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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for women's reproductive health issues, including menstrual irregularities and gynecological disorders. In TCM, dong quai is often referred to as the "female ginseng" and is believed to nourish the blood, regulate menstruation, and alleviate menstrual pain. Its use for endometriosis is primarily based on these traditional applications, as endometriosis involves abnormal growth of endometrial tissue and is often associated with pain and menstrual disturbances. Dong quai is commonly included in herbal formulas prescribed for "blood stasis" and "pain due to stagnation," which TCM practitioners associate with endometriosis-like symptoms.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of dong quai specifically for endometriosis is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that dong quai contains compounds (such as ferulic acid and ligustilide) that may have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties. These effects could theoretically help manage endometriosis-related symptoms, such as pain and inflammation. Despite this, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating dong quai’s efficacy or safety for endometriosis in humans. Most available research focuses on its general effects on menstrual health or its use in multi-herbal formulas rather than as a standalone treatment for endometriosis.

In summary, while dong quai is traditionally used for female reproductive health and menstrual disorders—including those that overlap with endometriosis symptoms—the current scientific evidence for its use in endometriosis is weak and largely extrapolated from related conditions.

More about dong quai root
More about Endometriosis