-15 grams of dong quai root 1-3 times daily; 4-6 fluid extract tablets 2-3 times daily; 1-8 milliliters or 10-40 drops of tincture up to three times daily; 1-2 grams of powdered root three times daily; and 1-2 grams of dong quai in tea three times daily.
For symptoms of menopause, dong quai has been taken by mouth in the following doses and forms: three capsules containing 4.5 grams of dong quai, three times daily for 24 weeks without benefit; 1-4 grams of powdered root as an extract, capsules, tablets, or tea, for up to three times daily; and 1 milliliter of fluid extract three times daily.
For menstrual cramps, a teaspoon of dong quai tincture has been taken by mouth twice daily, one day after the end of menstruation, and discontinued when menstrual bleeding begins. With a light menstrual flow, one teaspoon of tincture has been taken every two hours.
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dong quai has been taken by mouth in the following doses and forms: 0.5 grams of extract twice daily; 2-3 grams of dong quai capsules or tablets daily; 4-8 milliliters of a fluid extract daily; 1-2 grams as a tea three times daily; 2-4 milliliters of tincture up to three times daily; and one-half teaspoon of dong quai mixed with water up to four times daily.
For poor circulation, one teaspoon of dong quai mixed with one cup of water has been taken by mouth 1-2 times daily.
For inflammation, 10-15 drops of diluted dong quai essential oil have been applied to the skin.
For reduced blood flow to the brain, 200 milliliters of dong quai has been injected into the veins daily for 20 days.
For lichen planus (itchy skin rash), 1.5-2 milliliters of dong quai have been injected into acupuncture points once weekly for eight weeks.
For high blood pressure in the lungs, dong quai has been injected into the vein with glucose (250 milliliters daily) for 10 days.
For ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease), 40 milliliters of dong quai added to 250 milliliters of glucose have been injected into the vein once daily for three weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Caution is advised when using medications that may lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Dong quai may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Dong quai may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Dong quai may also interact with acetaminophen, agents that increase sun sensitivity, agents that stimulate or treat disorders of the nervous system, agents that treat abnormal heart rhythms, agents that treat muscle spasms, agents that treat stomach and intestine disorders, agents that widen blood vessels, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs), birth control, bleomycin, calcium channel blockers, disulfiram (Antabuse?), hormonal agents, laxatives, lung agents, metronidazole (Flagyl?), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and pain relievers.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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