Evidence supporting the use of: Dong quai root
For the health condition: PMS Type A
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), particularly for women’s health issues such as menstrual disorders, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS Type A is characterized mainly by anxiety, irritability, and mood swings, symptoms believed in TCM to be related to disturbances in the flow of "qi" and blood, especially in the liver and spleen meridians. Dong quai is often referred to as "female ginseng" and is traditionally used as a blood tonic and to relieve menstrual discomfort, regulate menstrual cycles, and ease mood changes. However, scientific studies investigating dong quai for PMS—specifically PMS Type A—are limited and generally of low quality. While some research has explored dong quai for menopausal symptoms or general menstrual irregularities, robust, placebo-controlled trials focusing on PMS are lacking. The limited evidence available does not clearly demonstrate efficacy for PMS Type A symptoms such as anxiety or irritability. Most support for its use in this context is thus based on traditional practices and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific validation. As such, while dong quai continues to be used in herbal formulas for PMS within traditional medicine, its efficacy for PMS Type A remains unproven by modern clinical research.
Other ingredients used for PMS Type A
black cohoshcalcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
magnesium
motherwort
vitamin B6
wild yam
zinc
Agnuside
Cohosh
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by dong quai root
AmenorrheaAnemia
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Estrogen (low)
Fibroids (uterine)
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Miscarriage (prevention)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Progesterone (low)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Wounds and Sores
Products containing dong quai root
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Metagenics
PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Metagenics
Serenagen®
Metagenics
Serenagen
Vitabase
Women's Support