General Information
Common Name: Dong Quai
Latin Name:
Angelica Sinesis
Indications & Historical Uses
Has historically been used for menstrual symptoms, fatigue, debility, and as a liver tonic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic.
Contraindications & Precautions
Contraindications:
This herbal has major contra-indications, and is not recommended. See Warning, and Pharmacology. Precautions: See below.
Adverse Side Effects:
Major adverse effects. See Pharmacology
Drug Interactions:
See below.
Dosage Information
Dosage:
Not recommended.
How Supplied:
See below.
Pharmacology
Seven different coumarin derivatives have been identified in Dong Quai, including psoralen, oxypevledanin, osthole, imperotorin, and bergapten. Some of these have a central nervous system stimulant effect, and some act as vasodilators and anti spasmodics. However, psoralen and berapten cause severe photosensitive dermatitis, and investigators have concluded that these ingredients cause sufficient risks to humans and should be avoided. Substantial clinical evidence is lacking to support the effectiveness of Dong Quai for the various clinical conditions it is purported to alleviate, and consequently the use of this herb is not recommended.
Active Ingredients:
See Above.
Origin
Asia, primarily China, Korea and Japan.
Processing
In the Far East, the roots of the plant are harvested, dried, and extracted by using water and alcohol.
Scientific References
G.W. Ivie, D.L. Holt & M.C. Ivey: Science 213: 909-910, 1981.
M. Tierra : The Way of Herbs, Unity press, Santa Cruz, Ca, 1980. Pg. 124-145.
K. Hata, M. Kozawa, Y. Ikesmiro: Yagasaku Zassmi. 87: 464-465, 1967.
Teeguarden, R (1984) Chinese Tonic Herbs. Japan Publications Inc. N.Y.
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