Supplement Scholar
Herb

Dong Quai

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Dong Quai. TCM herb traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms.

How it works. Phytoestrogenic activity disputed; mild antispasmodic.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Mixed evidence for menopausal symptoms (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 3–4 g dried root or equivalent.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Avoid combining with Pregnancy, Estrogen-sensitive cancers.

Common forms. Available as Dried root, Extract.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Dong Quai. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Dong Quai. TCM herb traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms.

Key compound: ligustilideC12H14O2 · 190.24 g/mol

What it is

TCM herb traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms.

Also called

Angelica sinensis

Food sources

Angelica sinensis root

Goals

Women's Health

How it works

Phytoestrogenic activity disputed; mild antispasmodic.

Pathways

  • Phytoestrogen (mild)

Effects

  • +Menstrual regularity (traditional) supports

What the research supports

Mixed evidence for menopausal symptomslimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
3–4 g dried root or equivalent
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the dried root form.
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Side effects & interactions

Medication interactions

Warfarinsevere

Significant INR increase.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyUterine stimulant.
  • Estrogen-sensitive cancersTheoretical risk.

Common forms

  • Dried root
  • Extract

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Dong Quai — Mixed evidence for menopausal symptoms ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Dong Quai and "Mixed evidence for menopausal symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Dong Quai — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Dong Quai and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Dong Quai — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Dong Quai and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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