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.

More about dong quai
More about Estrogen

Other ingredients that support Estrogen

Other body systems supported by dong quai

Products containing dong quai