Chinese Angelica: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Dong Quai, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Danggui, Tang Kuei, Chinese Angelica, Female Ginseng
Scientific name(s)
Angelica sinensis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Ferulic Acid
Ligustilide
Angelicide
Coumarins
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditionally, Dong Quai is used to improve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood disorders. Some clinical evidence shows that Dong Quai improves menopause symptoms when used in conjunction with other components. Indeed, during a clinical trial, daily intake of a specific blend containing Dong Quai and chamomile for 12 weeks reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in menopausal women compared to placebo. However, it is unclear if this beneficial effect was due to Dong Quai, another ingredient, or a combination of ingredients.
Posologie
Oral: root
4.5 - 9 g
Women
aqueous decoction
Synergies
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
A study suggests that the combination of Dong Quai (100 mg), soy isoflavones (60 mg), and black cohosh (50 mg) reduces the frequency of sudden migraines related to the premenstrual syndrome.
Posologie
Oral: root
100 mg
24 - weeks
Women
standardized extract
Synergies
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Uterine pains are caused by uterine muscle contractions leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the uterus, vascularization deficit, and shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). Chinese Angelica is traditionally used to relax uterine muscle and improve vascularization, thus limiting menstrual pain.
Posologie
Oral: root
4.5 - 9 g
Women
aqueous decoction
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Chinese Angelica is traditionally used to treat constipation related to intestinal vascularization deficit, generally in elderly people suffering from chronic constipation.
Posologie
Oral: root
4.5 - 9 g
Seniors
aqueous decoction
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory effects of Dong Quai may be due to the inhibition of thromboxane A2 formation and prostaglandin E2 production. Additionally, in vitro, angelica polysaccharide inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine accumulation and release.
Usages associés
Antispasmodic
In vitro and in animal studies, Ligustilide (a component of Chinese Angelica) has an antispasmodic effect on tracheal muscle contracted by acetylcholine, barium chloride, or histamine. It also has an antispasmodic effect on the rest of the digestive system and helps reduce constipation. Additionally, it has an anti-asthmatic effect by inhibiting bronchospasm induced by acetylcholine and histamine. Moreover, butylidenephthalide and Ligustilide possess, in vitro, an inhibitory effect on uterine muscle contractions.
Usages associés
Estrogenic Action
Some research suggests that the Dong Quai root is not a phytoestrogen. Furthermore, the substance may act through another alternative mechanism. Indeed, clinical trials have shown that methanolic extract of Dong Quai is serotonergic, suggesting it may contain serotonergic ligands acting on serotonin receptors, explaining its pharmacological effects related to improving mood and hot flashes in menopausal women, and improvement of premenstrual symptoms.
Usages associés
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
Dong Quai is thought to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation. In vitro research has shown that ferulic acid in the root inhibits platelet aggregation by inhibiting the synthesis of cyclooxygenase (COX) and thromboxane A2. However, in a study conducted on healthy volunteers taking Dong Quai at a rate of 1 g per day for 3 weeks, platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid was inhibited in only 2 of 24 subjects. No effect was observed on platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, or ristocetin. Additionally, taking Dong Quai with aspirin did not enhance the antiplatelet effects of aspirin.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 4.5 g - 9 g (aqueous decoction)
Dong Quai has been used safely in a clinical trial for up to 24 weeks. The recommended dose is 4.5 to 9 g (according to EMA).
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Antiplatelet effects may be additive with anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Estrogens: moderate interaction
Chinese Angelica has an estrogenic effect, which may interfere with hormone replacement therapy.
Warfarin: strong interaction
Concurrent use of Chinese Angelica and Warfarin may enhance Warfarin's anticoagulant effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: mild interaction
Antiplatelet effects may be additive with those of other plants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Chinese Angelica: mild interaction
Black pepper increases the bioavailability of ferulic acid (a constituent of Chinese Angelica) by 169%.
Precautions
Coagulation disorder: avoid
Theoretically, Dong Quai may increase bleeding risk in people with coagulation disorders.
Hormone-sensitive condition: avoid
Dong Quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, it could exacerbate estrogen-sensitive conditions, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Dong Quai affects the uterine muscle. Theoretically, it could harm pregnancy.
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
A case of hypertension was reported in a 3-week-old breastfed infant whose mother consumed Dong Quai.
Surgical procedure: prohibited
Dong Quai inhibits platelet aggregation and may cause excessive bleeding if used peri-operatively. It should be stopped at least 2 weeks before a non-emergency surgical procedure.
