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
ashwagandhablack cohosh
black pepper
calcium
cassia bark
chaste tree
dong quai root
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
red clover
anise
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
juniper berries
dioscorea
queen of the meadow
shepherd's purse
wood betony
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blepharis
Balsam
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Bethroot
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Black root
Bupleurum
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Cumin
Cohosh
Clary sage
Calotropis gigantea
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Corktree
Cowslip
Chirata
Calamus
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
Euryale seed
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fig
False Unicorn Root
Little ironweed
Pennyroyal
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
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