Dong Quai Purchase & Information

Alternative Names

Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Angelica China, Angélique de Chine, Angélique Chinoise, Chinese Angelica, Danggui, Dang Gui, Don Quai, Danguia, Kinesisk Kvan, Ligustilides, Phytoestrogen, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Angelicae Gigantis, Tang Kuei, Tan Kue Bai Zhi, Toki, Tanggwi CAUTION: Please refer to separate listing for Angelica

Scientific Name

Angelica Sinensis

Why Do People Use Dong Quai?

Orally - The oral preparations of Angelica sinensis (Dong quai), like dong quai powder, are used for a number of purposes that are the treatment of dysmenorrheal disorderes, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms and for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. It is also utilized orally for the management of hypertension issues, for blood purification purposes, rheumatism, infertility, anemia, ulcers and constipation complaints and for the treatment and prevention of allergic reactions. Dong quai powder is also used orally for the treatment of psoriasis and skin depigmentation. Topically - Dong quai is utilized as part of a multi-ingredient preparation for premature ejaculation treatment.

Is It Safe To Use?

Likely Safe - Appropriate and oral consumption of Angelica sinensis is usually considered safe. Moreover its also safe when utilized in clinical trials for short period, topically and as part of a multi-ingredient preparation. This preparation was utilized safely for premature ejaculation in clinical experiments where the cream was applied and left on the glans penis for one hour. However, more confirmations are required to the safety of dong quai powder for long term use. Likely Unsafe - Long term and large dosage of Angelica sinensis is quite unsafe. Dong quai herb contains many constituents like safrole, bergapten and isosafrole, which have carcinogenic effects. Likely Unsafe in Pregnancy - Orally, dong quai powder is considered unsafe for pregnant females. It has relaxant and uterine stimulant effects, which may result in harmful effects during pregnancy. According to clinical experiments, combination of parsley and dong qui (called An-Tai-Yin) may increase the potential risks of congenital malformations in the connective tissue, musculoskeletal system and eyes of the newborn. Lactation - It is advised that lactating females should avoid using dong quai because there is lack of authentic information to rate the safety of dong quai for this purpose.

How Effective Is Dong Quai?

Likely Effective for Premature Ejaculation - Clinical experiments have proven that a cream containing dong quai, clove flower, Panax ginseng root, Zanthoxyl species, toad venom, Cistanches deserticola, cinnamon bark, Torlidis seed and Asiasari root when applied to the glans of penis for one hour before intercourse and washed off right before intercourse can improve ejaculation and prevent premature ejaculation as compared to placebo. Likely Ineffective for Menopausal - Dong quai powder does not appear to have any effect on menopausal symptoms or endometrial wall thickness.

How Dong Quai Works?

Most effective part of Angelica sinensis is the root. Dong quai root has a number of active constituents. Some of these include ligusticide, ferulic acid, succinic acid, brefeldin A, angelicide, nicotinic acid, and butylphthalide. Dong quai powder contains a variety of other constituents including uracil, valerophenone-O-carboxylic acid, carvacrol, adenine, angelic acid, isosafrole, safrole, n-dodecanol, sesquiterpenes, palmitic acid, n-tetradecanol and myristic acid etc. Dong quai root also contains many kind of minerals and vitamins including carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, magnesium, vitamin B12, calcium, folic acid, phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol. It also contains volatile oil in a quantity of 0.4%-0.7%. Dong quai also contains coumarin but there has been some concern about which coumarins are present in dong quai root. Coumarins reported to be present in the root include angelicone, angelol, psoralen, osthol, bergapten and oxypeucedanin. These substances could act as antispasmodic and vasodilators. Osthol seems to repress aggregation of platelets and is responsible for hypotension and smooth muscle contractoin. Bergapten and psoralen are photosensitizing and can result in serious photodermatitis. Constituents of dong quai and bergapten, for example, isosafrole and safrole, are carcinogenic. Ligusticide and ferulic acid are perhaps the most important pharmacological agents present in dong quai powder. Ligusticide and ferulic acid are sometimes utilized as marker compounds to evaluate dong quai root quality. Normal ranges of ferulic acid is 0.211 to 1.43 mg per gram of dong quai root. Ferulic acid is thought to have a wide range of activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiarrhythmic, immunostimulant and antiplatelet effects. Typical ranges of ligusticide content is 4 to 14 mg per gram of dong quai root. The constituent of ligusticide is thought to have antiasthmatic and antispasmodic impacts over human body. Dong quai powder also contains low weight of molecule polysaccharides that seem to have anti-tumor activity in animals.

What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Dong Quai?

Side effects of oral consumption of dong quai are moderate. This herb contains constituents that may have carcinogenic effects. But it is still unknown whether long term and large dose of dong quai powder can trigger the development of cancer. Dong quai powder also contains psoralens that may cause photodermatitis and photosensitivity.

How Dong Quai Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?

Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Supplements and Herbs - By using combination of Angelica sinensis with such supplement and herbs, which have antiplatelet / anticoagulant properties, may enhance the bleeding risks in some people. Such herbs include clove, angelica, garlic, danshen, ginkgo, ginger, poplar, panax ginseng, willow, red clover and other herbs.

How Dong Quai Interacts With Drugs?

Antiplatelet/ Anticoagulant Drugs - Interaction rating between dong quai powder and drugs with antiplatelet/ anticoagulant properties is major so NEVER use this combination. Dong quai herb powder may potentiate the adverse effects of these drugs. Warfarin - Interaction rating between drug like warfarin and dong quai is major so NEVER use this combination. It may increase bleeding risk and increase side effects of anticoagulant warfarin.

How Dong Quai Interacts With Foods?

There is no known interaction found Angelica sinensis and various food items.

How Dong Quai Interacts With Lab Tests?

International Normalization Ratio (INR) and Prothrombin Time (PT) Dong quai powder may increase the INR and PT because of increase in effects of warfarin.

How Dong Quai Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?

Use of dong quai powder many be dangerous when used in following diseases or conditions: • Breast cancer • Hormone sensitive tumors or conditions • Surgery • Protein S deficiency

What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Dong Quai?

ORAL For menopausal treatment dong quai root powder in a dose of 4.5 g has been utilized on daily basis.

Comments

In Southeast Asia region other Angelica species are sometimes used in place for dong quai. Mostly these include.

General Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.