Dong Quai

Angelica sinensis

In Asia, angelica's reputation is perhaps second only to ginseng. Angelica is generally regarded as a 'female' remedy, used in such conditions as dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, metorrhagia, and menopausal symptoms. Angelica is also used in the treatment of abdominal pain, anemia, injuries, arthritis, migraine headache, and many other conditions.

PHYTOESTROGEN ACTIVITY - Dong quai possesses 1:400 the estrogenic effect of human estrogen. Plant estrogens have an alterative effect by competing with estrogen for binding sites. If estrogen levels are low they are able to exert some estrogenic effect. If levels are too high they reduce overall levels by occupying binding sites.
TONIC EFFECTS - Angelica has shown uterine tonic activity and has shown an increase in uterine weight, increase of the DNA content of the uterus and liver and an increase of glucose utilisation by the liver and uterus.
ANALGESIC ACTIVITY - Dong quai possesses pain-relieving and mild tranquillising effects and has been shown to have analgesic effects 1.7 times that of aspirin in one study. Its benefits in relaxing smooth muscle and analgesic effects supports its use in such conditions as uterine cramps, trauma, headaches, and arthritis.
CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTION - Dong quai has demonstrated significant hypotensive effects, largely due to its vasodilator activity. The coumarin compounds found within the herb are coronary vasodilatory, spasmolytic, and cyclic-AMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitory properties. The effect mimics that of calcium channel blocking drugs used for hypertension and angina. Anti-arrhythmic effects have also been noted.
SMOOTH MUSCLE RELAXANT - Calcium channel blocking compounds are also capable of relaxing smooth muscle in various organs, including the intestines, bronchials, vascular system, and uterus.
ANTI-ALLERGY - Dong quai has a long history of use in the prevention and treatment of a variety of allergic symptoms. This effect may be particularly helpful in atopic conditions where immunoglobulin E (IgE) is 3-10 times greater than normal individuals. Examples of use include sensitivity to pollen, dust, animal dander, and food.
IMMUNE SUPPORT - The coumarin and polysaccharide compounds of angelica have been shown to have immune-modulating activity. They have been shown to possess mitogenic activity to B-lymphocytes, increase murine IL-2, stimulate the reticulo-endothelial system, increase interferon producing activity, anti-tumour activity, complement activating, and increase in tumour necrosis factor production.
ANTI-MICROBIAL - Angelica has been shown to have antibacterial activity against gram-negative and positive bacteria, although other herbs have a much stronger anti-microbial effect.

Dosage

100-500mg standardised extract or 1-2g of powdered root daily. Best taken with food.

Potential applications

Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), amenorrhoea (lack of menstruation), metorrhagia (too frequent menstruation), PMS, uterine bleeding, menopause, food/respiratory/skin allergies, anemia, relieves constipation by lubricating the bowels, infertility. Has been shown to be useful in abnormal protein metabolism due to chronic hepatitis or hepatic cirrhosis. Overall female tonic.

Known contraindications

Not recommended for use during pregnancy (particularly the first trimester) and lactation, or those with diarrhoea caused by weak digestion, haemorrhagic disease, bleeding tendency or very heavy periods.

Interactions

Not recommended in patients receiving warfarin treatment. Caution suggested in those on hypertensive medication.

Use in conjunction with

PMS -agnus castus, magnesium and vitamin B6, hemp seed oil, 'high-five' multi-vitamin and mineral
Allergy - quercetin complex, flax seed oil, coleus forskholii, ester C, antioxidants
Menopause - black cohosh, hemp seed oil, calcium / magnesium / boron, trace minerals, 'high-five' multi-vitamin and mineral

References

Zhu, D.P. (1987). Dong quai. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 15: 117-125.
Belford-Courtney, R. (1993). Comparison of Chinese & Western uses of Angelica sinensis. Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 5: 87-91.
Zhu, Y.P. (1998). Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications. Harwood Academic Publishers, Amsterdam, Netherlands, pp. 579-583.
S. Mills and K. Bone. (2000). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. p. 350-353

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