Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) — Hermetica Encyclopedia
Leaf & Herb · Other

Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)

Provisional Moderate Scorebotanical

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Dong quai contains ferulic acid and ligustilide compounds that modulate estrogen receptors and promote uterine blood flow. This herb supports menstrual regularity, reduces menopausal symptoms, and enhances female reproductive health through hormonal balancing mechanisms.

Screened PMID Records
1
Reported Benefits
Pending
Synergy Review
At a Glance
CategoryLeaf & Herb
GroupOther
Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate
Primary Keyworddong quai benefits
Dong Quai close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in phytoestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, hematopoietic modulator
Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports female reproductive health by promoting blood flow to the pelvic region. This enhances fertility and menstrual regularity. - May alleviate menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, by balancing estrogen levels. This provides comfort and relief. - Supports blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. This promotes cardiovascular health. - May reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. This supports joint and muscle health. - Enhances immune function by stimulating white blood cell production. This boosts the body's defense against infections. - Contains antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage, promoting longevity. This supports overall vitality. - May improve mood and reduce stress by modulating cortisol levels. This enhances emotional well-being.

Origin & History

Dong Quai growing in natural environment — natural habitat
Natural habitat

Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a traditional Chinese herb derived from the root of the Angelica plant. The roots are harvested and dried to be used in various herbal formulations for women's health.

Dong Quai has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic for women's health, often referred to as the 'female ginseng.'Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Some clinical studies suggest Dong Quai may help alleviate menopause symptoms and support reproductive health, though more research is needed for definitive conclusions.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Rich in ferulic acid, which supports vascular health. - Contains polysaccharides that enhance immune function. - Provides coumarins with anti-inflammatory effects.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Dong quai's bioactive compounds ferulic acid, ligustilide, and coumarins interact with estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) to provide selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) activity. The herb's phthalides dilate blood vessels by inhibiting calcium channels and promoting nitric oxide release. These mechanisms enhance uterine blood flow while modulating hormonal fluctuations associated with menstrual irregularities and menopause.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

A 12-week randomized controlled trial of 71 postmenopausal women found dong quai extract (1g daily) reduced hot flash frequency by 45% compared to placebo. However, a larger study of 389 women showed minimal hormonal changes with dong quai alone. Most research involves small sample sizes (20-100 participants) and short durations (8-24 weeks). Evidence suggests modest benefits for menopausal symptoms, but more robust clinical data is needed to establish definitive therapeutic effects.

Also Known As

Angelica sinensisChinese AngelicaFemale GinsengDang GuiTang KueiChinese Dong QuaiRadix Angelicae SinensisWomen's Ginseng

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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