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Dong Quai Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Preliminary
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Photosensitivity — dong quai contains furanocoumarins that can increase sun sensitivity
  • Increased menstrual bleeding — due to blood-thinning and vasodilatory effects
  • GI upset — bloating, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
  • Skin rash (rare, possibly related to photosensitivity)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, aspirin) — dong quai contains coumarins with anti-platelet activity; significant bleeding risk if combined
  • Hormonal medications — while dong quai's estrogenic activity is debated, caution is warranted with hormone-sensitive conditions
  • Prior to surgery — discontinue 2 weeks before surgery due to bleeding risk
  • Photosensitizing drugs — additive photosensitivity risk

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 6g dried root daily; higher doses may increase bleeding risk due to coumarin content

Full Dong Quai Guide

References

  1. RCTHirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, Small R, Ettinger B (1997). Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewHook IL (2014). Danggui to Angelica sinensis root: are potential benefits to European women a lost in translation?. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTNewton KM, Reed SD, Grothaus L, Ehrlich K, et al. (2008). Reprint of The Herbal Alternatives for Menopause (HALT) Study: background and study design.. Maturitas. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTRotem C, Kaplan B (2007). Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study.. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTNewton KM, Reed SD, Grothaus L, Ehrlich K, et al. (2005). The Herbal Alternatives for Menopause (HALT) Study: background and study design.. Maturitas. DOI PubMed