-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 women’s 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 Association’s 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 People’s 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.

I>The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s 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 People’s 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.

Traditional and Modern Medicine. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.