| Dong quai dietary supplements are obtained from the | | | | Hazards |
| roots of Angelica polymorpha. Dong quai extracts | | | | Dong quai may cause bleeding gums, diarrhea, blood in |
| contain at least 6 coumarin derivatives including | | | | the stool, hematuria, photodermatitis, bleeding, fever, or |
| bergapten, osthol, oxy-peucedanin, and psoralen and | | | | cancer. When used with warfarin, dong quai can |
| two furocoumarin derivatives, sen-byak-angelicole and | | | | potentiate anticoagulant effects. |
| 7-demrthylsuberosin. Coumarin derivatives have | | | | Similar effects are possible with other anticoagulants. |
| anticoagulant, vasodilating, and antispasmodic activity. | | | | There is also an increased risk of photosensitivity |
| Also, osthol may have central nervous system | | | | reactions with dong quai. Patients taking an |
| stimulant activity. | | | | anticoagulant should avoid use. Because of potential |
| Other components found in the essential oil include | | | | effects on uterine contractions and unknown direct |
| n-butyl-pthalide, cadinene, isosafrole, and safrole. | | | | effects on the developing fetus, pregnant and |
| Safrole may be carcinogenic, so ingestion should be | | | | breast-feeding patients shouldn't use dong quai. |
| avoided. Root extracts may contain various lactones | | | | Clinical considerations |
| and vitamins A, E, and B12 Dong quai extracts may | | | | Monitor patient for signs of easy bruising or bleeding. |
| have a modulatory effect on endogenous estrogens. | | | | If dong quai must be used with another anticoagulant, |
| Common trade names include Women's Ginseng, and | | | | closely monitor PT and International Normalized Ratio. |
| combination products such as Menopausal Formula, | | | | Monitor patient for photosensitivity reactions. |
| Nature's Fingerprint, PMS Formula, and Rejuvex. | | | | If patient is pregnant or breast-feeding, advise her not |
| Reported uses | | | | to use dong quai. |
| Dong quai is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine | | | | Advise patient to keep this and other herbal products |
| and continues to be popular in China and elsewhere. It's | | | | out of reach of children. |
| used to treat menstrual disorders, as an analgesic in | | | | Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or |
| rheumatism, and to suppress allergy symptoms. | | | | dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a |
| Dong quai is used to treat anemia, hepatitis, | | | | new prescription. |
| hypertension, migraines, neuralgias, rhinitis, and | | | | Advise patient to consult his health care provider |
| gynecologic disorders including irregular menstruation, | | | | before using an herbal preparation because a |
| dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and | | | | treatment with proven efficacy may be available. |
| menopausal symptoms. | | | | Research summary |
| Administration | | | | The concepts behind the use of dong quai and the |
| Capsules: 500 mg by mouth, or 1 to 2 capsules three | | | | claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been |
| times a day | | | | validated scientifically. |
| Liquid extract: 1 to 2 gtt three times a day. | | | | |