Condition
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Dong Quai for Hot Flashes

    A 24-week randomised placebo-controlled trial of dong quai alone found no reduction in hot flush frequency and no oestrogenic activity.

    Overview

    A 24-week randomised placebo-controlled trial of dong quai alone found no reduction in hot flush frequency and no oestrogenic activity.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    The single best trial says no. Dong quai used alone does not relieve hot flushes, and its warfarin interaction and photosensitivity make it a poor speculative choice.

    How It Works

    Dong quai contains ligustilide and ferulic acid but showed no oestrogen-receptor agonism in the controlled trial, measured by endometrial thickness and vaginal cell maturation.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not effective as a single herb
    Expected timeframe
    Not applicable

    Protocol

    0
    [object Object]
    1
    [object Object]
    2
    [object Object]

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Dong quai is widely sold as a menopause remedy on the strength of its TCM reputation as a "female tonic", but that reputation comes from multi-herb formulas, not solo use. The definitive test randomised 71 postmenopausal women to dong quai or placebo for 24 weeks: there was no difference in hot flush frequency, and secondary measures of oestrogenic activity - endometrial thickness on ultrasound and vaginal cell maturation index - were also unchanged, ruling out a phytoestrogen mechanism. Later work on Chinese herbal formulas containing dong quai has occasionally shown benefit, but those formulas contain six or more herbs and cannot be attributed to dong quai. Given documented warfarin potentiation, antiplatelet activity and furanocoumarin photosensitivity, the risk-benefit balance for solo dong quai in menopause is unfavourable.

    Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopausal Hot Flushes: Chinese Herbal Medicine Including Dang Gui Buxue Tang

    Score: 7/10
    2008
    rct
    n=100

    Haines CJ, Lam PM, Chung TKH +2 more

    Hot flush severity decreased in both groups, with no statistically significant advantage for the herbal formula over placebo.

    View source

    Does Dong Quai Have Estrogenic Effects in Postmenopausal Women? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

    Score: 8/10
    1997
    rct
    n=71

    Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B +2 more

    Dong quai produced no significant difference from placebo in hot flush frequency, endometrial thickness or vaginal cell maturation.

    View source

    Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) in the treatment of hot flashes for men on androgen deprivation therapy: results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

    Score: 7/10
    2010
    rct
    n=22

    Al-Bareeq RJ, Ray AA, Nott L +2 more

    A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial was conducted involving 22 men receiving luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy for prostate cancer with bothersome hot flashes.

    View source

    Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study

    Score: 5/10
    2007
    rct
    n=50

    Rotem C, Kaplan B

    The women receiving Phyto-Female Complex reported a significantly superior mean reduction in menopausal symptoms than the p

    View source

    Evaluating the evidence for over-the-counter alternatives for relief of hot flashes in menopausal women

    Score: 6/10
    2010
    systematic_review

    Kelley KW, Carroll DG

    Clinical trials comparing the above single-ingredient agents with placebo or active treatment were selected.

    View source

    Estrogenic Activity of Standardized Extract of Angelica sinensis and Matricaria recutita in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Trial

    Score: 5/10
    2006
    rct
    n=55

    Circosta C, De Pasquale R, Palumbo DR +2 more

    The combination reduced hot flush frequency and intensity substantially more than placebo.

    View source

    A systematic review of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms

    Score: 7/10
    2003
    systematic_review

    Huntley AL, Ernst E

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms by performing a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    The pivotal trial was modest in size, but its negative result on both symptoms and oestrogenic markers is consistent and has not been overturned.

    Less likely to help if

    All postmenopausal women studied; no responder subgroup identified.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.