Dong Quai & Infertility

Defined as the inability to conceive after at least 12 months of unprotected intercourse, infertility affects as many as one in six couples, says infertility physician Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal. If you have not conceived within one year, undergo a complete medical exam before following any treatment for the problem, such as hormone injections, artificial insemination or herbal therapies. Practitioners of alternative medicine claim that dong quai may offer benefits for infertility problems, but safety issues and concrete scientific evidence of the herb's efficacy remain complicated and unclear.

About Dong Quai

Found in the cold, mountainous regions of Japan, Korea,and China, dong quai reaches heights of 7 feet and produces large, serrated leaves, hollow stems and umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers followed by winged fruits. The aromatic plant's thick, brown roots with creamy white interiors constitute its medicinal powers. Sometimes called the female ginseng, dong quai has a long history as a spice, tonic and herbal remedy. In Chinese herbal medicine, the plant dates back to the 1st century, when it was first applied as a treatment for all manner of women's health issues. Today, dong quai ranks as one of the most used herbal remedies in Chinese medicine. It treats a variety of reproductive, respiratory and circulatory conditions, as well as provides relief for symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome.

Dong Quai and Male Infertility

While a significant number of lab and animal studies exist, a lack of reliable scientific proof regarding dong quai's efficacy still remains. Dong quai contains ferulic acid, a chemical component that appears to improve the motility and viability of sperm cells. According to Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," ferulic acid appears to facilitate sperm function by protecting sperm cell membranes from cell-damaging free radicals. Balch adds, however, that evidence indicates that ferulic acid may produce a counterproductive effect in males undergoing chemotherapy with bleomycin. For those men. ferulic acid may actually increase the risk of free radical damage to sperm cells.

Dong Quai and Female Infertility

As for female infertility problems, according to Medline Plus, in the late 19th century, researchers isolated a dong quai extract called eumenol that gained popularity in Europe for treating gynecological issues. Estrogen, the main female reproductive hormone, helps to regulate ovulation. Physiologically, eumenol, a plant estrogen, exerts weak estrogen-like effects in the female body when normal levels of natural estrogens become low. MayoClinic.com cautions whether dong quai has the same effects as estrogens, stops estrogens or creates no significant hormonal effects. More conclusive studies are needed to prove claims.

Cautions and Considerations

While generally considered safe in small doses, not enough evidence exists to confirm dong quai's safety after prolonged or repeated use. In fact, according to MedlinePlus, dong quai possesses cancer-causing chemicals that possibly make it unsafe when taken in large doses over a long period of time. It can cause sun-sensitive skin, putting you at greater risk for skin cancer. Dong quai appears to affect uterine muscles and one report links it to birth defects. Children and pregnant and nursing women should avoid the herb. Do not use dong quai if you have herpes, as it can lower the body's defenses against the virus. Also, avoid using dong quai as a treatment for insufficient menstrual flow, since it can further decrease flow.