Evidence supporting the use of: Dong quai
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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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) for women's reproductive health, including the management of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is often referred to as "female ginseng" due to its reputation for supporting menstrual health, regulating menstrual cycles, and alleviating menstrual discomfort. In TCM, Dong Quai is believed to "nourish the blood" and promote circulation, which are considered important for treating menstrual irregularities and associated symptoms like cramps, bloating, and mood swings.

However, scientific research to validate these traditional uses is limited. Most available studies focus on Dong Quai's effects on menopausal symptoms or dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), rather than PMS specifically. A few small clinical studies and animal experiments suggest that Dong Quai may have anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties, which could theoretically help with some PMS symptoms. Nevertheless, the current evidence is insufficient and often methodologically weak, with few high-quality randomized controlled trials directly evaluating Dong Quai for PMS.

In summary, while Dong Quai is widely used in traditional practices for PMS, robust scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific condition remains lacking. Its use for PMS is primarily justified by traditional knowledge rather than modern clinical research.

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