Mostly known in the Western world as a remedy for menopausal and menstrual complaints, dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for these and other conditions since ancient times. Read on to learn about how this tonic herb might work, plus its potential side effects and drug interactions.<\/p>\n
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Dong quai (\u7576\u6b78, also spelled danggui) is the dried root of Angelica sinensis<\/em>, a plant belonging to the same family as carrots, parsley, and celery (Umbelliferae<\/em>). It\u2019s also known as Chinese angelica. The plant is native to the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu and also grows wild in mountainous areas of China, Korea, and Japan [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Today, dong quai is used both in Eastern and Western countries. Dong quai is often called \u201cfemale <\/strong>ginseng<\/strong><\/a>\u201d due to its most common use for gynecological and hormonal imbalances in women, <\/strong>such as [R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important not to confuse dong quai, which is Angelica sinensis<\/em>, with two closely related plants also called danggui and used in traditional Asian medicine: <\/strong>Angelica gigas<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Angelica acutiloba<\/em><\/strong>. Both have lower levels of some active compounds (ligustilide, ferulic acid<\/a>, and coniferyl ferulate) and more coumarins than dong quai, so their uses may differ [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Unfortunately, these and other plants (Levisticum officinale <\/em>and other Angelica species such as A<\/em>. nitida<\/em>, valida<\/em>, and megaphylla<\/em>) are sometimes also used to adulterate dong quai products [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The main active compounds of dong quai include [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Of these, ferulic acid and ligustilide are the most active ones and are widely used to evaluate the quality of dong quai products<\/strong>. Products should contain at least 0.05% ferulic acid and 0.1-0.6% ligustilide [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Since the species is endangered due to its excessive wild harvesting, give preference to dong quai that has been prepared from cultivated plants<\/strong>. Additionally, this plant should be obtained from reputable sources to ensure its quality and reduce the presence of contaminants such as pesticides, fungal toxins, dangerous plant alkaloids, and heavy metals<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The composition of the roots (and thus their health benefits) varies depending on the time and site of collection, as well as on the<\/strong> processing method <\/strong>[R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Dong quai inevitably brings us to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although some Western medicine practitioners now also use this herb, its true roots are in TCM. This system of medicine may be hard to grasp for some, but understanding its basics can broaden our perspective about the use of dong quai in modern times.<\/p>\n Essentially, TCM is based on ancient philosophical concepts. According to its principles, the body is a miniature universe where disease is caused by the imbalance of two opposing forces (yin and yang)<\/strong>. The inner vital energy (qi) is thought to circulate through channels (meridians) to sustain health in the different organs [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n
Dong Quai vs Other Similar Plants<\/span><\/h3>\n
Active Compounds<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Product Quality<\/h4>\n
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Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Basics of TCM<\/span><\/h3>\n
An Energy System<\/h4>\n