dong quai
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing compounds such as ligustilide, ferulic acid, and natural coumarin derivatives. It is commonly used in women's health for menstrual symptoms, menopausal complaints, and postpartum support, though it lacks robust clinical evidence for efficacy. The herb may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin and cause photosensitivity reactions.
Lab Notes — Research Studies
01 Potentiation of warfarin by dong quai
A case report documented a 46-year-old woman on warfarin who experienced a greater than 2-fold elevation in prothrombin time and INR after taking dong quai concurrently for 4 weeks, suggesting a significant drug interaction.
View Study ((PubMed))02 Warfarin interactions with medicinal herbs
This review summarizes case reports of severe adverse effects including bleeding complications when dong quai is used with warfarin, highlighting the need for caution with anticoagulant therapy.
View Study ((PubMed))03 Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health
Comprehensive review noting that dong quai is used for premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms, though rigorous clinical trials have not been conducted to establish efficacy.
View Study ((PubMed))04 Menopause: a review of botanical dietary supplements
Systematic review of botanical supplements for menopause found limited evidence supporting dong quai's effectiveness for hot flashes and menopausal symptoms, with most studies showing inconclusive results.
View Study ((PubMed))05 Botanical modulation of menopausal symptoms: mechanisms of action
Review discusses potential mechanisms including serotonergic pathways by which dong quai may affect menopausal symptoms, though clinical data remains controversial.
View Study ((PubMed))06 Dietary supplement-drug interactions
Review highlights case reports suggesting interaction between warfarin and dong quai, recommending counseling for patients at high risk of adverse interactions.
View Study ((PubMed))07 Antithrombotic effects of naturally derived products on coagulation and platelet function
Dong quai is noted to have anticoagulant effects and potential to interact with warfarin, aspirin, and other blood thinners, requiring systematic study of its antiplatelet properties.
View Study ((PubMed))08 Dong Quai (LactMed Database)
Database entry states dong quai has no generally recognized lactation-related uses and is best avoided during breastfeeding due to potential bleeding risks and photosensitivity reactions.
View Study ((PubMed))Formula — Benefits & Dosage
⚗️ Effects
- Limited Clinical Evidence: Rigorous clinical trials have not been conducted to establish efficacy for women's health claims
- Mixed Research Results: Studies show controversial and inconclusive data regarding effectiveness for menopausal symptoms
- Combination Products: Most commonly found in multi-ingredient formulas making it difficult to assess individual contribution
- Traditional Use vs. Evidence: Despite widespread traditional use in Chinese medicine, modern clinical validation is lacking
💉 Dosage & Administration
- No Established Standard: Clinical research has not established effective or safe dosage ranges for specific conditions
- Combination Formulas: Typically included at 1000-1500mg in multi-ingredient women's health supplements, though efficacy of these amounts is unverified
- Duration Considerations: Traditional use suggests ongoing daily supplementation, but long-term safety data is limited
- Individual Variability: Lack of standardization in extracts and preparations makes dosing recommendations difficult
⚠️ Side Effects
- Warfarin Interaction: Can cause significant increases in INR and bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications
- Photosensitivity: May cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and photosensitivity reactions
- Bleeding Risk: Contains natural coumarins that may increase bleeding complications with antiplatelet drugs
- Pregnancy/Lactation Concerns: Recommended to avoid during breastfeeding and pregnancy due to safety concerns
📦 Availability & Sourcing
- Dietary Supplement Status: Available without prescription as a dietary supplement in the US, not requiring FDA pre-market approval for safety or efficacy
- Combination Products: Most commonly found in multi-ingredient women's health formulas rather than as a standalone supplement
- Quality Concerns: Lack of standardization and potential contamination with mycotoxins reported in some products
Reaction Log — User Experiences
User discussions rarely mention dong quai specifically, and when referenced, it appears in multi-ingredient formulas that users are skeptical about. Scientific warnings about drug interactions and lack of efficacy evidence dominate the conversation, with no clear positive user testimonials found.
Synthesis — Related Compounds
⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational and research purposes only. dong quai may not be approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any supplements or research compounds. We do not guarantee accuracy or completeness of information presented.