# Dang Gui Wei (Angelica sinensis tail)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dang-gui-wei-angelica-sinensis-tail
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-18
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Angelica sinensis tail, Dong Quai tail, Chinese Angelica tail, Female Ginseng tail, Radix Angelicae Sinensis tail, Tang Kuei tail, Danggui Wei

## Overview

Dang Gui Wei (Angelica sinensis tail) contains ferulic acid and ligustilide compounds that enhance blood circulation by increasing nitric oxide production and vasodilation. This traditional Chinese herb specifically targets blood stasis conditions and supports [hormonal balance](/ingredients/condition/hormonal) through estrogen receptor modulation.

## Health Benefits

- Dang Gui Wei enhances blood circulation, vital for nutrient delivery and waste removal. It increases nitric oxide production, improving vascular health. - It supports [hormonal balance](/ingredients/condition/hormonal), particularly in women, by modulating estrogen levels. - The herb acts as an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), reducing symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. - Dang Gui Wei boosts [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) by enhancing the activity of immune cells. - It promotes skin health by improving [collagen production](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), essential for skin elasticity. - The herb aids in stress reduction by modulating [cortisol levels](/ingredients/condition/stress), promoting a sense of calm. - It supports [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) by enhancing detoxification processes, protecting against liver damage.

## Mechanism of Action

Dang Gui Wei's ferulic acid and ligustilide compounds stimulate nitric oxide synthase, promoting vasodilation and improved microcirculation. The herb modulates estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) to support [hormonal balance](/ingredients/condition/hormonal), while its polysaccharides inhibit [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Z-ligustilide specifically enhances [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

## Clinical Summary

Small clinical studies (20-60 participants) have shown Dang Gui Wei improves blood flow parameters and reduces menstrual irregularities when used in traditional formulas. A 2019 randomized trial found 15-20% improvement in peripheral circulation markers after 8 weeks of supplementation. However, most research focuses on whole Angelica sinensis rather than the tail specifically, limiting evidence quality. Larger placebo-controlled trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic effects.

## Nutritional Profile

Dang Gui Wei (the tail/root tip of Angelica sinensis) is a bioactive-rich medicinal herb rather than a conventional food source, so macronutrient contributions are clinically negligible at typical dosing (3–15g dried root per day). Key compositional data: Macronutrients (per 100g dried root): Carbohydrates ~60–65g (including polysaccharides ~15–20g, notably APS-1 and APS-2 arabinogalactans), Protein ~8–10g (including amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and valine), Dietary Fiber ~25–30g, Fat ~1–2g (including trace essential fatty acids). Primary Bioactive Compounds: (1) Phthalides — Z-ligustilide (highest concentration, ~1.0–1.5% of essential oil, up to 45–70% of total volatile oil fraction), Z-butylidenephthalide, and levistolide A — responsible for vasodilatory and antispasmodic effects; bioavailability is moderate, enhanced by lipid co-consumption. (2) Ferulic acid — approximately 0.05–0.1% dry weight — a phenolic acid with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and antiplatelet activity; well-absorbed in the small intestine with ~30–40% oral bioavailability. (3) Polysaccharides (APS) — ~15–20% dry weight — [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity; poorly absorbed intact but exert [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and gut-immune effects. (4) Coumarins — osthole and scopoletin at trace levels (~0.01–0.05% dry weight) — contribute to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. (5) Essential oil fraction — approximately 0.2–0.4% of dried root weight — contains beta-phellandrene, carvacrol, and isosafrole in minor quantities. Micronutrients (approximate per 100g dried root): Potassium ~1,200–1,500mg, Calcium ~200–300mg, Magnesium ~100–150mg, Iron ~15–25mg (notably higher than many plant sources, though non-heme iron with ~5–10% bioavailability), Zinc ~2–4mg, Vitamin B12 — not present. Folate detected at trace levels (~20–30mcg/100g). Vitamin E (tocopherols) ~2–4mg/100g. Bioavailability Notes: Ligustilide is highly lipophilic (logP ~2.5) and benefits from fat-soluble carriers; ferulic acid absorption is pH-dependent and improved in alkaline intestinal conditions; polysaccharide immunomodulatory effects are largely mediated through gut microbiota interaction rather than systemic absorption. The tail portion (Wei) is considered to have a stronger blood-moving (activating) effect compared to the root head, attributed to relatively higher ligustilide and ferulic acid concentrations in the distal root sections.

## Dosage & Preparation

The typical dosage of Dang Gui Wei is 6-12 grams per day, often used in decoction or powder form. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dang Gui Wei may cause photosensitivity, skin rash, and gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals. It can potentiate anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to coumarin compounds, increasing bleeding risk. The herb may stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy and heavy menstrual periods. Patients with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare providers due to estrogenic activity.

## Scientific Research

Research on Angelica sinensis indicates potential benefits for blood circulation and pain relief. Some studies, including RCTs, have explored its effects on women's health, particularly in menstrual disorders.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Dang Gui has been a staple in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, often referred to as the 'female ginseng' for its benefits in women's health. It is also used in Korean and Japanese traditional medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Di Yu, San Qi, Pu Huang, E Jiao

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between Dang Gui Wei and regular Dang Gui?

Dang Gui Wei specifically refers to the tail portion of Angelica sinensis root, which contains higher concentrations of volatile oils and ligustilide compounds. The tail section is traditionally considered more potent for moving blood and breaking stasis compared to the head or body portions.

### How much Dang Gui Wei should I take daily?

Traditional Chinese medicine typically uses 3-9 grams of Dang Gui Wei daily in decoctions or formulas. Standardized extracts may require 200-400mg daily, but dosage varies based on individual constitution and specific health conditions.

### Can Dang Gui Wei help with menstrual problems?

Dang Gui Wei may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce cramping through its blood-moving properties and estrogen receptor modulation. However, it should not be used during heavy periods as it may increase menstrual flow.

### Is Dang Gui Wei safe to take with blood thinners?

No, Dang Gui Wei contains coumarin compounds that can enhance anticoagulant effects of medications like warfarin, potentially causing dangerous bleeding. Always consult your doctor before combining this herb with blood-thinning medications.

### How long does it take for Dang Gui Wei to show effects?

Traditional use suggests blood circulation improvements may be noticed within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. For hormonal balance and menstrual regulation, effects typically require 2-3 menstrual cycles to become apparent.

### Is Dang Gui Wei safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Dang Gui Wei should be avoided during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions and increase bleeding risk. Women who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety data in this population is limited. It is generally recommended to discontinue use at least one month before attempting pregnancy.

### Does Dang Gui Wei interact with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control?

Dang Gui Wei may interact with HRT and hormonal contraceptives since it modulates estrogen levels and can potentially reduce their effectiveness. Concurrent use requires medical supervision to monitor hormonal balance and contraceptive efficacy. Inform your healthcare provider about all hormonal medications before starting Dang Gui Wei supplementation.

### What clinical evidence supports the use of Dang Gui Wei for circulatory health?

Several traditional Chinese medicine studies demonstrate that Dang Gui Wei increases nitric oxide production and improves microcirculation, supporting its traditional use for blood stasis conditions. However, most research is conducted in Asian populations using traditional formulations, and high-quality Western clinical trials are limited. Additional peer-reviewed research is needed to fully establish efficacy standards in diverse populations.

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