Chinese angelica: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Dong Quai, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Danggui, Tang Kuei, Chinese angelica, female ginseng
Scientific name(s)
Angelica sinensis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Ferulic acid
Ligustilide
Angelicide
Coumarins
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditionally, Dong Quai is used to improve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood disturbances. Some clinical evidence shows that Dong Quai improves menopausal symptoms when used in combination with other ingredients. In a clinical trial, daily intake of a specific combination containing Dong Quai and chamomile for 12 weeks reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women compared with placebo. However, it is unknown whether this beneficial effect was due to Dong Quai, another ingredient, or the combination of ingredients.
Posologie
Oral: root
4.5 - 9 g
Women
Aqueous decoction
Synergies
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
A study suggests that the combination of Dong Quai (100 mg), soy isoflavones (60 mg) and black cohosh (50 mg) would reduce the frequency of sudden-onset migraines associated with premenstrual syndrome. nn
Posologie
Oral administration: root
100 mg
24 weeks
Women
Standardized extract
Synergies
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Uterine pain is caused by contractions of the uterine muscle that lead to an insufficient oxygen supply to the uterus, reduced blood flow, and the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). Chinese angelica is traditionally used to relax the uterine muscle and allow better blood flow. This helps reduce menstrual pain.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: root
4.5 - 9 g
Women
Aqueous decoction
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Chinese angelica is traditionally used for constipation related to reduced intestinal blood flow, generally in older adults with chronic constipation.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: root
4.5 - 9 g
Older adults
Aqueous decoction
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory effects of Dong Quai may be due to inhibition of thromboxane A2 formation and prostaglandin E2 production. Furthermore, in vitro, the angelica polysaccharide inhibits the accumulation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Usages associés
Antispasmodic
In vitro and in animals, Ligustilide (a component of Chinese angelica) has an antispasmodic effect on the tracheal muscle contracted by acetylcholine, barium chloride or histamine. It also has an antispasmodic effect on the rest of the digestive system, and helps reduce constipation. In addition, it has an anti-asthmatic effect by inhibiting bronchospasm induced by acetylcholine and histamine.nnFurthermore, butylidenephthalide and ligustilide have, in vitro, an inhibitory effect on uterine muscle contractions. nn
Usages associés
Estrogenic activity
Some research suggests that the root of Dong Quai is not a phytoestrogen. Moreover, the substance may act through an alternative mechanism. Indeed, clinical trials have shown that the methanolic extract of Dong Quai has serotonergic activity, which suggests that it may contain serotonergic ligands acting on serotonin receptors, explaining its pharmacological effects related to improved mood and hot flashes in menopausal women, as well as improvement of premenstrual symptoms. nn
Usages associés
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
It is thought that Dong Quai inhibits platelet activation and aggregation. In vitro research has shown that ferulic acid present in the root inhibits platelet aggregation by inhibiting the synthesis of cyclooxygenase (COX) and thromboxane A2. However, in a study conducted in healthy volunteers taking Dong Quai at 1 g per day for 3 weeks, arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited in only 2 of 24 subjects. No effect was observed on platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, or ristocetin. In addition, taking Dong Quai in combination with aspirin did not increase aspirin's antiplatelet effects.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 years and older: 4.5 g - 9 g (aqueous decoction)
Dong Quai has been used safely in a clinical trial for periods of up to 24 weeks. nnThe recommended dose is 4.5 to 9 g (according to the EMA).nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction
Antiplatelet effects may add to those of anticoagulant medications and increase the risk of bleeding.
Estrogens: moderate interaction
Chinese angelica has an estrogenic effect, which may interfere with hormone replacement therapy.
Warfarin: strong interaction
Concurrent use of Chinese angelica and warfarin may increase warfarin's anticoagulant effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: weak interaction
Antiplatelet effects may add to those of other herbs and increase the risk of bleeding.
Chinese angelica: weak interaction
Black pepper increases the bioavailability of ferulic acid (a component of Chinese Angelica) by 169%.
Precautions
Bleeding disorder: avoid
Theoretically, Dong Quai may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. nn
Hormone-sensitive condition: avoid
Dong Quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, it may exacerbate estrogen-sensitive conditions, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.nn
Contraindications
Pregnancy: contraindicated
Dong Quai has effects on the uterine muscle. Theoretically, it may be harmful to pregnancy.nn
Breastfeeding: contraindicated
A case of hypertension was reported in a 3-week-old breastfed infant whose mother had consumed Dong Quai.nn
Surgery: contraindicated
Dong Quai inhibits platelet aggregation and may cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. Dong Quai should be stopped at least 2 weeks before non-urgent surgery.nn
