Dong Quai Herb For Fertility

Around 10 percent of couples in the United States have trouble getting pregnant, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Many try alternative treatments to improve their chances of having a baby. Dong quai, a Chinese herb often used in conjunction with other herbs to improve blood flow to the uterus and regulate menstrual cycles, may have effects on estrogen, the dominant female hormone, although the exact effects are unclear. Do not take this herb to get pregnant without your medical practitioner's approval.

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Dong quai contains at least six different chemicals related to coumarin, a blood thinner. Coumarin-like compounds can dilate blood vessels and relax smooth muscle, which increases blood flow. One chemical found in dong quai, osthole, acts as a stimulant. Osthole may also inhibit platelets' ability to stick together. Because platelets play an important part in blood clotting, this action can increase the time it takes blood to clot. Dong quai binds to estrogen receptors, the People's Pharmacy reports, and may mimic or block estrogen effects. This herb may also have anti-bacterial and immune-stimulating properties.

Benefits

No specific studies have been done to show an effect on fertility in women or men taking dong quai. When used to treat menopausal symptoms, dong quai had no effect in studies reviewed by researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The review, published in the December 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Medicine," examined 19 studies on alternative herbal treatments for menopausal women. Outside of anecdotal evidence, there is no proof that dong quai has any benefit in treating infertility.

Side Effects

Dong quai has a laxative effect that can cause diarrhea. Dong quai contains psoralen and bergapten, two compounds that can increase sun sensitivity, especially when taken in large amounts. Rash or severe sunburn could occur with sun exposure. These chemicals can also have cancer-causing effects when exposed to light, The People's Pharmacy warns.

Risks

The essential oil of dong quai contains potentially cancer-causing ingredients; do not drink it, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. Dong quai can also cause uterine hyperexcitability, which could cause contractions and possible early miscarriage if taken after ovulation. In laboratory tests, dong quai stimulated growth in human breast cancer cells, a Baylor College of Medicine study reported in the March-April 2002 issue of "Menopause." Dong quai could cause excessive bleeding, especially if taken with blood thinners or by people with bleeding disorders. Do not take dong quai during menstrual periods or heavier than normal bleeding could occur. Talk with your medical practitioner before taking this herb to treat infertility.