Dong Quai
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 335 participants, researched for Women's Health & Menopause, Menstrual Regulation, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Women's Health & Menopause
ModerateMenstrual Regulation
WeakAnti-inflammatory
WeakBlood Circulation
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Women's Health & Menopause
To evaluate whether dong quai alone has oestrogenic effects or relieves menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate whether dong quai alone has oestrogenic effects or relieves menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Dose
Dong quai standardised root extract equivalent
Participants
71 postmenopausal women
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Dong quai used alone did not produce significant oestrogenic effects on endometrial thickness or vaginal maturation and was not significantly more effective than placebo for menopausal symptoms. Combination herbal formulas may be more effective.
How They Measured It
Kuppermann index, endometrial thickness (transvaginal ultrasound), vaginal maturation index, serum FSH, oestradiol
To review the pharmacological profile and clinical evidence for dong quai for menopause and related women's health conditions.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review the pharmacological profile and clinical evidence for dong quai for menopause and related women's health conditions.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Dong quai has extensive traditional use in Chinese medicine for women's health. Limited Western clinical trial evidence. Potential benefits in menstrual irregularity and combination herbal formulas. Caution needed regarding photosensitivity and drug interactions.
How They Measured It
Literature review of clinical and pharmacological studies
Menstrual Regulation
To review herbal medicines of special interest to women including dong quai for PMS, menstrual irregularity and menopausal symptoms.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review herbal medicines of special interest to women including dong quai for PMS, menstrual irregularity and menopausal symptoms.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Dong quai is extensively used in traditional healing for menstrual regulation and dysmenorrhoea. Scientific investigation supports pharmacologically active constituents. Clinical trial evidence remains limited for standalone use.
How They Measured It
Literature review and clinical evidence synthesis
Anti-inflammatory
To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Angelica sinensis extract through cytokine modulation.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Angelica sinensis extract through cytokine modulation.
Dose
Various concentrations of A. sinensis extract
Participants
In vitro (RAW 264.7 macrophages)
Duration
N/A
Results
Angelica sinensis extract significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
How They Measured It
LPS-stimulated macrophage model, cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), NF-κB activation
Blood Circulation
To evaluate the effect of Angelica sinensis on blood circulation and haematopoietic activity.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of Angelica sinensis on blood circulation and haematopoietic activity.
Dose
A. sinensis extract 2–4 g/kg
Participants
Anaemic mice and rats
Duration
14 days
Results
A. sinensis significantly improved haemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts in anaemic animals. Platelet aggregation was inhibited and blood viscosity reduced, supporting traditional use for blood-building and circulation.
How They Measured It
Red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, platelet aggregation, blood viscosity
To evaluate whether dong quai water extract is appropriate for use in women with breast cancer experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Study Type
Review of breast cancer safety
Purpose
To evaluate whether dong quai water extract is appropriate for use in women with breast cancer experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Dose
Water extract of A. sinensis various concentrations
Participants
In vitro (breast cancer cell lines)
Duration
N/A
Results
A. sinensis water extract stimulated proliferation of oestrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cells but not ER-negative BT-20 cells. Authors advise caution with dong quai use in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients.
How They Measured It
MCF-7 and BT-20 breast cancer cell proliferation assay
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dong Quai research
There are currently 6 peer-reviewed studies on Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), involving 335 total participants. Research covers Women's health & menopause, Menstrual regulation, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study), and reported outcomes.
Dong Quai has been researched for: Women's health & menopause, Menstrual regulation, Anti-inflammatory, Blood circulation. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 6 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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