Danggui, Dang gui, Angelica, Dong qui

 

Scientific name

Angelica Sinensis (Radix Angelica Sinensis)

 

The Native origin of the herb

The Native origin of the herb is China as about 45 species of Angelica are widely distributed over there (Wei, W. L., et al., 2016)

 

 Common uses of the herb

It was used to treat fever, warm malaria, and hemifacial (nervous system disorder in which the muscles on one side of your face twitch involuntarily) in the past. It is a widely used herbal decoction in traditional Chinese medicine primarily to promote the "blood" circulations and treat menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycle, and post-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms

 

Parts used

Part used; roots of Angelica sinensis. Roots of A. sinensis contain higher levels of ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide, and various polysaccharides.

 

Mechanism of action

Dang Gui is used for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms. It is also used orally as a "blood purifier"; to manage hypertension, infertility, joint pain, ulcers, "tired blood" (anemia), and constipation; and in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks.

 

Effectiveness of herbs for specific conditions

 

• Menopause

The most common use of the drug is the treatment of night sweats, hot flashes, and flushes Vulvovaginal atrophy, often called vaginal dryness, is related to decreased estrogen associated with menopause. The drug alone cannot be prescribed but it is given with a combination of other herbs. And its combinational form with Chuanxiong Rhizome, Alismatis Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Rubra has reduced the problem by 70 %.  (Ling, F. A. N. G., et al 2012)

 

• Cardio-cerebrovascular disease

Herb can increase the coronary blood flow by dilating the coronary vessel and reduces the rate of respiration as well. A study conducted on animals revealed that the watery extract of herb showed protective results against the myocardial abnormality and injury caused by ischemia (Ling, F. A. N. G., et al 2012)

 

• Blood diseases

High blood pressure in arteries in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Some early research shows that Dong Quai, given by injection, might reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension. Dong Quai might slow blood clotting. Taking Dong Quai along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin. (Ling, F. A. N. G., et al 2012)

 

 

Herbal Safety

• For pregnancy, lactation, and children

The herb of Dong Qui is contraindicated during pregnancy specifically in the period of the first trimester as it contains powerful uterine wall stimulating and it should not be given to the breastfeeding mother Dong Quai is used for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, blood purifier to manage hypertension, infertility, joint pain, ulcers, constipation and treatment of allergic attacks (Goh, S. Y., & Loh, K. C. (2001).

 

• Adverse Reactions

When taken for a long time especially the high doses of herb can make an individual more sensitive to sunlight causing skin rashes or inflammation. Besides this, some adverse reactions reported were loss of appetite, gynecomastia, and bloating as well (Amato, P., et al., 2002).

 

• Interactions with other herbs

Its combinational form with Chuanxiong Rhizome, Alismatis Rhizome, and Peonies Radix Rubra has reduced the problem of menopause by 70 %. 

 

• Interactions with Drugs       

Danggui and Honghua have antithrombotic movement and can't potentiate the antithrombotic impact of clopidogrel. Notwithstanding, they essentially improve the pernicious impact of clopidogrel on draining time, Prothrombin Time, and Thrombin time

 

• Interactions with lab tests

Action: Toxifies the blood and regulates the menses; Invigorates and harmonizes the Blood and disperses cold; Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels; Reduces swelling, expels pus, generates flesh, and alleviates pain; Treats cough.

Pattern: Blood deficiency, especially affecting the Heart and Liver; Blood deficiency associated with menstrual disorders; Blood stasis; Postpartum syndrome.

 

• Interactions with food

Dang Gui has been utilized either alone or in blend with other customary Chinese medication spices to help diminish difficult female problems. Dang gui has been utilized either alone or in the mix with other Traditional Chinese Medicine spices to help diminish difficult female tremors.

 

• Dosage or organization of spice

A.sinensis are accessible in a few unique structures, and doses fluctuate in like manner. Commonplace oral doses are as per the following: dried A. silences root: 3－15 g every day by decoction; powdered root: 1－2 g multiple times day by day; tea: one cup 1－3 occasions day by day (1 g for each cup); color (1:2): 4－8 mL (1－2 tsp) each day; and cases/tablets: 500 mg 1－6 occasions day by day. 

 

 

 

References

 

1. Amato, P., Christophe, S., & Mellon, P. L. (2002). Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause, 9(2), 145-150.
2. DerMarderosian, A. (1999). Guide to popular natural products. Guide to popular natural products.
3. Goh, S. Y., & Loh, K. C. (2001). Gynaecomastia and the herbal tonic" Dong Quai". Singapore medical journal, 42(3), 115-116.
4. Ling, F. A. N. G., XIAO, X. F., LIU, C. X., & Xin, H. E. (2012). Recent advances in studies on Angelica Sinensis. Chinese Herbal Medicines, 4(1), 12-25.
5. Warnings, C. G., Kwai, D., Qua, D., Zhi, T. K. B., & Kuei, T. Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis): Natural drug information.
6. Wei, W. L., Zeng, R., Gu, C. M., Qu, Y., & Huang, L. F. (2016). Angelica Sinensis in China-A review of the botanical profile, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and chemical analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 190, 116-141.
7. Wu, Y. C., & Hsieh, C. L. (2011). Pharmacological effects of Radix Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) on cerebral infarction. Chinese Medicine, 6(1), 1-5.

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