Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) for Menstrual Regulation and Menopause Matrix in 2025 Trial
WELLNESS

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) for Menstrual Regulation and Menopause Matrix in 2025 Trial

By Sophie · · Phytotherapy Research 2025
KO | EN

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) extract at 1.5g/day in a black cohosh matrix significantly improved hot flashes and menstrual irregularity in 80 perimenopausal women in a 2025 clinical trial. Clinical evidence for “female ginseng” accumulates in matrix usage.

The Phytotherapy Research 2025 RCT enrolled 80 perimenopausal women (45~52 years, cycle changes + hot flashes) for 12 weeks of dong quai 1.5g/day + black cohosh matrix. Hot flash frequency -42%, cycle regularity -38%, night sweats -45%, sleep satisfaction +35%. Single-agent data is weaker, but matrix use shows meaningful effect.

What is Dong Quai

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is an Apiaceae perennial. English “Dong Quai, Female Ginseng”. Core herb in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese traditional medicine. Chinese characters “當歸” — “rightful return (energy restoration)”. Korean “Cham-Dang-Gui” (Angelica gigas) is a different species with different coumarin content.

Active compound matrix:

  • Ferulic acid: phenolic acid, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mild estrogen activity
  • Z-ligustilide: core essential oil, uterine smooth muscle modulation
  • Butylidenephthalide: pain support
  • Polysaccharides: immune support
  • Beta-sitosterol: phytosterol
  • Vitamin B12, folate: anemia support (traditional)

2,500+ year tradition: One of the most common herbs in Chinese medicine. “Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction)” — dong quai + chuanxiong + paeonia + rehmannia = core blood-tonifying formula for women.

Multi-Target Mechanisms

1. Uterine Smooth Muscle Modulation (Menstrual Irregularity):

  • Z-ligustilide bidirectionally modulates uterine smooth muscle
  • Reduces dysmenorrhea
  • Supports amenorrhea/irregularity
  • Bidirectional — stabilizes both excessive contraction and relaxation

2. Mild Phytoestrogen Activity (Menopause):

  • Ferulic acid mild phytoestrogen
  • Single-agent effect weak → matrix synergy (black cohosh, ginseng)
  • Hot flash + night sweat support

3. Blood Tonification (Traditional):

  • Anemic fatigue, pallor
  • Trace B12 + folate + post-menstrual recovery

4. Anti-inflammatory/Antioxidant:

  • Ferulic acid partial NF-κB inhibition
  • Chronic inflammation + chronic pain

5. Cognitive Support (Korean Cham-Dang-Gui):

  • Korean species’ decursin shows cognitive trial evidence

Clinical Data

  • Phytotherapy Research 2025 RCT 80 subjects 12 weeks: hot flashes -42%, cycle regularity -38% (matrix)
  • Cochrane 2024: weak single-agent effect, meaningful in matrix
  • Multiple traditional medicine trials: blood tonification + menstrual regulation
  • Korean cham-dang-gui (decursin): cognitive trials

Market Context

Traditional formulas:

  • Korean medicine clinics: Si Wu Tang, Eight Substances Decoction (with ginseng/astragalus)
  • Weekly course $25~75

Diet form:

  • Dong quai tea: dried root $8~25 per 100g
  • Dong quai chicken soup, samgyetang (tonic foods)
  • Korean cham-dang-gui leaves (ssam vegetable)

Supplements:

  • Extract capsules 500~1,000mg/day
  • Menopause matrix combinations (black cohosh + dong quai + grape seed)
  • Korean cham-dang-gui extract (cognitive support)

Cautions

  • Pregnancy: avoid (uterine stimulation, bleeding risk)
  • Lactation: limited data, clinical evaluation
  • Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin): coumarin content → bleeding risk, evaluation
  • Photosensitivity: furocoumarins may cause skin irritation in sunlight
  • Estrogen-sensitive cancers: mild estrogen activity, evaluation
  • Pre-surgery: anticoagulant effect → discontinue 2 weeks before
  • Limited single-agent effect: matrix recommended (black cohosh, ginseng)

Synergy Matrix

  • Black cohosh (L23) + dong quai: classic menopause matrix
  • Ginseng, astragalus: traditional blood tonification
  • Chuanxiong, paeonia, rehmannia: classic Si Wu Tang
  • Cham-dang-gui (decursin): cognitive dual

Consumer Message

Hormonal contraceptives and HRT remain first-line for perimenopausal symptoms, but side effects rule them out for many. Dong Quai offers meaningful traditional medicine matrix support (weak as single agent). Avoid in pregnancy/lactation, evaluate anticoagulants, watch for photosensitivity. Korean Si Wu Tang prescriptions + dong quai chicken soup integrate into daily Korean cuisine. Korean cham-dang-gui is a different species with different cognitive support targets. Traditional Chinese medicine consultation recommended.