supplementNot FDA-approvedOTC supplementDong quai is sold in the US as a botanical dietary supplement, not an approved drugDocumented interaction risk with warfarin (potentiated anticoagulant effect) is reported in a published case report and reviewed above
Dong QuaiBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Angelica sinensis
" It is a perennial plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea. The root of the plant is primarily used in herbal medicine. Research on Dong Quai focuses on menopause symptoms and fertility.
How much Dong Quai do people take?
The randomized trial in men on androgen deprivation therapy used 800 mg of dong quai orally per day and found no significant reduction in hot-flash frequency or severity versus placebo. Route reported: Oral, as encapsulated root extract or dried root preparations in the cited literature. Frequency reported: Daily dosing over the trial period in the cited randomized trial. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Dong Quai — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Moderate — One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Evidence strengthModerate · 3/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Plasma half-life
Not applicable
Typical timing
evening
Food rule
with food
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- The randomized trial in men on androgen deprivation therapy used 800 mg of dong quai orally per day and found no significant reduction in hot-flash frequency or severity versus placebo[1][2][3]
Reported for Dong Quai in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Dong Quai entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) in the treatment of hot flashes for men on androgen deprivation therapy: results of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trialAl-Bareeq RJ, Ray AA, Nott L, Pautler SE, Razvi H · Canadian Urological Association Journal · 2010 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 20165579
- [2]Use of dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to treat peri- or postmenopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer: is it appropriate?Lau CB, Ho TC, Chan TW, Kim SC · Menopause · 2005 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 16278617
- [3]Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's HealthDietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL · Pharmacological Reviews · 2016 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 27677719
- [4]Potentiation of warfarin by dong quaiPage RL 2nd, Lawrence JD · Pharmacotherapy · 1999 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 10417036
What is Dong Quai studied for?
What is Dong Quai?
Dong Quai, scientifically known as Angelica sinensis, is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy commonly referred to as the "female ginseng." It is a perennial plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea. The root of the plant is primarily used in herbal medicine.
Historically, Dong Quai has been utilized for a wide array of conditions, particularly those related to gynecological health, including menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, and aspects of fertility. It is typically consumed orally, often as a dried root extract in capsules, tablets, teas, or tinctures.
Preliminary research often explores its potential roles in modulating hormonal balance and supporting cardiovascular function, although definitive clinical evidence is still developing.
What does the research say about Dong Quai?
Tap a section to expand.
The pharmacological effects of Dong Quai are believed to stem from its complex array of phytochemicals, primarily coumarins (such as ligustilide, n-butylidenephthalide), ferulic acid, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. These compounds are thought to exert diverse biological activities within the body.
Ligustilide, a prevalent component, has been studied for its potential vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. It may influence smooth muscle relaxation, especially in the uterus, which could contribute to relief from menstrual cramps. Ferulic acid is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, potentially protecting cells from oxidative stress and modulating immune responses.
Dong Quai's traditional use in balancing hormones is often attributed to potential phytoestrogenic effects, though research suggests its activity in this regard may be weak or indirect compared to other botanicals. It does not contain direct estrogenic compounds but may interact with estrogen receptors or modulate enzymes involved in hormone synthesis or metabolism. Polysaccharides from Dong Quai have also been investigated for their immunomodulatory potential, affecting various components of the immune system. The specific mechanisms by which these various compounds collectively produce therapeutic effects are still under active investigation, with many hypotheses derived from in vitro and animal studies.
* **Menopausal Symptoms:** Some traditional medicine practices and preliminary human studies describe Dong Quai as potentially helpful for reducing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, as noted by resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). However, large-scale, well-designed clinical trials have provided mixed or inconclusive results regarding its efficacy for hot flashes, suggesting that while some individuals report benefit, it is not consistently supported across all studies.
* **Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea):** Historically, Dong Quai has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to alleviate menstrual cramps. In vitro and animal studies have indicated potential antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, which might contribute to pain relief, according to some pharmacological reviews.
* **Anemia:** Traditional uses include addressing blood deficiency, and some in vitro studies have explored its potential to stimulate hematopoiesis (blood cell formation), though clinical evidence in humans for treating anemia specifically with Dong Quai is limited, as referenced in reviews of herbal medicine.
* **Cardiovascular Health:** Animal and in vitro studies have suggested that components like ferulic acid may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially contributing to cardiovascular protection by improving circulation and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Clinical evidence in humans to support these benefits is still preliminary, according to reviews from organizations like the NCCIH.
* **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** Constituents such as ferulic acid and ligustilide have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities in preclinical models. This suggests a potential role in modulating inflammatory pathways, though human clinical data specifically on Dong Quai for inflammatory conditions remain limited.
The scientific evidence for many of Dong Quai's purported benefits, particularly in Western randomized controlled trials, varies significantly. For menopausal symptoms, meta-analyses published in journals reviewed by Cochrane have often concluded that the evidence for Dong Quai alone is insufficient or inconsistent to recommend it as a primary treatment for hot flashes. Some studies showed no significant difference compared to placebo, while others, particularly those involving multi-herb formulations, indicated some subjective improvements.
Regarding menstrual health and fertility, much of the supporting evidence comes from traditional usage patterns and observational studies within Traditional Chinese Medicine frameworks. While in vitro and animal models provide insights into potential mechanisms, robust, large-scale clinical trials in Western medicine settings are less common. The FDA does not recognize Dong Quai as a drug, and its use as a dietary supplement means it is not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval process as pharmaceutical medications. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements provides ongoing evaluations of available evidence for such botanicals, often highlighting the need for more definitive human research to establish efficacy and safety. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not issued a specific monograph for Dong Quai as a medicinal product.
