Dong quai, scientifically known as Angelica sinensis, is a perennial herb indigenous to China with a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Often dubbed the "female ginseng" or "women's tonic," dong quai has been traditionally used to address various aspects of women's health. While primarily recognized for its potential benefits in menstrual disorders and other women's health issues, emerging research explores its effects on body weight. This article delves into the uses of dong quai, its potential benefits, side effects, and precautions, with a focus on its possible role in weight management.
What is Dong Quai?
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a fragrant plant belonging to the same botanical family as carrots and celery. Its root has been used medicinally in China, Korea, and Japan for over 2,000 years. In TCM, dong quai is employed to build blood health, boost blood circulation, treat blood deficiency, regulate the immune system, relieve pain, and relax bowels.
Jennifer Etheridge, a board-certified diplomate in Oriental medicine, notes that she primarily uses dong quai for "tonifying" or nourishing blood. She frequently incorporates it into formulas addressing gynecological complaints such as irregular menstrual cycles, amenorrhea, scanty periods, and pain. Additionally, Etheridge finds it invaluable for treating conditions like anemia, dizziness, limb numbness, and palpitations, particularly during the menstrual cycle, even in men presenting with a 'blood deficient' pattern.
Traditional Uses and Potential Benefits
TCM practitioners may recommend dong quai for various conditions, including:
- Menstrual Disorders: Dong quai is used to alleviate menstrual irregularities, including painful periods, heavy bleeding, and irregular cycles. Ligustilide, a component of dong quai, is shown to promote nonspecific antispasmodic activity, especially for uterine muscles. Dong quai may also help regulate menstrual cycles.
- Menopausal Symptoms: Some women use dong quai to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Dong quai may alleviate PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes.
- Fertility: Some people use dong quai to boost fertility.
- Immune Support: Dong quai may possess immune-boosting properties.
- Cardiovascular Health: Older studies suggested that dong quai might positively affect cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation.
- Pain Relief: Dong quai is used for pain relief, such as headaches and joint pain.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Dong quai contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Etheridge also highlights dong quai's potential to improve wound healing, noting that it can be added to formulas for non-healing wounds or abscesses because it both tonifies and invigorates blood, reduces swelling, and speeds up the healing process.
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Dong Quai and Weight Loss: Examining the Evidence
While dong quai is not traditionally used as a primary weight loss herb, some research suggests it may influence factors related to weight management.
A study assessed the effects of Root of Angelica sinensis (RAS) supplementation on body weight and the FTO gene expression and methylation status in a high-fat-diet (HFD) induced obese mouse model. In this study, body weight suppression and FTO expression in DH mice (HFD with high-dosage RAS) were significantly higher than in HC mice (HFD diet). Histological examination showed that adipocytes in the DH group were smaller than those in the HC group, indicating a potential role of RAS in obesity.
The FTO gene is associated with fat mass and obesity. The study suggests that RAS supplementation may influence the expression and methylation of this gene, potentially impacting body weight.
Forms and Dosage
Dong quai is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and powders. Commercially available products provide dosing instructions on the label, though the appropriate dosage can vary depending on the specific product and the condition being addressed.
TCM practitioners usually combine dong quai with other ingredients to tailor formulas to individuals’ needs.
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Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Prolonged or excessive use of dong quai may cause side effects. It is also unsafe to take dong quai alongside certain medications. The FDA does not regulate dong quai, so more research into its side effects is necessary. Some reported side effects include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Skin discoloration, itching, or swelling
- Appetite loss
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Burping
- Gas
- High blood pressure
People considering taking dong quai should be aware of the following precautions:
- Pregnancy: Dong quai is unsuitable for use during pregnancy, as it may affect the uterus and potentially lead to congenital abnormalities.
- Bleeding Disorders: Dong quai may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
- Estrogen-Sensitive Conditions: People with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, should avoid dong quai due to its estrogenic activity.
- Nursing: The safety of dong quai during breastfeeding is uncertain, so it should be avoided.
- Surgery: People should stop taking dong quai two weeks before planned surgery due to the increased risk of bleeding.
Interactions with Medications and Supplements
Dong quai can interact with certain medications and supplements, potentially leading to adverse effects.
- Blood-Thinning Medications: Dong quai can slow blood clotting, so it should not be taken with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin, as it may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Herbs and Supplements: Avoid dong quai alongside supplements that slow blood clotting, such as ginger, garlic, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
- Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets: Dong quai, in conjunction with anticoagulants and antiplatelets, may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Dong Quai and Estrogen
Dong quai contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that can mimic estrogen's effects in the body. This estrogenic activity may help regulate hormonal imbalances in females, but more research is necessary.
The Importance of Consulting a Qualified Practitioner
Given the potential side effects and interactions, it is crucial to consult a qualified TCM practitioner before taking dong quai. A practitioner will consider a person’s general health, current medications, and supplement use before recommending dong quai.
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Dong Quai Beyond Weight Loss
It's important to note that dong quai has demonstrated other effects in vitro and in animal models, including antitumor, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-tuberculosis, neuroprotective, and hematopoeitic effects. Polysaccharides extracted from dong quai root showed protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, and radiation-induced pneumonitis in animal models.