DONG QUAI

Medicinal Uses

uterine fibroids

ovarian cysts

endometriosis

infertility

menopause

migraines/ headaches

stroke

allergies

premature ejaculation (men)

high blood pressure

joint aches and pains

back/ nerve pain

painful menstrual periods

premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

problems during pregnancy

skin depigmentation

eczema

psoriasis

bruises/sprains

dysmenorrhea

amenorrhea

anemia with dizziness and palpitations

anemia associated with menstruation

chronic hepatitis

liver cirrhosis

asthma

osteoporosis

rheumatoid arthritis

dry constipation

ulcers

insomnia

pelvic pain

recovery from childbirth or illness

fatigue or low vitality

hypertension

ischemic stroke

coronary heart disease

Dong quai helps nourish dry and thin vaginal tissue, possibly due to its ability to bind to estrogen receptor sites. Dong quai may also be used for anemia associated with menstruation, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness, and general fatigue.
Dang gui root tops are believed to stop bleeding, the root hairs break the blood, and the root body harmonizes the blood. Known to enrich blood, activate blood circulation, regulate menstruation, relieve pain, and relax the bowels.
Used to reduce blood pressure, promote diuresis, and stimulate smooth muscles of the uterus in animals.
Intravenously, dong quai is used for pulmonary hypertension, ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease.
Dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a female reproductive tonic, menstrual regulator, and remedy for amenorrhea for at least 20 centuries. Dong quai is regarded as a tonic for women with fatigue and low vitality. Traditional prescribing indicated dong quai for conditions of what is referred to as congealed blood evidenced by clots in the menstrual blood, endometriosis, and dark, sluggish menstrual flow, and is typically used in formulas to harmonize the blood.
Infertility resulting from tubal occlusion was treated for up to 9 months with uterine irrigation using Dong Quai extract in an uncontrolled trial. Nearly 80% of patients regained tubal patency and 53% became pregnant (Fu YF, Xia Y, Shi YP et al. Jiangsu J Trad Chin Med 1988;9(1):15-15)
Used to tonify the 5 major viscera, especially the heart; to regenerate flesh; and to stop headache, back pain, menstrual pain, toothache, and pain associated with the “belt channel”.
As with other tonic herbs, dong guai is inappropriate in cases of acute illness, rather, it is prescribed for chronic conditions that strengthens the body and improves nutritional status.
Asian women commonly use dong guai to support and maintain normal reproductive functioning, lessen pelvic congestion and stop pain caused by congealed blood, such as bruises, menstrual clots and even uterine fibroids.
Used supportively before, during and after pregnancy.
Acts as a mild laxative and stabilizes serum glucose levels
Angelica has a phytohormonal effect on both estrogen and progesterone fractions, while also showing an effect in aiding the development of the uterus.
Various coumarins in Dong quai are thought to have vasodilating actions that dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to uterus.
Animal experiments have shown Dong Quai aqueous extract increased uterine excitability that stimulant uterine contractions.
Dong guai's actions on the vascular system are vast; the herb appears to lower blood pressure, decreasing blood flow, heart beat and pulse rate. In animal studies the herb decreased or resolved arrhythmias and premature ventricular contractions, and relaxed the myocardium. Other observations include an apparent decrease in atherosclerotic plaque formation increased absorption and utilization of vitamin E and mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties.
A study in the prominent Japanese medical journal Yakuga Zassh showed that Dong Quai was 1.7 times stronger than aspirin at relieving pain. Many clinical studies have been performed in Taiwan, China and Japan using Dong Quai for conditions involving chronic pain with high rates of success.
Exhibits bactericidal action against Bacillus dysentery and Staphylococcus spp.
Dong guai extracts also showed in vitro and in vivo antiviral and anti-fungal activity. The herb increases lymphocyte activity and production, and murine IL-2 formation, evidence that dong guai is an immuno-modulating agent.
The herb's polysaccharides exhibited potent anti-tumor activity.
Clinical research supports the traditional use to treat diabetes.
Research on dong guai's effects on the liver indicates that it may increase metabolism.
The herb has a mild central nervous system sedative effect.
Animal studies showed that Dong Quai may transiently reduce blood pressure and tachycardia in animal models.
Animal experiments showed that Dong Quai increased contraction of intestinal smooth muscle and exhibits a mild laxative effect.
Animal studies showed that, in rats given 5% Dong quai in their diet, metabolism was enhanced, hepatic oxygen utilization was increased, and glutamic acid and cysteine oxidation was increased.
Dong-Gui decoction is used for enriching the blood, a traditional Chinese formulation comprising Angelica sinesis and Astragulus membranaceus, is used for stimulating red blood cell production as well as enhancing cardiovascular function. It was found that pretreatment against ischaemiareperfusion (IR) injury in isolated-perfused rat hearts afforded a myocardial protection effect.
Dong quai may retard the progress of renal diseases.
Dong quai injection can significantly inhibit platelet activation, relieve vascular endothelial cell injury, and improve microcirculation in ulcerative colitis.
Dong quai injection has evident therapeutic effect in treating acute cerebral infarction.

