Dong Quai As A Natural Herbal Remedy For Hypothyroidism

Dong quai is an aromatic, high altitude-loving herb that thrives in the cold, mountainous regions of China, Japan and Korea. Also known as female ginseng, Chinese angelica and Radix Angelicae Sinensis, dong quai is used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine to address gynecological issues, such as menstrual disorders, unpleasant symptoms of menopause and hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Because of its potential hormonal effects, dong quai should not be used without medical supervision to self-treat any condition.

Hypothyroidism

This condition occurs when your thyroid gland stops producing sufficient amounts of thyroxine, or T-4, and triiodothyronine, or T-3, hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate and metabolism, as well as protein synthesis and calcium uptake. According to MayoClinic.com, hypothyroidism most commonly occurs in women older than 50 who suffer from an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, although an underactive thyroid can also be caused by certain medications or a disorder involving the pituitary gland.

Composition of Dong Quai

Dong quai, or Angelica sinensis, contains various phytosterols, polysaccharides, flavonoids, ferulic acid and coumarin derivatives, such as bergapten and angelicide compounds. A study published in Chinese Medicine in August 2011 shows that even though more than 70 active compounds have been isolated from this herb to date, the most biologically active are ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide and butylidenephthalide. The roots are the medicinal part of the herb, says the Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, and are harvested from 3-year-old plants.

Pharmacological Actions

The coumarin compounds in dong quai appear to reduce arterial plaque buildup and produce anticoagulant effects. While these benefits may contribute to lowering the risk of heart disease sometimes triggered by menopause, there is little evidence that this herb has any positive effect on the thyroid gland. The Herbal Alternatives for Menopause Study completed in 2004, which involved more than 350 women given multi-botanical treatment that included dong quai, did not find clinically meaningful reductions in any menopausal symptoms. A study published in "Gynecological Endocrinology" in 2007 showed that a multi-herb formula that included dong quai significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats, but without influencing thyroid hormones.

Safety Considerations

The Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines warns that women with a history of or at risk for breast cancer should avoid dong quai because this herb has been shown to stimulate growth in breast cancer cells. This herb should not be used during pregnancy. The coumarins in this herb may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if combined with blood-thinning medications. Consult your physician before using this herb if you have a chronic condition or take medications of any kind.