What is the recommended dose of Dong Quai?

- **Look for:** Standardized Angelica sinensis root extract, ligustilide content specified, from reputable TCM manufacturer - **Avoid:** Essential oil form (concentrated furanocoumarins); combinati...

Ingredient Research

Graded against 178,763 supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Dong Quai

SupplementLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

Dong quai is called "female ginseng" in traditional Chinese medicine and is one of the most widely used herbs for menstrual and menopausal complaints in Asia. Our research shows the clinical evidence does NOT support its use as a standalone treatment, the only rigorous RCT found it was no better than placebo for menopausal symptoms. It contains coumarins with anticoagulant activity and furanocoumarins that cause photosensitivity. Its primary risk is bleeding when combined with anticoagulants.

WHAT IT DOES

Dong quai contains three pharmacologically active compound classes: (1) phthalides (ligustilide, butylphthalide), smooth muscle relaxants that may relieve menstrual cramps; (2) coumarins, natural blood thinners that inhibit platelet aggregation; and (3) ferulic acid, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In TCM theory, it "nourishes blood" and "invigorates circulation." The coumarin content is the primary safety concern, it genuinely affects clotting.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: Standardized Angelica sinensis root extract, ligustilide content specified, from reputable TCM manufacturer
Avoid: Essential oil form (concentrated furanocoumarins); combination "menopause blends" with undisclosed amounts; products not tested for heavy metals (Chinese herbs have higher contamination risk)
Minimum effective dose: 1,500mg/day dried root equivalent (though evidence for efficacy is limited regardless)
Third-party tested brands: Nature's Way, Oregon's Wild Harvest (both test for heavy metals)

Scan a supplement containing Dong Quai

RELATED RESEARCH

Acacia Fiber

AcarboseANIMAL ONLY. In the NIA Interventions Testing Program, a parallel three-site study in genetically he

Activated Charcoal

Agave Inulin

Scan Your Dong Quai Supplement Browse all ingredients

Independently graded against 178,763 indexed supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

Discover More

Explore

Browse All 772 Ingredients Browse All 20 Conditions