Constituents

The most important constituents associated with the biological activity of dang gui root are thought to be alkylph-thalides, polysaccharides and ferulic acid
The coumarins derivatives bergapten, imperatorin, oxypeucedanin, osthole, psoralen, sen-byak-angelicole, ferulic acid and 7- demethysuberosin, angelol, angelicone.
The root is known to contain various lactones and lactone derivatives and 40% sucrose.1-2 volatile oil and
Various vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin B12, nicotinic acid, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin E have been found
0.4-0.7 percent volatile oil, the key components of which are n- butylidenephthalide, ligustilide, n-butylphthalide, ferulic acid, nicotinic acid, and succinic acid.1-3
Significant amounts of vitamin A and carotenoids (0.675%), vitamin B12 (0.25-0.40 mcg/100 g), vitamin E, ascorbic acid, folinic acid, biotin, various phytosterols (e.g., beta-sitosterol), calcium, magnesium, and other essential macrominerals are also found in dong quai root.1,3,4
Other constituents include n-valerophenone- O-carboxylic acid, delta-2,4-dihydrophthalic anhydride, uracil, adenine, carvacrol, safrole, isosafrole, ses- quiterpenes, beta-cadinene, n-dodecanol, n-tetradecanol, palmitic acid, angelic acid, myristic acid, sucrose (40%), and a polysaccharide with a molecular weight of approximately 3,000
metals like cobalt, copper and manganese

Energetics/ Organoleptics

TASTE: Pungent = promotes the circulations of Qi; Sweet = slows down acute reactions and detoxifies the body
ENERGETICS: warm and moisturizing
MERIDIANS = spleen, heart and liver. The spleen assists with digestion, blood coagulation and fluid metabolism in the body. In addition to regulating blood flow, the heart is believed to be the store of the "spirit" which basically refers to someone's vitality. The liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and body fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
ELEMENT: fire
PLANET: sun
MAGICAL PROPERTIES: A member of the Parsley family, Angelica is known in magical herbalism as a powerful guardian. It is said to banish negativity and attract positive energy. Angelica was used to ward off disease, cure poisoning, and bring blessings upon the home. Angelica is incorporated into spells to ward off evil and bring good fortune. It is associated with personal courage, when that courage is based in moral uprightness. Angelica is said to bring blessings of emotional temperance and harmonious home life.

