Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)
What does Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)?
Immune stimulant
Dong quai stimulates the immune system.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses dong quai root as an immune stimulant. A study reported in the 2006 issue of “Planta Medica” tested a formula containing dong quai and astragalus roots that was described in 13th century Chinese medical texts. The researchers found that this concoction increased the activity of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, key cells involved in the body’s immune response. The formula was most powerful when the ratio of astragalus to dong quai was 5:1, just as the ancient Chinese texts recommend.
Safety
The estrogenic effect of dong quai indicates that women with hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid this herb (Eagon et al., 2000).
Do not use dong quai if you are taking blood thinners, since it may enhance the effects of your medication.
Published Clinical Trials / Studies / Reviews
Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharide isolated from Angelica sinensis
Updated 2024