Dong Quai
Useful mainly for people exploring a traditional Chinese herb for menstrual or menopausal complaints; evidence is weak.
Quick decision guide
May help most
People exploring a traditional Chinese herb for menstrual or menopausal complaints; evidence is weak
Common dosing range
Varies widely by preparation; follow label
When to expect effects
Not established
Watch out for
May increase bleeding risk and is unsafe in pregnancy
What is it
Dong Quai is a plant-derived ingredient sold as a dietary supplement and used in traditional herbal use. Found on roughly 1,243 U.S. supplement labels.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
general supportive use for women's health Mixed Evidence | Unclear | Adults using it within a traditional herbal framework with modest expectations | Not established |
general supportive use for women's health
- Effect
- Unclear
- Best fit
- Adults using it within a traditional herbal framework with modest expectations
- Time
- Not established
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
general supportive use for women's health
Supplement benefitDong Quai is a whole-extract botanical traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal complaints, but constituents vary by preparation and human trial data are sparse. A controlled trial of dong quai alone for menopausal hot flashes found no benefit over placebo, so specific claims should be treated cautiously.
Bottom line: Traditionally used but not shown in controlled trials to reliably relieve symptoms.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
3 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Whole herb powder
Dried, ground plant material in capsules or loose form.
Contains the full spectrum of plant compounds; potency varies by source.
Standardized extract
Often more concentrated than whole-herb powder and used in clinical research.
Concentrated and standardized to a marker compound for more consistent potency.
Liquid tincture
Easy to adjust dose by drops.
Alcohol or glycerin extraction; absorbed quickly when taken sublingually.
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
Possible increased bleeding
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- People on anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders
- Anyone with a scheduled surgery without clinician input
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; it has traditional uterine-stimulant associations and limited safety data.
Interactions
May add to bleeding risk; case reports with warfarin
Botanicals can theoretically affect these; interactions not well studied
Documented interactions
Evidence-graded pair pages with sources, dosing notes, and timing guidance — a complement to the narrative section above.
Warnings (2)
+ warfarin
highDong quai (Angelica sinensis) contains coumarin-family compounds (ferulic acid, osthole) and has antiplatelet activity in laboratory studies. A published case report described a previously stable warfarin patient whose INR climbed well above her target range within weeks of adding dong quai, then returned to normal after she stopped it. The signal rests on a single human case plus animal data, so it is taken seriously but is not extensively documented.
+ estrogen
moderateDong quai (Angelica sinensis) shows estrogen-agonist activity in laboratory studies and can stimulate the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells in cell and animal models. Taken alongside prescribed estrogen, it adds an extra, unmeasured estrogenic signal in hormone-sensitive tissues. Dong quai also contains coumarin compounds that can add to bleeding risk, with one case report describing potentiation of warfarin.
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
What is Dong Quai used for?⌄
Dong Quai is used traditionally for various supportive purposes. Human evidence for specific health claims is generally limited, so it is best treated as a complementary option rather than a treatment.
Is Dong Quai safe?⌄
Dong Quai is generally well tolerated at typical doses, but quality varies between products. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition should check with a healthcare provider first.
How long does it take to work?⌄
Effects of botanical supplements often take several weeks of consistent use, if they appear at all. Reassess after 8-12 weeks of regular use.
References by claim
Track Dong Quai with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.