Contradictions

Warfarin: There are several case reports showed increased bleeding risk in patients taking warfarin and dong Quai (increased PT and INR). Discontinuing Dong Quai returned the coagulation parameters to an acceptable level
Hypersensitivity to Dong Quai
Diarrhea
Hemorrhagic disease
Hypermenorrhea
Dong Quai is not recommended to take during pregnancy due to its potent blood moving properties.
It is also not generally advised for people with notably fast pulses, or people who tend to run too hot, or people who suffer from chronic diarrhea.
Dong quai might slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking dong quai at least 2 weeks before surgery
People with protein S deficiency have an increased risk of blood clots
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Dong quai might act like estrogen
Taking black pepper with dong quai might increase the activity of dong quai
Light-skinned individuals may experience increased photosensitivity while taking this herb

Common Names

Dong Quai, Dang Gui, Female ginseng, Tang Kuei, Chinese Angelica, Angelica China, Angelica sinensis, Holy Ghost Root, Archangel Root, toki (Japanese), tanggwei or Tang-kuei (Korean), and kinesisk kvan (Danish), Du Huo (Angelica duhuo); Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica), Garden Angelica, Norwegian Angelica, Wild Celery (English), Laba ursului (Romanian); Angelique (French).

Botanical Name

Angelica sinensis, Angelica archangelica, Angelica atropurpurea, Angelica spp

Family

Umbelliferae or Apiaceae (parsley family)

Parts Used

Leaves, stems and primarily the roots.

To treat the upper region, use the root heads; to treat the middle region, use the root body; and to treat the lower region, use the root tails.

Therapeutic Actions

adaptogens

analgesic

anti-arrhythmic

anti-bacterial

anti-coagulation

anti-constipation

anti-depressant

anti-platelet

anti-spasmodic

anti-tumor

anti-viral

aphrodisiac

blood purifier

cardiotonic

diuretic

depurative

hepatoprotective

hematopoiesis

hypotensive

immunoregulatory

phytoestrogen

uterotonic

vascular
stimulant

History

In China, Dong quai root is known as the "empress of herbs" and also called dang gui, which means "proper order," in reference to Dong quai's benefits.
It is one of the most widely consumed herbs in China. The dong quai variety is native to the Gansu Province in China and its use dates back to 400 BCE
The name dang gui also means “returned to the husband’s home” or “state of return”. Some scholars believe this herb was so named because of its ability to regulate qi and nourish blood.
The genus name Angelica comes from the Latin word angelus, meaning angelic, while the species name sinensis is derived from the Latin Sina, meaning China
As a medicinal herb, dong quai is known in many traditional healing systems, including Native American, Chinese, Ayurveda and Kampo medicine.
Dong quai is associated with the Archangel Michael. Legend has it that the angel appeared in a dream to a monk, showing him the herb that could cure the plague in Europe. Traditionally, Angelica blooms on the feast of the Apparition of the Archangel Michael, May 8.
Culpepper’s 17th century herbal almanac recommends making a candy of the roots and stalks to be eaten when ill or fasting.
The first recorded use of dang gui in a formula was in the classic “Ass-Hide Gelatin and Mugwort Decoction” , a preparation currently used to nourish blood, stop bleeding, regulate menstruation, and calm the fetus (Bensky and Barolet 1990).

Proper Use

When the roots are removed from the ground, the dirt is shaken off. To prevent bruising or discoloration, the roots must be handled carefully and should not be washed, since water may cause them to turn black or spoil. Roots may be left whole or the tails may be removed. The roots may be sliced or pressed (usually with the tails). The root is also occasionally chopped for use in the preparation of decoctions. Slicing is done when the roots are moist. Dried roots that are to be sliced are covered with a moist cloth or sprayed with a gentle mist. This allows the roots to absorb enough moisture to facilitate slicing.

Hot water extract regulates uterine and intestine contractions, relaxes the uterus and even inhibits spasms.

Dong guai essential oils have the opposite effect.

