What Is Dong Quai? Other Names: Angelica China, Angelica Sinensis, Dang Gui

What is Dong Quai?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for centuries, particularly in the treatment of women’s health issues. It is often referred to as the “female ginseng” due to its purported benefits in addressing menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Other names include: Angelica China, Angelica sinensis, Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Angélique Chinoise, Angélique de Chine, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Danggui, Danguia, Dang Gui Shen, Dang Gui Tou, Dang Gui Wei, Don Quai, Female Ginseng, Kinesisk Kvan, Ligustilides, Radix Angelicae Gigantis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Tang Kuei, Tan Kue Bai Zhi, Tanggwi, Toki.

Uses and Benefits of Dong Quai

Dong Quai is commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and menstrual migraines. However, scientific studies have shown mixed results regarding its effectiveness. For instance, a study on postmenopausal women found that Dong Quai did not produce estrogen-like responses in endometrial thickness or vaginal maturation and was no more effective than a placebo in relieving menopausal symptoms1. Similarly, a trial involving men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer found no significant differences in the severity, frequency, or duration of hot flashes between those taking Dong Quai and those taking a placebo2.

Safety and Interactions

Dong Quai is often cautioned against use with anticoagulants due to its potential “blood thinning” effects. However, a study evaluating its interaction with aspirin found no significant impact on platelet function or thrombin generation, indicating that it may not significantly affect hemostatic functions3. This suggests that Dong Quai might be safer than previously thought when used alongside certain medications, although further research is needed.

Neuroprotective Effects

Beyond its use in women’s health, Dong Quai has also been studied for its neuroprotective effects. Research on rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury showed that Dong Quai Bu Xue Decoction improved neurological function and reduced cerebral infarct volume, indicating potential benefits in protecting brain health5.

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Dong Quai Mechanism of Action

The active compounds in Dong Quai are believed to have phytoestrogenic properties, which may mimic estrogen in the body. However, its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. A study investigating the effects of a phytoestrogen combination, including Dong Quai, found a reduction in the frequency of menstrual migraines, suggesting some potential benefit in hormonal regulation4.

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Adverse Effects of Dong Quai

Blood Thinning Effects: Dong Quai is cautioned to have “blood thinning” properties, which could potentially affect platelet function and thrombin generation. However, studies have shown that while there might be some impairment in platelet aggregation in a small number of subjects, these effects are not significant enough to cause clinical bleeding events when used alone or with aspirin4.

Lack of Estrogenic Effects: In postmenopausal women, Dong Quai does not produce estrogen-like responses in endometrial thickness or vaginal maturation, and it is no more effective than a placebo in relieving menopausal symptoms1. This suggests that it may not have the estrogenic side effects that some might expect from a herbal remedy used for menopausal symptoms.

Interactions

With Aspirin: When used in conjunction with aspirin, Dong Quai does not further impair platelet function or thrombin generation, indicating that it does not significantly compromise hemostatic functions4.

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How has Dong Quai Improved Patient Outcomes?

Menopausal Symptoms

Postmenopausal Women: A study found that Dong Quai did not significantly improve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or affect endometrial thickness and vaginal maturation compared to a placebo1.

Men on Androgen Deprivation Therapy: In a trial involving men with prostate cancer, Dong Quai did not significantly reduce the severity, frequency, or duration of hot flashes compared to a placebo2.

Menstrual Migraine

Phytoestrogen Combination: Dong Quai, when used as part of a phytoestrogen combination with soy isoflavones and black cohosh, showed a reduction in the frequency of menstrual migraines. However, it is unclear if Dong Quai alone would have the same effect3.

Hemostatic Effects

Blood Thinning Concerns: Dong Quai, along with other herbs like turmeric and ginseng, was studied for its potential blood-thinning effects. The study concluded that Dong Quai did not significantly impair platelet function or thrombin generation, even when used with aspirin, suggesting it does not compromise hemostatic functions4.

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Common Complaints Associated with Dong Quai Use

Lack of Efficacy: The study found that Dong Quai did not produce significant estrogen-like effects on endometrial thickness or vaginal maturation. It was also no more effective than a placebo in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, as measured by the Kupperman index and vasomotor flushes diary1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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