* **Common (occur in >1% of users):** Bloating, appetite loss, mild gastrointestinal upset, soft stools. Some individuals may experience photosensitivity, leading to increased risk of sunburn, particularly with prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
* **Less Common:** Allergic reactions (rash, itching), headache.
* **Serious/Rare:** Increased bleeding risk (especially with high doses or concurrent use of anticoagulant medications), potential liver toxicity (though rare and often linked to co-administration with other compounds or pre-existing liver conditions), abnormal heart rhythms, blood pressure changes.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Individuals should exercise caution when considering Dong Quai supplementation. Due to its potential coumarin content, Dong Quai may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in those with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery. It is generally advised to discontinue use at least two weeks prior to any planned surgical procedure. Exposure to sunlight should be minimized while taking Dong Quai due to its potential to cause photosensitivity, which can lead to severe sunburn or skin rashes; sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid Dong Quai due to insufficient safety data and theoretical risks of altered uterine function or hormonal effects. Minors should also avoid its use. Individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., certain breast cancers, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids) should consult a healthcare professional before use, as some traditional claims suggest estrogenic activity, although this is largely unconfirmed by modern research. Monitoring for signs of bleeding or unusual bruising is recommended, particularly for those on anticoagulant therapy.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
* **Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** Due to potential effects on uterine contraction and limited safety data.
* **Bleeding Disorders:** May exacerbate bleeding or interfere with blood clotting.
* **Upcoming Surgery:** Discontinue at least two weeks prior to surgery due to increased bleeding risk.
* **Hormone-Sensitive Conditions:** Use with caution or avoid in individuals with conditions such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, due to theoretical concerns of potential estrogenic effects, as noted by resources like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
* **Allergy to Apiaceae Family:** Individuals with known allergies to plants in the carrot, celery, or parsley family (Apiaceae) should avoid Dong Quai.
* **Warfarin and other Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel):** Dong Quai contains coumarins which may enhance the effect of anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding. This interaction is well-documented in reviews from organizations such as the Mayo Clinic.
* **Antiplatelet Drugs:** Concomitant use with drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, as the additive effects on blood thinning can be significant.
* **Photosensitizing Drugs (e.g., some antibiotics, antifungals, NSAIDs):** Dong Quai can increase sensitivity to sunlight; combining it with other photosensitizing medications may heighten the risk of severe sunburn or skin reactions.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Dong Quai is traditionally taken orally, often in divided doses throughout the day. Some traditional practices suggest taking it in the evening, particularly for remedies related to blood tonification or relaxation. It is often recommended to take Dong Quai with food to minimize potential gastrointestinal upset. The specific half-life of its active compounds can vary due to differences in formulation and individual metabolism, and definitive pharmacokinetic data for the entire herbal preparation is not well established. Interactions with meals are generally mild, primarily concerning absorption and gastric tolerance. For specific conditions or when combined with other supplements, a healthcare provider may suggest alternative timing.
What interacts with Dong Quai?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any glp1 + supplement | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.Source pending | Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider. |
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
Frequently asked questions about Dong Quai
The onset of effects for Dong Quai is not immediate. Like many herbal remedies, consistent use over several weeks or months may be necessary to observe any potential benefits, particularly for chronic conditions like menopausal symptoms or menstrual irregularities. Individual responses can vary.
While some anecdotal reports suggest Dong Quai might have a relaxing effect that could indirectly support sleep, there is no strong scientific evidence directly linking it to improved sleep quality or as a sleep aid. Its primary traditional uses are not directly related to sleep regulation.
The long-term safety profile of Dong Quai is not fully established through extensive clinical trials. While it has a history of long-term use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, continuous use, especially at high doses, should be monitored by a healthcare professional due to potential side effects like increased bleeding risk or photosensitivity. Regular breaks from supplementation are sometimes recommended.
The interaction between Dong Quai and hormonal birth control is not well-studied. Due to Dong Quai's traditional reputation for affecting hormonal balance and its theoretical phytoestrogenic activity, a potential interaction cannot be ruled out. It is advisable to consult a clinician before combining Dong Quai with hormonal contraceptives to avoid interference with efficacy or potential side effects.
Dong Quai is a supplement, and interactions are possible with prescriptions, hormones, peptides and other supplements in the same routine. Because Dong Quai is usually taken evening, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Dong Quai with no sign-up.
Dong Quai is typically taken evening. Published protocols usually have it taken with food. Ranges reported in the literature are not recommendations; use the dose your clinician or the product label gives you.
Combining a supplement like Dong Quai with TRT is usually a question of labs rather than a blanket yes or no: the ester, injection interval and any aromatase inhibitor all change the answer. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Each peptide class carries its own profile against Dong Quai: a healing peptide raises different questions than a GLP-1 agonist or a growth-hormone secretagogue. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Dong Quai varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken evening. Most protocols have it taken with food. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Dong Quai depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Dong Quai the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
The randomized trial in men on androgen deprivation therapy used 800 mg of dong quai orally per day and found no significant reduction in hot-flash frequency or severity versus placebo. Route reported: Oral, as encapsulated root extract or dried root preparations in the cited literature. Frequency reported: Daily dosing over the trial period in the cited randomized trial. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Dong Quai — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Dong Quai?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial(opens PubMed in a new tab)Fertil Steril · 1997 · PMID 9418683 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9418683/
Verify at
Publisher search links for Dong Quai. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- PubChem(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Dong Quai?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
" It is a perennial plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea. The root of the plant is primarily used in herbal medicine. Research on Dong Quai focuses on menopause symptoms and fertility.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/dong-quai
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Dong Quai — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/dong-quai
What compounds are similar to Dong Quai?
Others in the supplement category or studied for the same goals.
Which goals is Dong Quai used for?
Other compounds studied for the same benefits as Dong Quai.
Menopause Support
See all →Continue exploring
See every compound DoseRoutine catalogs for these goals.