Fluid extract tablets: 2-3 grams by mouth 2-3 times a day.
Fluid extract: 3-5 ml by mouth 3 times daily.3, 10
Dried root: 8-15 gm daily

Fluid Extract (1:1):

Macerate 1000 g of powdered dang gui in 70% ethanol for 48 hours, then percolate slowly. Using 850 mL of the initial percolate, continue percolation until the liquid is colorless or only slightly yellow. Concentrate this percolate to a thick extract at a temperature less than 60 ˚C and combine with the initial percolate, then dilute with 70% ethanol to a volume of 1000 mL. Let stand for several days and filter.

Formulary

“Four Substance Decoction” (Si Wu Tang), first published in Zan Yin’s famous work Tested Treasures in Obstetrics (Jin Xiao Chan Bao), written in the 9th century. The formula includes dang gui in combination with bai shao (Paeonia lactiflora), di huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), and chuan xiong (Ligusticum sinense). In the 12th century (AD 1100), Four Substance Decoction was officially registered in the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang), prepared by the Imperial Medical Department, where its composition and preparation were finalized. It has been considered by some to be the most important blood-nourishing formula in Chinese medicine (Cheung and others 1983).

Bupleurum chinensis + Paeonia lactiflora = premenstrual irritability and debility.

Paeonia lactiflora + Rehmannia glutinosa = menstrual irregularity, with weakness, and blood deficiency.

dong-guai-herbal-remedy-img-e14739249384

Cultivation

Angelica produces white flowers that bloom in umbrella-like clusters in June-July. A typical plant grows to a height of approximately six feet (two meters).
Dang gui is grown at an altitude of 1500 to 3000 meters under partial shade and in loose deep soil with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral. The young plants, in particular, require shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Dang gui requires moderate to cool summers and plentiful rainfall, although excessive rain can cause the roots to rot. During the growing season, at least 12 hours of daylight are needed
Dong quai grows on high ground in cool and damp areas of western and north-western China, grows in part sun or in shady forests. The hardy plant thrives best on rich, moist, well drained loam soils.
Sow seeds in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent locations in the spring.
Usually the young plants are dug up in the autumn of their first year, are over-wintered in bundles stored in a root cellar under loose soil or pine branches, and are transplanted out in the following spring.
Store dried root pieces or powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
The roots are harvested in the second or third year, taking about 780 days to reach maturity. One acre can produce from 100 to 400 kg of fresh roots. Seeds are harvested from 3-year-old plants.
It was recommended that the freshly washed roots be briefly soaked in alcohol (jiu) prior to drying This was said to “cure” the roots after which they would be either fire- or sun-dried.
The roots are first placed in the shade to partially dry for 2 to 3 days. They are then sorted by size and are tied into small bundles, put on a shelf or hung from the ceiling, and smoke-dried. A fire made with wet wood is used to smoke the roots during the drying process. Part way through the smoking process, the roots are turned and hung upside down to help obtain a uniform color. After smoking is complete, the drying continues to a finished moisture content of 20% to 30%. Drying is done at low temperatures to avoid the loss of volatile oils. Smoke drying may be completed in 1 to 3 months or the roots may remain hanging through the winter
In Yunnan, dang gui is dried in the sun; the roots are frequently turned to prevent hardening of the surface Ligustilide is very sensitive to heat and air and hence to drying and storage conditions while ferulic acid is more stable.

Research & References

Jiang, D, Li, L. (2017). Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Female Infertility. Obstet Gynecol Int J 8(1): 00274. DOI: 10.15406/ogij.2017.08.00274

Park, J. J., et al. (2010). Unexplained infertility treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine in Korea. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 16(2), 193–198. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0600

Teng, B., Peng, J., Ong, M., & Qu, X. (2017). Successful Pregnancy after Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine in a 43-Year-Old Woman with Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Multiple Uterus Fibrosis: A Case Report. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland), 4(1), 7. doi:10.3390/medicines4010007

Zhang, Yuehui. (2014). The Effect of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Sub-fertile Women with In Vitro Fertilization. Volume 2014 |Article ID 419425 | 22 pages | https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/419425