Stack Genius ingredient guide
Dong Quai
The root of Angelica sinensis, a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb commonly found in menopause and menstrual-support formulas.
Overview
Dong quai — Angelica sinensis, sometimes called "female ginseng" — is one of the most widely used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is almost always used in formulas rather than alone. The dried root is the medicinal part, and in TCM it is traditionally paired with other tonics for blood building, menstrual regulation, and postpartum recovery.
In Western supplement markets, dong quai shows up most often on its own or in blends aimed at menopausal hot flashes, PMS, painful periods, and general "women's balance" formulas. Its constituents include coumarin derivatives, ligustilide, and ferulic acid, which contribute to a range of biological effects — including, importantly, an antiplatelet effect.
The most important thing to know is that dong quai has meaningful drug interactions, particularly with warfarin, and can cause photosensitivity — a real skin reaction to sunlight that shows up more with dong quai than most supplements.
Key takeaways
- Traditional Chinese Medicine root most often used in menopausal and menstrual formulas.
- Meaningful antiplatelet effect — significant interaction risk with warfarin and other blood thinners.
- Can cause photosensitivity; extra sun protection is worth thinking about while using it.
Practical guidance
What to know before adding Dong Quai
Evidence snapshot
Studies of dong quai alone for hot flashes and menopausal symptoms have been mostly negative, which is somewhat expected given TCM's traditional use in combination rather than isolation. Small studies of TCM formulas containing dong quai are more mixed but hard to interpret because of the multi-herb design. Evidence for direct estrogenic effects in humans is inconsistent.
What to look for on the label
Look for Angelica sinensis (never confuse with A. archangelica or A. dahurica), plant part (root), and an identified extract with a stated ratio. Combination TCM formulas are more traditional but should still list each herb and its amount, not hide dong quai in a proprietary blend.
What makes a better product
A more trustworthy dong quai label names Angelica sinensis, specifies root, gives the extract ratio, and comes from a maker that can document identity and contaminant screening. Combination formulas can make sense traditionally, but each herb should still be listed clearly.
Watch-outs
Dong quai has documented cases of increased bleeding in patients on warfarin — it should not be combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs without medical guidance. Photosensitivity reactions can occur; extra sun protection or avoiding intense sun exposure is prudent. It is not recommended in pregnancy due to potential uterine effects, and hormone-sensitive cancer patients should discuss with their oncology team before use. Stop at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.
Dosing & Timing
Typical Western supplement doses range from 500 to 1,500 mg of powdered root per day, or the equivalent amount of extract, split across two or three doses with meals. TCM practitioners often use decoctions of larger amounts as part of multi-herb formulas. Effects on menstrual or menopausal symptoms typically emerge over several weeks rather than immediately.
Safety and interaction context
The most important interaction is with warfarin and other anticoagulants — case reports document elevated INR and bleeding events. It may add to antiplatelet effects of aspirin, clopidogrel, and NSAIDs. Photosensitivity is a real concern with sustained use. Estrogenic activity is debated but enough to warrant caution in hormone-sensitive cancers and with hormone therapy. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources
- NCCIH - Herbs at a GlanceNCCIH botanical supplement overview and safety context.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs — Dong QuaiUses and interactions.
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