Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

• Premenstrual syndrome
• Various uses as a blood purifier
• Topically in combination with other ingredients for premature ejaculation

Contraindicated in:

• Allergy to carrot, celery, mugwort, or other members of the Apiaceae family
• OB: Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

• Hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions (may exacerbate effects or stimulate growth of cancer cells)
• Protein S deficiency (↑ risk for thrombosis)
• Surgery (discontinue 2 wk prior to procedure).

Derm: photosensitivity.

GI: diarrhea.

Misc: Some constituents are carcinogenic and mutagenic.

Natural-Drug Products:

• Alcohol-containing preparations may interact with disulfiram and metronidazole.
• Use of dong quai with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, thrombolytics, NSAIDs, some cephalosporins, and valproates may increase risk of bleeding.

Natural-Natural Products:

• Herbs with antiplatelet or anticoagulant properties may increase bleeding risk when combined with dong quai including: angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and willow.

• Bulk herb: ^OTC;
• Extract: ^OTC;

• PO (Adults): Bulk herb: 3–4.5 g per day in divided doses with meals; Extract: 1 mL (20–40 drops) three times daily.

Angelica sinensis, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Danggui, Don Quai, Ligustilides, Phytoestrogen, Radix angelicae gigantis, Tang Kuei, Tan Kue Bai Zhi

• May have vasodilating and antispasmodic properties.
• Binds to estrogen receptors.

• Improved ejaculatory latency.

Therapeutic Classification: n/a

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

• Caution patients to avoid use of aspirin or other NSAIDs concurrently because of the risk of bleeding.
• Notify patients that there are no studies supporting the use of this herbal supplement for treatment of menopausal symptoms.
• Advise patients to consult their health care professional if taking prescription medications before taking dong quai.
• Discontinue the herbal supplement if diarrhea or excessive bleeding occurs and contact a health care provider if symptoms do not resolve.
• Inform patients that photosensitivity may occur and to wear sunscreen and protective clothing if sun exposure is anticipated.
• Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid use if pregnancy is planned or suspected.

DON kwi