# Dong Quai Ginseng (Angelica sinensis 'Dong Quai')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dong-quai-ginseng
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Angelica sinensis, Female Ginseng, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Tang Kuei, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Chinese Dong Quai, Angelica Root, Women's Ginseng

## Overview

Dong Quai Ginseng (Angelica sinensis) contains ferulic acid and acidic polysaccharides that demonstrate [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties. The ferulic acid component reduces inflammatory markers IL-1β and TNF-α while polysaccharides maintain SOD enzyme activity and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Ferulic acid component reduces inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-13) in chondrocytes (laboratory evidence only)
• [Antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Acidic polysaccharides prevent oxidative stress by maintaining SOD activity and GSH levels (animal cell studies)
• Vascular and [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep): Contains calcium channel-blocking compounds with antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects (mechanism studies only)
• Potential immune support: Polysaccharides demonstrate [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects (preliminary laboratory evidence)
• Traditional menstrual support: Historically used for menstrual disorders, though clinical evidence remains limited

## Mechanism of Action

Ferulic acid in dong quai ginseng inhibits [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s IL-1β and TNF-α while reducing matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 and MMP-13 in chondrocytes. The acidic polysaccharides maintain cellular antioxidant defenses by preserving superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) (GSH) levels. These compounds work synergistically to modulate inflammatory pathways and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) responses at the cellular level.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for dong quai ginseng is limited to laboratory and animal cell studies, with no human clinical trials available. Laboratory studies on chondrocytes demonstrate significant reduction in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, while animal cell research shows maintained antioxidant enzyme activity under [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) conditions. Sample sizes and specific quantified outcomes from these preliminary studies have not been extensively documented. Human clinical data is needed to validate these laboratory findings and establish therapeutic efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is used primarily as a medicinal herb rather than a food source, so traditional macronutrient profiling is less relevant than its bioactive compound composition. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Ferulic acid:** ~0.1–0.5% of dried root weight; a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative responsible for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), and platelet aggregation-inhibiting activity; bioavailability is relatively high orally (~40–60% absorption in animal models) with rapid conjugation and renal excretion. • **Z-Ligustilide:** Major phthalide compound, approximately 1.0–5.0% of dried root extract (varies by extraction method); contributes to vasodilatory, antispasmodic, and [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s; lipophilic with moderate oral bioavailability but rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). • **Z-Butylidenephthalide:** ~0.1–1.0% of root extract; calcium channel-blocking and smooth muscle-relaxing properties. • **Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP):** ~5–15% of dried root by weight; primarily acidic heteropolysaccharides composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid residues; MW range 20–80 kDa; responsible for [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), hematopoietic, and antioxidant effects; oral bioavailability is limited as large polysaccharides require gut microbial degradation. • **Coumarins (osthole, scopoletin, umbelliferone):** Trace to ~0.05–0.3%; contribute to anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activity. • **Vanillic acid and caffeic acid:** Minor phenolic constituents, typically <0.1%. • **Essential oils (volatile fraction):** ~0.4–0.8% of dried root; composed primarily of phthalides (ligustilide, butylphthalide), terpenes, and sesquiterpenes. **Minerals (per 100 g dried root, approximate):** Iron: 2–5 mg (relevant to traditional use as a 'blood tonic'); Calcium: 40–80 mg; Potassium: 300–500 mg; Zinc: 1–3 mg; Manganese: 1–4 mg; Cobalt and copper in trace amounts. **Vitamins:** Contains small amounts of vitamin B12 (debated; some analyses report ~0.25–0.5 µg/100 g dried root, though this may reflect microbial contamination rather than intrinsic content), vitamin E (tocopherols, ~1–3 mg/100 g), and folate in trace quantities. **Macronutrients (per 100 g dried root, approximate):** Carbohydrates: 60–70 g (largely polysaccharides and fiber); Dietary fiber: 20–30 g; Protein: 6–12 g; Fat: 1–3 g (mostly from essential oil fraction); Moisture: 8–12%. **Bioavailability Notes:** Ferulic acid is best absorbed from aqueous decoctions; phthalides are lipophilic and benefit from co-administration with fats or lipid-based formulations. Polysaccharide bioactivity may depend on [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) composition for partial degradation into bioactive oligosaccharides. Traditional preparation as a water decoction (tang) preferentially extracts polar compounds (ferulic acid, polysaccharides), while alcohol tinctures favor phthalides and coumarins. Concurrent use with anticoagulant medications may enhance bleeding risk due to coumarin content.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical dosage information is not available in the provided research sources. No standardized extract concentrations or dosing protocols for different formulations (powder, extract, or standardized preparations) are documented in the available evidence. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dong quai ginseng may increase bleeding risk and should be avoided with anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to potential enhanced antiplatelet effects. Common side effects may include photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, and hormonal fluctuations due to phytoestrogen content. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential estrogenic activity.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier explicitly notes that Dong Quai 'has been used for a variety of conditions, with little evidence,' and no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PMIDs are provided in the available sources. The evidence base consists primarily of in-vitro mechanistic studies and traditional use documentation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Known as 'female ginseng,' Dong Quai has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, primarily to treat menstrual disorders, and is described as 'the most popular used as Chinese medicine.' The herb's traditional applications in women's reproductive health are now being investigated through modern biochemical analysis of its 70+ identified compounds.

