Evidence supporting the use of: Dong quai
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a remedy for menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and general menstrual discomfort. It is often referred to as "female ginseng" due to its reputation for supporting women's reproductive health. The root is believed in TCM to "invigorate the blood," regulate the menstrual cycle, and relieve pain. It is commonly included in multi-herbal formulas intended to address menstrual issues.
Scientific evidence for Dong Quai’s efficacy in regulating menstrual cycles is limited and inconclusive. A few small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that Dong Quai may have mild estrogenic or antispasmodic effects, but robust, high-quality studies in humans are lacking. Most clinical trials examine Dong Quai as part of herbal combinations, making it difficult to isolate its specific effects. Systematic reviews generally conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support its use for menstrual irregularity based on current scientific research.
In summary, Dong Quai's use for menstrual irregularity is primarily supported by traditional use rather than strong scientific validation. The evidence rating of 2 reflects a foundation in historical practice with weak and inconclusive support from modern clinical studies.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
AbrusAbuta
Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Akebia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Angelica
anise
Anserina
apple cider vinegar
Ashoka
ashwagandha
Baccharoides anthelmintica
balsam
Bergenia
bethroot
betony
big quaking grass
black cohosh
black gram
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black root
black salt
blackboard tree
Blepharis
blessed thistle
blue cohosh
blue flag
Bupleurum
cactus
calamus
calcium
Calotropis gigantea
cassia bark
chaste tree
chirata
cinquefoil
Clary sage
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cnidium
cohosh
corktree
Corydalis
cowslip
cumin
Cyathula
Didymocarpus
dioscorea
dong quai
dong quai root
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Erythropalum scandens
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fenugreek
fig
Fumaria parviflora
Japanese sophora
joe-pye
juniper berries
knotgrass
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
Leptadenia
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
little ironweed
Lophira lanceolata
lovage
maca
macaenes
Marjoram
Mentha haplocalyx
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
Mung bean
Pennyroyal
Pentatropis capensis
Phytoestrogens
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
prickly ash
Pulsatilla
Qin Jiao
queen of the meadow
red clover
rose
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
Sanguisorba
Semecarpus anacardium
Semiaquilegia
shepherd's purse
Snakeroot
Southernwood
Speedwell
Spikenard
Szechuan lovage
Tarragon
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Turtle Head
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
Wood betony
Yarrow
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by dong quai
AmenorrheaAnemia
Circulation (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Hot Flashes
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
PMS (general)
Vaginal Dryness
