Evidence supporting the use of: Dong Quai
For the body system: Estrogen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for women’s health and to support what is often described as the “estrogen system.” Traditionally, Dong Quai is known as the “female ginseng” and is used to help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, and manage symptoms of menopause. These uses are based on ancient medical texts and practices, which attribute blood-nourishing and harmonizing properties to the root. While there are some laboratory and animal studies suggesting that Dong Quai may have mild estrogenic activity or modulate estrogen receptor expression, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited and inconsistent. Most human studies are small, not rigorously controlled, or show mixed results. As a result, Dong Quai’s reputation for supporting estrogen-related issues is grounded much more in traditional use than in scientific validation. It continues to be a popular herbal remedy, especially in East Asia, for menstrual and menopausal complaints, but health authorities and systematic reviews generally conclude that strong scientific evidence for its efficacy is lacking. Caution is also advised because of potential interactions with other medications and possible side effects.
Other ingredients that support Estrogen
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)black cohosh
chaste tree
d-glucarate
daidzin
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
fennel
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
ginseng
HMR lignan
hops
indole-3-carbinol
licorice root
lignans
maca
sage
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
soybean
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
anise
yarrow
dioscorea
Equol (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
8-Prenylnaringenin
Agnuside
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
Bugbane
biochanin
Barbasco
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cruciferous
Casticin
Coumesterol
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
formononetin
Ginsenosides
Glycetein
Glabridin
Isoflavones
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Dong Quai
BloodCirculatory System
Estrogen
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Liver
Ovaries
Reproductive System
Uterus
Vagina