## Synergistic Combinations

Red clover, Black cohosh, Chasteberry, Evening primrose oil, Vitamin E

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in dong quai ginseng?

The primary active compounds are ferulic acid, which provides anti-inflammatory effects, and acidic polysaccharides that offer antioxidant protection. These compounds work together to reduce inflammatory markers like IL-1β and TNF-α while maintaining cellular antioxidant defenses.

### Can dong quai ginseng be taken with blood thinners?

No, dong quai ginseng should not be combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to increased bleeding risk. The herb has antiplatelet properties that can enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications, potentially leading to dangerous bleeding complications.

### Is dong quai ginseng safe during pregnancy?

Dong quai ginseng is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. It should also be avoided during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and potential hormonal effects on nursing infants.

### How does dong quai ginseng reduce inflammation?

Dong quai ginseng reduces inflammation through ferulic acid, which inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in cellular studies. It also decreases matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 and MMP-13, enzymes involved in tissue breakdown and inflammatory processes.

### What evidence exists for dong quai ginseng benefits?

Current evidence is limited to laboratory and animal cell studies showing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. No human clinical trials have been conducted to validate these preliminary findings, so therapeutic benefits in humans remain unproven despite promising laboratory results.

### What is the difference between dong quai ginseng and other forms of angelica sinensis?

Dong quai ginseng specifically refers to Angelica sinensis cultivars selected and processed through traditional Chinese medicine methods, which may concentrate certain bioactive compounds like ferulic acid and acidic polysaccharides compared to unprocessed or other regional variants. The 'ginseng' designation often indicates enhanced preparation or combination with synergistic herbs, though the base plant species remains the same. Cultivar selection and processing methods can affect the potency of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, making preparation origin clinically relevant.

### Who should avoid dong quai ginseng due to bleeding risk or hormonal sensitivity?

Individuals with clotting disorders, those taking anticoagulant medications, and people scheduled for surgery should avoid dong quai ginseng due to its blood-thinning properties and platelet effects. Women with estrogen-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, endometriosis) should consult healthcare providers, as traditional use suggests potential hormonal activity, though clinical evidence remains limited. People with photosensitivity should exercise caution, as angelica species may increase sun sensitivity in some cases.

### How does the ferulic acid content in dong quai ginseng compare to other herbal sources?

Dong quai ginseng contains significant ferulic acid (a key anti-inflammatory compound), with concentrations that vary based on cultivar and processing methods—typically ranging higher than unprocessed angelica root but comparable to carefully standardized extracts. Ferulic acid in dong quai specifically targets inflammatory markers like IL-1β, TNF-α, and matrix metalloproteinases in joint tissue, though most supporting evidence comes from laboratory and animal cell studies rather than human trials. This makes standardized dong quai ginseng extracts potentially more reliable for consistent ferulic acid dosing than whole herb preparations.

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