-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
herb
Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai)
botanicals
definition
botanical name(s): Angelica sinensis
synonyms: dong quai, tang kwei
part(s) used: root
qualities: sweet, bitter, warm
affinities:
actions: alterative, emmenagogue, analgesic, laxative, spasmolytic
» Relieves pain, activates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, relaxes bowels (Pharm. of the PRC)
» Inhibition of platelet aggregation and serotonin release (Tang)
» Uterine regulating effect, sedative, diuretic, lowers blood pressure (Hsu)
» Reduces respiratory rate, dilates coronary vessels, stimulating effect on hematopoiesis in bone marrow, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (Huang)
dosage:
» 4.5 - 9 g (Pharm. of the PRC)
» Generally 9-12 g; for exterior symptoms 3-9 g, to improve circulation and bowel movements 12-30 g (Hsu)
» Tablets (0.5 g of extract) twice daily in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (Huang)
» 4.5-12 g in decoction, tinctured, and in extracts, pills, and powders (Foster & Xue)
therapy: amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea
» Widely prescribed in China as part of many specific formulas, frequently as a tonic for womens genito-urinary disorders.
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b
toxicity: 1
» Should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation (Newell)
» Occasional hypersensitivity may lead to excessive bleeding or fever. (Huang)
constituents: ferulic acid, ligustilide, vitamin B12, vitamin E, phytoestrogens
drug interactions:
» May interact with blood-thinning agents. (McGuffin)
footnotes
Foster, S. & Xue, CX. 1991. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. VT: Healing Arts Press.
Hsu, HY et al. 1986. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Long Beach: Oriental Healing Arts Press.
Huang, KC. 1993. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: C.R.C. Press.
Newall, CA, Anderson, LA, and Phillipson, JD. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Pharmacopeia of the Peoples Republic of China (English Edition 1992) Guangzou: Guangdong Science and Technology Press.
Tang, W. & G. 1992. Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Use in Traditional and Modern Medicine. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.