Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Commonly used for
Women's Health
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What is it? / Overview
Dong quai contains phytoestrogenic and coumarin compounds and is traditionally proposed to enhance estrogen activity and improve circulation, but a randomized monotherapy trial found it no better than placebo for vasomotor symptoms -- positive signals only appear in multi-herb Chinese formulas where dong quai's individual contribution can't be isolated.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Angelica sinensis root extract or powder, usually used as a component of combination formulas
Typical dose studied: Variable by preparation -- a standardized-extract monotherapy trial found no benefit over placebo
Timing: Not established given weak monotherapy efficacy
Ships trigger-empty -- the dominant value of this entry is the warfarin/bleeding interaction flag and pregnancy contraindication, since standalone efficacy for hot flashes isn't supported.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Breastfeeding; Cancer — active or within past 12 months; Bleeding disorder / Coagulopathy
Interacts with: Warfarin and other anticoagulants/antiplatelets -- contains coumarins and inhibits platelet aggregation, a well-documented and meaningful bleeding-risk interaction
Already taking it? A randomized monotherapy trial found dong quai no better than placebo for hot flashes -- worth knowing that before continuing, and the anticoagulant interaction is worth flagging to a doctor regardless.
Research & references
ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 141 (2014). Management of Menopausal Symptoms. Obstetrics and Gynecology. Zhu X et al. (2016). Chinese Herbal Medicine for Menopausal Symptoms. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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