Ingredient guide
Dong quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called female ginseng, used for menopausal symptoms. Human evidence is limited and mixed. It has weak estrogen-like activity in laboratory studies, so it is best avoided with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Limited evidenceDong quai is the dried root of Angelica sinensis, a relative of celery and parsley. It has been a centrepiece herb of traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years, often called female ginseng and used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Modern human research is limited and mixed. One small placebo-controlled trial in 55 postmenopausal women reported a significant reduction in hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. A trial of dong quai for hot flushes in men on androgen deprivation therapy showed no difference from placebo. Laboratory work shows weak estrogen-like activity, which makes hormone-sensitive conditions a real caution. We grade the evidence as limited.
There is no firmly established dose. Traditional and trial use ranges from a few grams of dried root in a decoction to 200 mg to 600 mg of standardised extract per day. Ask your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a hormone-sensitive condition or take blood-thinning medicine.
Evidence is limited and mixed. One small trial reported benefits, others did not. It is best discussed with a healthcare provider rather than self-prescribed.
Probably not. Laboratory studies show weak estrogen-like activity, which makes it a poor fit for conditions like estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.