Evidence supporting the use of: Dong quai root
For the health condition: Amenorrhea

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used for centuries, particularly in East Asian medicine, to support female reproductive health. Its use for amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation) is primarily based on traditional practice rather than robust scientific evidence. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dong quai is often referred to as “female ginseng” and is believed to nourish the blood, regulate menstrual cycles, and address gynecological conditions, including amenorrhea. It is commonly included in herbal formulations prescribed for menstrual irregularities and is thought to have mild estrogenic effects, although these effects are not well characterized in clinical studies.

The scientific evidence supporting dong quai for amenorrhea is limited and generally weak. Most studies have focused on its use for dysmenorrhea (painful periods) or menopausal symptoms, rather than specifically for amenorrhea. Systematic reviews and clinical trials directly investigating dong quai for amenorrhea are scarce, and the few available studies often lack rigorous design or have small sample sizes. As such, while dong quai remains a popular herbal remedy in traditional contexts, its efficacy for treating amenorrhea is not well validated by modern scientific research.

In summary, the use of dong quai for amenorrhea is justified primarily by traditional use, with only limited and low-quality scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for this specific condition.

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