Infertility and Dong Quai

Dong quai is well known for its ability to regulate the female reproductive system. It has antispasmodic properties. Coumarin, one of dong quai's components, relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and intestines, and this action helps relieve intestinal spasms and uterine cramps. Dong quai is thought to promote hormonal control. It also helps stabilize the blood vessels, relieving hot flashes in menopausal women.

Dong quai is thought to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Herb experts agree that the phytochemicals of dong quai help treat cramping and migraine attacks that occur with pre-menstrual syndrome. It also has anti oxidant properties and is currently being studied for its ability to prevent or treat cancer and other diseases.

Read more details about Dong Quai.

Clinical studies supporting Dong Quai's health benefits in human subjects are limited. It's historical and theoretical uses are based mostly on animal studies. In one of these studies, Dong quai was found to boost sexual activity in female mice.

Most of the available clinical trials have either been poorly designed or show insignificant results. Additionally, most trials examined combination formula which had multiple ingredients in addition to Dong Quai, thus it is difficult to determine which of the ingredients produced certain effects.

You should use Dong Quai as directed by your doctor. Dong Quai is taken orally as tablets, capsules, or teas or alcoholic extracts. Dosing depends on the indication and the source of the product. Check the label on the medicine for dosing instructions.

Dong quai is available in several form and dosages vary widely. The dosage for crude root extract ranges from 3 to 15 g/day. In one study for menopausal symptoms, 500 - 600 mg of Dong quai tablets or capsules were taken up to six times daily. For tincture forms, you may take 2 - 4 mL, three times daily.

Safety Issues

Dong quai is generally believed to be nontoxic. According to Chinese studies, which may not have been up to current scientific standards, very large amounts have been given to rats without causing harm. ¹ Side effects are rare and primarily consist of mild gastrointestinal distress and occasional allergic reactions (such as rash).

Contrary to popular belief, dong quai does not appear to have estrogen-like actions. ² However, according to an article in the Singapore Medical Journal, a 35-year-old man who used a prepared herbal formula called Dong Quai pills developed enlargement of his breasts. ³ Such enlargement would typically result if a man used estrogen. The authors of the article blamed the dong quai itself. However, a more likely explanation is that the prepared herbal formula was "spiked" with synthetic estrogen. There are numerous reports of prepackaged Asian herb products containing unlabeled constituents, including conventional medications designed to enhance their effect. ⁴ Interestingly, in a test-tube study, dong quai was again found to be nonestrogenic, and yet it nonetheless stimulated the growth of breast cancer cells. ⁵ Although the mechanism of this effect is not known, the results suggest that women who have had breast cancer should avoid using dong quai.

Dong quai may interact with the blood-thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin), increasing the risk of bleeding, according to one case report. ⁶ Dong quai might also conceivably interact with other blood-thinning drugs, such as heparin , aspirin , clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or pentoxifylline (Trental).

Certain constituents of dong quai can cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to the sun), but this has not been observed to occur in people using the whole herb.

Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. One case report suggests that dong quai usage by a nursing mother caused elevated blood pressure in both the mother and child. ⁷

Interactions You Should Know About

If you are taking blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin) , heparin , clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), or aspirin , dong quai might interact and increase the risk of bleeding.

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1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-dongquai.html
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