Dong Quai
Dong quai is referred to as “female ginseng” because it is used to relieve hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause and pain associated with menstrual cramps. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine for the same reasons and is related to parsley and celery plants. Some studies have shown that the action of dong quai is due to compounds that demonstrate phytoestrogenic effects in the body (like that of isoflavones). These compounds are coumarins, ferulic acid, and ligustilide, which work together to increase blood flow and relax muscles. Although these compounds demonstrate phytoestrogenic effects, dong quai does not contain any estrogenic compounds.
Claimed Health Beliefs
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Relieves symptoms menopause (hot flashes, night sweats)
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Eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Food Sources
None
Dose
250-1000mg per day divided in 2-3 doses
Evidence for Health Benefits
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Dong quai’s action in modulating blood flow and muscle relaxation has not been intensely studied. However, there has been at least one double-blind study in which 71 postmenopausal women were given either dong quai or a placebo for 24 weeks. The results of the study showed that dong quai was no more helpful than a placebo pill in relieving menopausal symptoms.
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In one reported case, a subject was given dong quai in addition to a blood thinning medication (warfarin). This subject experienced excessive bleeding because of dong quai’s blood-thinning action and the warfarin.
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Even though dong quai has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, there is a lack of scientific evidence to promote its use to relieve menopausal or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Caution
Dong quai should not be used in conjunction with other blood-thinning medications, as excessive bleeding might occur. It should also be discontinued at the start of menstruation because of this reason.
Dong quai can also increase an individual’s sensitivity to sunlight, causing a higher risk for sunburn.
Should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Reference
1. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=104 Accessed May 27, 2003.