Traditional Asian medical practitioners have been using the root of Dong quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, for centuries to treat women's health issues, which is one reason it's sometimes called the "female ginseng." Although few scientific studies have investigated the use of Dong quai in humans, some research in the lab shows promise that the herb may help to reduce pain, dilate blood vessels and stimulate and relax uterine muscles. However, certain chemical properties in Dong quai can also have potentially dangerous side effects.
Angelica sinensis
Although preliminary studies show that Dong quai may have anti-allergy properties, it can also cause allergies in some people, especially if you have a known sensitivity to Angelica radix or members of the Apiaceae/Umbelliferae family, which includes anise, caraway, carrot, celery, dill and parsley. The National Institutes of Health has reported a case of skin rash associated with the use of Dong quai, as well as one asthma attack after breathing Dong quai powder. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as rash, hives, itching, swelling around the face, difficulty breathing or chest tightness, contact your doctor immediately.
Cancer
The essential oil of Dong quai contains a small amount of cancer-causing substances, so it should never be ingested. Because Dong quai has shown some estrogenic properties, if you are at risk for hormone-related cancers such as breast, ovarian or uterine, you should avoid taking Dong quai supplements. You should also avoid these products if you're on hormone medications such as estrogens, progesterones, oral contraceptives, tamoxifen or raloxifene.
Diabetes
Many products containing Dong quai extract have high levels of sucrose, so if you're diabetic or have glucose intolerance, you should use caution with these products, as they will affect your blood sugar. Check with your doctor about adjusting your insulin levels if you take Dong quai.
Drug Interactions
The primary known drug interaction regarding Dong quai extract involves blood thinners, since the herb may increase the effects of such drugs and increase the risk for bleeding. The University of Maryland Health Center cautions that other herbal preparations can also cause bleeding, so avoid taking Dong quai in combination with feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, licorice, Chinese skullcap or turmeric. In addition, laboratory studies have shown that Dong quai may increase the effects of drugs that are used for heart arrhythmias and may also increase effects of anti-cancer drugs and the anti-depressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.
Gastrointestinal
The most frequent side effect from the use of Dong quai appears to be gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you already have a problem with chronic diarrhea or bloating, you should avoid Dong quai, especially using it for a prolonged period.
Gynaecomastia
A study in Singapore reported in the March 2001 issue of the Singapore Medical Journal reported the case of a man who developed gynaecomastia, an enlargement of the breasts, after taking Dong quai pills. The researchers concluded that some Dong quai extracts that are highly processed may contain greater concentrations of phytoestrogen than are in a single plant, leading to this condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you're pregnant, you should avoid Dong quai, as it can cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. It also has potential hormonal and anticoagulant properties that can cause pregnancy complications. Since there isn't enough evidence on the effects of Dong quai on nursing mothers, it's recommended you also avoid the herb while breastfeeding.
Skin Sensitivity
At high doses, Dong quai can greatly increase your sensitivity to sunlight, according to the National Institutes of Health, especially when taken together with St. John's Wort or other drugs that cause photosensitivity, such as Retin-A, Renova, anti-depressants, cancer drugs, antibiotics or anti-psychotic medications. Symptoms include skin inflammation and rashes, although you can counteract these effects by using sunscreen or protective clothing if you'll be outdoors in the sun for an extended period.
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